How to choose a private ADHD assessment provider: a 7-point checklist
Cheapest isn't always best. Fastest isn't always right. Here's a 7-point checklist to make sure you pick a provider that actually fits your situation.
1. Who actually carries out the assessment
Check whether your assessment is with a consultant psychiatrist, specialist nurse, or clinical psychologist. All can deliver valid diagnoses, but only psychiatrists and specially-qualified nurses can prescribe medication. If you may want medication, picking a prescriber-led service avoids a second referral later.
2. Whether the report is shared-care ready
Ask before booking: 'Will I get a written report I can give my GP for shared care?' A diagnostic letter is not the same as a full report. The best providers send the report directly to your GP with a recognised shared-care protocol attached.
3. Whether shared care is offered
Some providers actively support shared care; others diagnose and walk away. If you want NHS-priced medication long-term, pick a provider that has shared-care arrangements with GPs in your region.
4. Total year-one cost, not just the headline fee
The assessment fee is misleading on its own. Add titration appointments (usually 3–6 of them), private prescription charges, and any annual review. Use a calculator to see your realistic year-one spend before committing.
5. Wait time vs. your urgency
Some providers offer assessment within 2 weeks; others have 6-month lists. If you're in crisis or struggling at work, prioritise speed. If you can wait, the cheaper providers often have longer queues.
6. Format that suits you
Online assessments are convenient and usually cheaper. In-person can feel more thorough and is preferable if you struggle with video calls. Hybrid (one online, one in-person) is becoming common.
7. Reviews — but read carefully
Look at recent reviews specifically about communication, report quality and post-diagnosis support, not just the assessment itself. Many complaints are about chasing follow-ups, not the assessment day.
Frequently asked
- Should I pick the cheapest or the highest-rated provider?
- Neither in isolation. A high-rated provider with a 6-month wait won't help if you need help now. A cheap provider whose report your GP won't accept costs more in the long run. Use the 7-point checklist to weigh trade-offs against your situation.
- Does it matter if the provider is in my city?
- Less than it used to. Most assessments are now online and clinically equivalent to in-person. Local providers matter mainly if your GP only accepts shared care from specific local clinics, or if you specifically prefer face-to-face.
- How do I check a clinician's credentials?
- Psychiatrists are listed on the General Medical Council (GMC) register and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. Nurses are on the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) register. Clinical psychologists are on the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) register. All three registers are free to search.
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