Private ADHD Assessment Cost UK 2026: Providers & What's Included
Compare private ADHD assessment costs in the UK, including typical price ranges, what is included, common add-ons, provider differences and questions to ask before paying.
Quick answer
Updated May 2026Private healthcare cost guides should be read as point-in-time price ranges. The useful next step is to compare what is included, whether an assessment is required and how prices vary by provider.
- Compare total treatment cost rather than the lowest headline fee.
- Check consultation, diagnostics, aftercare and revision policies.
- Use provider comparison pages where current prices are available.
ADHD assessment cost items to compare
| Cost item | Usually included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial screening | Sometimes | Some providers include screening before full assessment |
| Full assessment | Yes | Usually the headline private ADHD assessment price |
| Medication titration | Often no | Can be billed separately over several months |
| Follow-up reviews | Sometimes no | Ongoing appointments can change total annual cost |
| Shared-care paperwork | Varies | NHS GP acceptance is not guaranteed |
Sources and updates
How this page is sourced
Sources
- Published provider price pages
- Clinic and provider websites
- Publicly available provider information
- TreatCompare compiled pricing dataset
Methodology: We compare advertised prices and provider information where available. Prices may change and may not include every add-on, diagnostic, consultation or aftercare fee.
Caveat: This page is for cost comparison and planning. It is not medical advice.
Important context
TreatCompare uses public data, provider-published information, official datasets, structured research and analysis. Figures can change and may not be complete in real time. Use this page for research and comparison only, then verify directly with the relevant provider.
- Source type
- TreatCompare compiled research
- Primary source
- Provider-published information and TreatCompare research
- Reporting period
- 2026-04-29
- Last updated
- 2026-04-29
- Figure type
- Mixed sources
- Use
- Research and comparison only
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UK comparison next step
Compare assessment, follow-up and medication costs together
- The headline assessment fee may not include titration or follow-up.
- Shared-care transfer is not guaranteed after private diagnosis.
- Ongoing review costs can change the first-year total.
Cost FAQs
How should I compare private healthcare prices?
Start with the total expected cost, not the lowest headline fee. Consultation, diagnostics, add-ons and aftercare can change the final price.
Why do private treatment prices vary so much?
Prices vary by provider, location, complexity, clinician, materials, diagnostics and what is included in the package.
Are advertised private healthcare prices final quotes?
Usually not. Advertised prices are often starting prices, and the final quote may change after assessment.
What fees should I check before paying?
Check consultation, tests, treatment, anaesthetic, follow-up, medication, revision and cancellation fees where relevant.
Is this information medical advice?
No. TreatCompare pages are for cost comparison and planning. Clinical decisions should be discussed with a qualified professional.
How this guide was checked
TreatCompare uses published provider fees, official regulator registers, NHS/PBS/Medicare references where relevant, and the methodology described on our methodology page. If a clinic, provider or reader spots information that is out of date, they can use our corrections page. Prices are point-in-time and can change before booking.
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A private ADHD assessment typically costs between £500 and £2,000 in the UK, though some providers start from £250. Here's a full breakdown of what you'll pay, what the assessment involves, and how to access a free NHS-funded route.
What does a private ADHD assessment involve?
A diagnostic ADHD assessment is a structured clinical evaluation carried out by a qualified psychiatrist or specialist nurse prescriber. It typically includes:
- Clinical interview — a detailed discussion of your symptoms, history, childhood behaviour, and daily functioning (60-90 minutes)
- Standardised rating scales — validated questionnaires such as DIVA-5, CAARS, or Conners scales
- Collateral information — school reports or a questionnaire completed by a parent, partner, or someone who knew you as a child
- Differential diagnosis — ruling out other conditions that mimic ADHD (anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, ASD)
The full process usually takes 2-3 hours, either in a single session or split across two appointments.
ADHD can only be diagnosed by a qualified psychiatrist, specialist doctor, or an appropriately trained nurse prescriber. Psychologists can assess but cannot prescribe medication. Be wary of any service offering diagnosis from an unqualified assessor.
How much does a private ADHD assessment cost?
| Stage | Typical cost | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Initial diagnostic assessment | £700 | £250–2,000 |
| Follow-up appointment | £200 | £150–300 |
| Medication titration (3-6 months) | £350 | £200–500 |
| Shared care transfer to GP | £100 | £0–200 |
| Annual medication review | £200 | £150–300 |
The initial assessment is the largest single cost. However, if you are prescribed medication, titration (the process of finding the right dose) adds £200-500 over 3-6 months, with appointments every 2-4 weeks.
Provider comparison
| Provider | Initial assessment | Follow-up | NHS RTC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatry-UK | From £360 | From £180 | Yes |
| Clinical Partners | From £300 | From £150 | No |
| ADHD 360 | From £595 | From £150 | No |
| ADHD Centre | From £600 | From £200 | No |
| Private psychiatrist (independent) | From £250 | From £150 | Varies |
| Provider | Format | Medication mgmt |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatry-UK | Online only | Included in RTC |
| Clinical Partners | Online + in-person | Separate fee |
| ADHD 360 | Online only | From £50/month |
| ADHD Centre | London clinic + online | Separate fee |
| Private psychiatrist (independent) | Varies | Varies |
Prices as of April 2026, based on publicly listed fees. Costs vary by location, complexity, and whether the assessment is for an adult or child.
NHS Right to Choose: free ADHD assessment
The NHS Right to Choose (RTC) lets you request that your GP refers you to an approved private provider for your ADHD assessment, funded by the NHS. This means the assessment and medication titration are free.
