NHS Right to Choose – Free ADHD Assessment
The NHS Right to Choose scheme allows patients in England to access a free private ADHD assessment funded by the NHS. Here is everything you need to know to use it.
What is NHS Right to Choose?
NHS Right to Choose (R2C) is a legal right under the NHS Constitution that lets patients in England choose where they receive their NHS care, including at private providers. For ADHD assessments, this means your GP can refer you to a private ADHD clinic and the NHS pays for the assessment — at no cost to you.
Who is eligible?
To use Right to Choose for ADHD you must:
- Be registered with a GP in England
- Have a GP who agrees you need an ADHD assessment
- Choose a clinic that is registered with your local Integrated Care Board (ICB)
How to use it — step by step
Tell your GP you are concerned about ADHD and would like to be referred for an assessment. Bring any evidence of symptoms — work problems, school reports, self-assessment questionnaires.
Ask your GP to refer you using your NHS Right to Choose. You can request a specific clinic. A list of R2C-approved clinics is available from your ICB.
Your GP sends the referral to the chosen clinic. The clinic should contact you within a set timeframe. Wait times vary by clinic and ICB.
Your assessment is conducted by the private clinic. If you receive a diagnosis, the clinic will write to your GP and can recommend medication.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHS Right to Choose for ADHD?
NHS Right to Choose (R2C) is a legal right under the NHS Constitution that allows patients in England to choose where they receive their NHS assessment, including private providers. For ADHD, this means your GP can refer you to a private clinic and the NHS pays for the assessment.
Is NHS Right to Choose available for ADHD in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland?
NHS Right to Choose only applies in England. Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have different NHS structures and this specific right does not apply. Patients in those nations would need to access ADHD assessment through local NHS pathways or pay privately.
How do I ask my GP for an NHS Right to Choose ADHD referral?
At your GP appointment, ask to be referred for an ADHD assessment using your NHS Right to Choose. Mention a specific clinic you would like to be referred to. The GP should not refuse a Right to Choose referral if you meet clinical criteria for assessment. If your GP declines, you can escalate to the practice manager or your ICB.
Does Right to Choose cover children's ADHD assessments?
Right to Choose applies to secondary care referrals. Child ADHD assessments are typically handled by CAMHS which has different referral pathways. However, some ICBs do allow Right to Choose for paediatric neurodevelopmental assessments. Check with your GP and local ICB.
Find R2C clinics
Use our matching tool to find Right to Choose clinics in your area.
Browse All Clinics →Only available in England. Right to Choose does not apply in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.