Get Faster ADHD Diagnosis With Right to Choose
Waiting lists for ADHD diagnosis and treatment on the NHS are extensive. Most patients wait a long time to receive the care they need, with some waiting up to seven years for an initial assessment.
This is a problem because unaddressed ADHD often leads to other mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, low self-esteem and can impact your relationships, work and all areas of life.
The quickest route to get a diagnosis is going private but this option may not be affordable and within reach for everyone.
Fortunately, the government introduced a new law in 2018 giving patients with suspected ADHD the “Right to Choose” providers if they felt they were waiting too long for treatment.
This move means you can select a medical provider to get an ADHD assessment through the NHS faster in England.
How Does NHS Diagnosis Differ From NHS Right to Choose?
When you go to your NHS GP about an ADHD diagnosis, they will refer you to one of their NHS Trust’s local mental health services. This option means patients usually must wait two years (or more, depending on the area).
GPs who make regular referrals should know the current wait times. Asking how many months you need to wait for an assessment can help inform whether you exercise your Right to Choose.
If you exercise your Right to Choose, your GP will refer you to one of their contracted private providers. However, you need to decide who that will be.
Steps to Getting Faster Treatment Through the Right to Choose
If you want to exercise your Right to Choose, we recommend taking the following steps.
Step 1: Approach Your GP
The first step is to approach your GP and explain your symptoms. Keep in mind that many GPs may be unaware of the Right to Choose because it is fairly new. If they are unfamiliar with it, send them NHS documentation outlining the policy. When you meet them, take the literature with you and explain how it works.
Step 2: Use an ADHD Screening Tool
Next, use an adult ADHD self-screening tool and send it to your GP. Provide them with this information ahead of your appointment to motivate them to investigate a possible ADHD diagnosis further.
Step 3: Email Your Intention to Exercise Right to Choose and Download the Relevant Forms
Email your NHS doctor your intention to exercise your Right to Choose before your appointment. Ensure they know ahead of time you intend to see a private provider. Alternatively, send them this letter.
Step 4: Check Right to Choose Provider Waiting Times
The next step is to check ADHD “Right to Choose” providers in the UK to see current waiting times. Psychiatry UK and ADHD 360 are both options that regularly report how long it takes them to see people. You can access the full list of providers and check waiting times online.
If you cannot find information online, you can call them. Most will provide estimates on the spot.
Step 5: Visit Your GP
The final step is to go to your GP and tell them you want to exercise your Right To Choose. Most organisations in the scheme provide referral letter templates, making it easy to tell your doctor where you want to go for your assessment. Letters also explain what GPs should do and the information they must supply to make the referral.
If you haven’t provided your GP with the proper documentation, do so in the appointment. Give them a copy of the Right to Choose NHS ADHD literature explaining the law, your adult ADHD screening results, and the Right to Choose letter from your chosen provider.
Note that some GPs will tell you that they need to write to their commissioner to get funding before referring you so this could potentially delay diagnosis. It is important to regularly follow up for updates.
If your doctor doesn’t want to make a referral, you can return to your Right to Choose provider and request a support letter. This document should outline your candidacy for referral and more information on your legal right to support.
Common Questions About Getting An ADHD Diagnosis in the UK
The following are some frequently asked questions about the Right to Choose.
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You should only choose a reputable and legal private healthcare provider if you exercise your Right to Choose. Psychiatry UK and ADHD 360 are options.
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You can only refer yourself if you pay privately. Otherwise, the Right to Choose referral must come from your GP.
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The provider will usually send you an email, text, or phone you to confirm your referral.
Get Support With Your ADHD
Whether you’re waiting diagnosis or are newly diagnosed, I can support you on your journey. Schedule a session with me to explore holistic strategies to manage your condition and begin living a fulfilled life.