Right to Choose for ADHD assessments in England
Right to Choose is a legal right in England that lets you choose which provider you are referred to for many NHS-funded specialist services, including some ADHD assessments. It can make a big difference to waiting times.
Under Right to Choose, if your GP agrees that you need a referral to a specialist mental health service, you can usually ask to be referred to any provider that has a suitable NHS contract. Some of these providers offer remote ADHD assessments and may have shorter waits than your local service.
There are a few conditions. Right to Choose applies only in England, not Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Your GP must agree that a referral is clinically appropriate. The provider must hold a contract with an NHS commissioner for the relevant service. And it does not usually apply if you are already receiving care for the same condition from another service.
Because it is NHS-funded, you should not have to pay for the assessment itself. However, as with any assessment, it is worth asking how medication and follow-up would work, and whether your GP is willing to take on shared care afterwards.
Some GP practices are more familiar with Right to Choose than others. It can help to research providers beforehand and bring their details to your appointment.
Rules and provider lists can change, so check the latest information on the NHS website or with your GP. Right to Choose does not suit everyone, but for many people in England it is an option worth knowing about.