How to Find a Private ADHD Assessment Near You (And What to Expect)
If you’ve been searching for a private ADHD assessment near you, you’re not alone. Demand for ADHD diagnosis has increased significantly in recent years — and with NHS waiting lists stretching to two years or more in many areas, more adults and families are turning to private clinics to get the answers they need sooner.
This guide explains what a private ADHD assessment involves, what to look for when choosing a provider, and how to access one quickly — whether for yourself or your child.
Why Are So Many People Seeking Private ADHD Assessments?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in the UK, affecting an estimated 2.6 million people. Despite this, NHS waiting times for an ADHD assessment are consistently among the longest in mental health services — with some patients waiting three years or more depending on their region.
Private ADHD assessments offer a faster, more flexible alternative. Rather than waiting indefinitely, patients can often be seen within a matter of weeks, with results and a formal report delivered promptly afterwards.
What Does a Private ADHD Assessment Involve?
A private ADHD assessment is a structured clinical process carried out by a qualified specialist — typically a Consultant Psychiatrist or Consultant Clinical Psychologist. It is not a single appointment but a thorough evaluation designed to build an accurate picture of how ADHD may be presenting in you or your child.
The process generally involves the following stages:
Pre-assessment questionnaires Before your appointment, you will be asked to complete standardised rating scales and questionnaires. These are validated tools used in line with national clinical guidelines and help the clinician prepare for your assessment. For children, school or college staff are typically asked to complete a questionnaire as well, with your consent.
The assessment appointment This is a detailed one-to-one clinical interview with your Consultant. For adult assessments, the appointment usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. For children, the clinician will spend time separately with the young person and the parent or guardian, as well as time together as a family.
During the appointment, the clinician will explore:
- Your current symptoms and how they affect your daily life
- Your developmental, educational, and family history
- Any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, autism, or depression
- The duration and severity of symptoms across different settings
Written report and feedback Following the assessment, a detailed written report is produced by the Consultant. This outlines the findings, confirms whether a diagnosis has been reached, and sets out recommendations for treatment and support. A feedback session is arranged to walk you through the results and answer any questions.
What Happens If ADHD Is Diagnosed?
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is often the beginning of a much clearer path forward. Depending on your needs and preferences, next steps may include:
Medication — Where appropriate, your psychiatrist will discuss medication options and can initiate a prescription. Many private clinics hold Shared Care Agreements with GPs nationally, meaning ongoing prescribing can be transferred to your GP practice once you are established on treatment.
Talking therapies — Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD, coaching, and psychoeducation can all be highly effective alongside or instead of medication.
Reasonable adjustments — A formal ADHD diagnosis can support applications for reasonable adjustments in education or the workplace, including extra time in exams and adaptations to working conditions.
What Should You Look for in a Private ADHD Assessment Provider?
Not all private ADHD assessments are equal. When choosing a provider, it is worth checking the following:
CQC registration — In England, any provider delivering regulated health services should be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This ensures the clinic meets required standards for safety and quality of care.
Consultant-led assessment — Your assessment should be carried out or overseen by a fully qualified Consultant Psychiatrist registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Be cautious of services where assessments are conducted solely by non-medical practitioners.
Comprehensive process — A credible assessment involves pre-assessment questionnaires, a thorough clinical interview, and a detailed written report. If a provider is offering same-day or very brief assessments, it is worth asking questions about the clinical rigour behind the process.
Shared Care Agreement — If you are likely to need medication following your assessment, check whether the clinic holds a Shared Care Agreement with GPs. Without this, ongoing prescribing may remain with the private clinic at significant ongoing cost.
Transparent pricing — Costs should be clearly communicated upfront. Be wary of headline prices that do not include the written report or feedback session.
Can You Access a Private ADHD Assessment Through the NHS
Yes — in some cases. The NHS Right to Choose scheme allows patients in England who have been referred by their GP for a mental health assessment to choose which provider carries out that assessment, including some private clinics that are commissioned by the NHS.
If your GP has referred you for an ADHD assessment, you may be able to request that the referral is directed to an NHS-commissioned private provider — meaning you receive a private-quality assessment at no cost to yourself.
Eligibility and availability vary, so it is worth speaking to your GP and asking specifically about Right to Choose options in your area.
How Quickly Can You Be Seen?
At Minds Matter Clinic, we typically aim to offer assessments within a few weeks of initial contact. We offer appointments seven days a week, between 8am and 8pm, and can accommodate both in-person and online appointments — making access as straightforward as possible regardless of where you are based.
Private ADHD Assessments at Minds Matter Clinic
Minds Matter Clinic is a CQC-regulated private mental health clinic based in Nottingham, offering specialist ADHD assessments for adults and children across the UK. Our assessments are led by experienced Consultant Psychiatrists and follow a robust, multi-stage process in line with NICE guidelines.
We offer:
- Adult ADHD assessments
- Child and adolescent ADHD assessments
- Assessment and diagnosis for co-occurring conditions including autism, anxiety, and depression
- NHS Right to Choose pathways for eligible patients
- Shared Care Agreements with GPs nationally for seamless medication management
Whether you are based in Nottingham, the wider East Midlands, or anywhere else in England, we can help you access a thorough and timely ADHD assessment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private ADHD assessment cost in the UK? Costs vary between providers and depend on whether the assessment is for an adult or a child. Contact us directly for current pricing, or ask your GP about NHS Right to Choose eligibility.
Can I get an ADHD assessment without a GP referral? Yes. You can self-refer for a private ADHD assessment without needing a letter from your GP. However, if you are interested in the NHS Right to Choose pathway, a GP referral is required.
How long does an ADHD assessment take? A full assessment — including questionnaires, the clinical appointment, and written report — typically spans two to three weeks from first contact. The appointment itself usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes for adults and slightly longer for children.
Is an online ADHD assessment as valid as an in-person one? Yes. At Minds Matter Clinic, our online assessments are conducted with the same clinical rigour as face-to-face appointments. Many patients find the online format more comfortable and convenient, particularly for children assessed in their home environment.
What age can a child be assessed for ADHD? We assess children and young people from early school age upwards. The right time to seek an assessment depends on when symptoms become apparent and how they are affecting your child’s education and daily life.
