ADHD Assessment Wait Times UK - May 2026 Comparison

ADHD Assessment Wait Times - May 2026

Waiting times for ADHD assessment in the UK vary enormously depending on your route. This comparison is updated regularly based on provider data and patient reports.

NHS Direct Referral

Average wait: 18-36 months (varies by region)

The NHS ADHD assessment pathway remains severely backlogged. Some areas report waits of 3-5 years. The shortest NHS waits tend to be in areas with dedicated adult ADHD services.

Right to Choose Providers

Average wait: 8-16 weeks

Right to Choose remains the fastest free route. Key providers:

Private Assessment

Average wait: 2-8 weeks

Private assessment is the fastest but costs between 500 and 3,000 pounds depending on provider and whether you need ongoing care.

Which Route Should You Choose?

Our recommendation for most people: start with Right to Choose. It is free, reasonably fast (8-16 weeks), and produces a diagnostic report that your GP will accept. While waiting, prepare your history and gather any childhood evidence.

Consider private if: you need assessment urgently (workplace crisis, relationship breakdown, academic deadline), you can afford it, or Right to Choose waits have grown beyond 16 weeks in your area.

Stay on the NHS list as a backup even if pursuing other routes. You can always cancel if diagnosed elsewhere.

After Assessment

Once diagnosed, the next step is medication titration (finding the right medication and dose). This can be done through your diagnosing provider or transferred to your GP under a Shared Care Agreement. Titration typically takes 2-4 months. See our guides on medication and shared care for more detail.