Private assessment and Right to Choose
In England, eligible NHS patients may have a legal right to choose the provider for a first outpatient appointment. This is commonly called Right to Choose. It is an NHS funded pathway and should not be confused with a self funded private assessment.
If NHS funding is your main aim, discuss the current choice framework with your GP before paying privately. A private report can be shared with NHS services, but the receiving service remains responsible for its own decisions.
ADHD assessment
A full ADHD assessment considers developmental onset, current symptoms, impairment across relevant settings, co-occurring needs and alternative explanations. Screening questionnaires are not diagnostic on their own.
Medication is a separate medical decision. A diagnosis does not guarantee NHS prescribing or shared care.
Autism assessment
Autism assessment considers a developmental pattern across communication, social interaction, sensory experience, routines, interests, flexibility and functioning. Masking and compensation may also be relevant.
Private reports can be shared with GPs and NHS teams, but no provider can guarantee universal acceptance.
Children, education and work
School or nursery information may be useful in child assessment because functioning across settings matters. A diagnosis does not automatically determine an Education, Health and Care Plan or a particular adjustment.
Clinical recommendations can describe functional needs. Education providers and employers retain their own duties and decisions.
Therapy
General psychological therapy is £110 per session. Neurodevelopmental therapy is also £110 per session for ADHD, autism and combined profiles.
Appointment arrangements are agreed according to clinical need and suitability.
Common questions in England
Is Right to Choose available throughout the UK?
No. The NHS Right to Choose pathway described by NHS England applies in England and should not be presented as a UK-wide entitlement.
Will a GP automatically accept a private ADHD diagnosis?
No. A report can be shared with a GP, but prescribing and shared care are separate clinical decisions.
Can I contact the practice directly?
Yes. Private enquiries can normally be made directly, although GP involvement may still be useful depending on health, medication or onward care.
Primary public sources
Public pathways can change. These official sources were checked for this page.