NHS pathway

1. Initial consultation

  • Speak to your GP or child’s school about your concerns.

2. NHS referral

  • Local Referral: Your child may be referred to the Developmental Paediatric team or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).
  • Right to Choose:
  • You have the legal right to choose any NHS-approved provider for your child's mental health care, including private options. This can help avoid delays and access the best possible care. Key providers include:
  • ADHD 360: Approximately 17-20 weeks wait.
  • Dr J and Colleagues: 8-12 weeks wait.
  • ProblemShared: 10 weeks wait.
  • Psicon: 6-9 months wait.
  • Clinical Partners: 30-44 weeks wait.
  • Psychiatry-UK: 12-18 months wait.
  • Evolve Psychology: 24 months wait for children up to age 19.
  • Eligibility: This right is applicable if your GP practice is in England, your GP agrees to a clinically appropriate referral, and the provider has a contract with the NHS.
  • Exclusions: Right to Choose does not apply if the patient is already receiving care for the same condition, accessing emergency care, detained under the Mental Health Act, or serving in the armed forces.
  • No Individual Funding Request (IFR) or Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) permission is needed.

3. Initial assessment

  • A developmental assessment by a paediatrician or child psychiatrist, involving interviews, questionnaires, and observations.

4. Results appointment

  • Discuss the diagnosis and next steps. This may include a formal ADHD diagnosis or recommendations for further assessment.

5. Post-Diagnosis support

  • Management Strategies: Behavioural therapy, parenting courses, and educational support.
  • Medication: If necessary, medication such as stimulants may be prescribed and monitored by a specialist.
  • NHS Resources
  • CAMHS: Provides mental health services to children and adolescents. They offer assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for ADHD and related conditions.
  • Educational Psychologists: Offer support in school settings.
  • Parenting Programs: Programs like Triple P or Incredible Years.
  • Support Groups: Local or online ADHD support groups.

6. Follow-Up

  • Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

For further information, you can refer to these NHS resources:

Private pathway

1. Private referral:

  • You can opt for a private assessment without a GP referral by contacting a private clinic or specialist directly.

2. Assessment and diagnosis:

  • Equivalent to NHS assessments, usually involving detailed interviews, questionnaires, and observations by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.

3. Costs:

  • Initial assessments can range from £500 to £1,200.
  • Follow-up consultations and treatments (including medication) can vary in cost.

4. Post-Diagnosis support

Useful specialists

  • Paediatricians: Focus on medical and developmental aspects of ADHD.
  • Child Psychiatrists: Provide diagnosis, medication management, and therapy.
  • Clinical Psychologists: Offer assessment and psychological therapy.
  • Educational Psychologists: Assist with educational assessments and interventions.
  • Occupational Therapists: Help with motor skills, daily routines, and sensory processing.
  • Speech and Language Therapists: Address communication issues that may accompany ADHD.
  • Behavioural Therapists: Implement behavioural management strategies.
  • Counsellors and Psychotherapists: Provide emotional and psychological support.
  • Dietitians: Offer guidance on nutrition and dietary interventions.

5. Follow-Up

  • Regular appointments for monitoring and adjusting treatment, often at additional cost.

Join our newsletter

Have a question?

Email: [email protected]
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:30 

OR Become Our Partner
Contact Us