How it works:
- Ask your GP for an ADHD referral
- Request that the referral goes to Psychiatry-UK (or another RTC-approved provider) under your legal Right to Choose
- Psychiatry-UK triages your referral and places you on their waiting list
- You are assessed via video call at no cost
- If diagnosed, medication titration is included
The catch: RTC waiting times are currently 6-12 months with Psychiatry-UK, and some areas report longer. Your GP cannot refuse a Right to Choose referral, but some are unfamiliar with the process. NHS England guidance confirms patients have this right under the NHS Constitution.
Your GP cannot legally refuse a Right to Choose referral for ADHD assessment. If they do, ask them to document the refusal and reference NHS England's guidance on patient choice of provider.
NHS direct pathway: how long is the wait?
If you go through the standard NHS route (referral to your local NHS mental health team), waiting times are significantly longer:
- England: 2-4 years in many areas, with some trusts reporting 5+ year waits
- Scotland: 1-3 years depending on health board
- Wales: 1-3 years, highly variable by region
- Northern Ireland: 2-4 years
These waits are the primary reason many adults choose to pay privately.
Red flags to avoid
Not all ADHD assessment services are equal. Watch out for:
- Unqualified assessors — diagnosis must be made by a psychiatrist, specialist doctor, or appropriately trained prescriber. A life coach or unregistered therapist cannot diagnose ADHD.
- Diagnosis guarantees — no legitimate service can guarantee a diagnosis before assessing you. If a provider implies everyone gets diagnosed, question their clinical rigour.
- No follow-up plan — a diagnosis without a treatment plan is incomplete. Your provider should discuss medication options, therapy, and shared care with your GP.
- Extremely short assessments — a thorough ADHD assessment takes 2-3 hours. A 20-minute screening is not a diagnostic assessment.
- No collateral history — best practice requires information from someone who knew you in childhood. Providers that skip this step may face challenges with shared care acceptance.
What happens after diagnosis?
Medication: Stimulant medications (methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine) are first-line treatment for ADHD in adults. Your prescriber will titrate the dose over 3-6 months. Once stable, your GP may agree to take over prescribing under a shared care agreement.
Workplace adjustments: ADHD is a protected disability under the Equality Act 2010. You can request reasonable adjustments from your employer, such as flexible deadlines, noise-cancelling headphones, or written rather than verbal instructions.
DVLA notification: You must inform the DVLA if your ADHD affects your ability to drive safely. In most cases, you can continue driving, but the DVLA may request a medical report from your doctor.
Therapy: ADHD coaching and CBT adapted for ADHD can help with organisation, time management, and emotional regulation. These are often more effective alongside medication than either approach alone.
Compare ADHD assessment providers, therapy services, and psychiatry prices across the UK.
Compare mental health services pricesIs a private ADHD assessment worth it?
For many adults, yes. The NHS wait is measured in years, and untreated ADHD has a significant impact on work, relationships, and mental health. A private assessment costing £300-700 gets you a diagnosis in weeks rather than years, and allows you to start treatment promptly.
If cost is a barrier, the NHS Right to Choose route through Psychiatry-UK is the best option — it's free, though you will need to wait 6-12 months rather than the 2-5 years of the standard NHS pathway.
UK comparison next step
Compare assessment, follow-up and medication costs together
- The headline assessment fee may not include titration or follow-up.
- Shared-care transfer is not guaranteed after private diagnosis.
- Ongoing review costs can change the first-year total.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a private ADHD assessment cost in the UK?
A private ADHD assessment typically costs between £500 and £2,000, with a typical price of £700 and starting prices from £250. Provider examples include Psychiatry-UK from £360, Clinical Partners from £300, ADHD 360 from £595, and ADHD Centre from £600. If you are prescribed medication, titration adds a further £200–£500 over 3–6 months.
Can I get a free ADHD assessment via NHS Right to Choose?
Yes — NHS Right to Choose lets you ask your GP to refer you to an approved private provider (such as Psychiatry-UK) for a free, NHS-funded ADHD assessment, including medication titration. Wait times via Right to Choose with Psychiatry-UK are currently 6–12 months. Your GP cannot legally refuse a Right to Choose referral under the NHS Constitution.
How long is the standard NHS ADHD waiting list?
Standard NHS ADHD waits are 2–4 years in many parts of England (with some trusts reporting 5+ years), 1–3 years in Scotland and Wales, and 2–4 years in Northern Ireland. These long waits are the primary reason many adults choose to pay privately or use Right to Choose.
Who can diagnose ADHD in the UK?
ADHD can only be diagnosed by a qualified psychiatrist, specialist doctor, or appropriately trained nurse prescriber. Psychologists can assess but cannot prescribe medication. A life coach or unregistered therapist cannot diagnose ADHD.
What does an ADHD assessment involve?
A diagnostic ADHD assessment includes a 60–90 minute clinical interview covering symptoms, history and childhood behaviour, standardised rating scales such as DIVA-5, CAARS or Conners, collateral information from a parent, partner or school report, and differential diagnosis to rule out anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, or ASD. The full process usually takes 2–3 hours, in one session or split across two.
What happens after an ADHD diagnosis?
Stimulant medications (methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine) are first-line treatment for adults, with dose titrated over 3–6 months. Once stable, your GP may agree to take over prescribing under a shared care agreement. ADHD is a protected disability under the Equality Act 2010, allowing you to request workplace adjustments. You must also inform the DVLA if ADHD affects your driving.
What red flags should I avoid when choosing an ADHD provider?
Avoid services with unqualified assessors, diagnosis guarantees, no follow-up plan, extremely short assessments (a thorough ADHD assessment takes 2–3 hours, not 20 minutes), or no collateral history from someone who knew you in childhood. Providers skipping collateral history may face challenges with shared care acceptance.
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