You’re finally on the NHS waiting list for an ADHD assessment. Relief, right?
Then you get the letter: “Your appointment is expected in 24-36 months.”
For someone already struggling with time management, emotional dysregulation, and executive dysfunction, that timeline isn’t just frustrating – it’s crushing. Life doesn’t pause whilst you wait for the NHS to catch up.
But here’s what they don’t always tell you: you’re not powerless during this waiting period. There are legitimate pathways, support systems, and strategies that can help you survive – and even thrive – whilst you wait for that appointment letter.
The ADHD Diagnosis Crisis: Why Are Waiting Times So Long?
Let’s start with the uncomfortable truth. NHS ADHD services are overwhelmed.
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
- Referrals have increased by 400% since 2020 across London boroughs
- Average waiting time in London: 28-36 months (some areas report 4+ years)
- Only 1 in 5 adults referred for ADHD assessment receive one within 18 weeks (the NHS target)
The Royal College of Psychiatrists estimates there are 2.6 million undiagnosed adults with ADHD in the UK. Meanwhile, specialist ADHD services are drastically underfunded and understaffed.
Why the Sudden Surge?
Several factors have collided:
✓ Increased awareness: Social media (especially TikTok) has normalised ADHD conversations, helping people recognise their own symptoms
✓ Post-pandemic burnout: The loss of structure during COVID exposed many people’s reliance on external systems to function
✓ Women seeking late diagnosis: Decades of under-diagnosis in girls means women in their 30s-40s are finally seeking answers
✓ GP gatekeeping has reduced: It’s now easier to get a referral, but services haven’t scaled to match demand
Your Right to Choose: A Faster NHS Route
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait three years for an NHS ADHD assessment.
Under NHS England’s Right to Choose policy, you can request your ADHD assessment be conducted by an NHS-approved private provider – at no cost to you.
What Is Right to Choose?
Right to Choose (RTC) is your legal entitlement under NHS England to choose where you receive your NHS-funded care. This includes mental health assessments like ADHD.
How Right to Choose Works for ADHD
- You request it from your GP when they make your referral (or you can request it later by contacting your GP)
- Your GP refers you to an NHS-approved private provider (e.g., Psychiatry UK, Clinical Partners, or ADHD 360)
- You receive your assessment faster (often within 3-6 months instead of 2-3 years)
- It’s completely free – the NHS pays the provider
- You get the same treatment pathway (diagnosis, medication, shared care with your GP)
Right to Choose Eligibility
You can use Right to Choose if:
✓ You’re registered with an NHS GP in England
✓ You’re waiting for an NHS ADHD assessment (or haven’t been referred yet)
✓ You’re over 18 years old
✓ The provider you choose is on the NHS-approved list
Important: Right to Choose does NOT apply in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland (different health systems, different rules).
Which Providers Accept Right to Choose?
As of 2026, these providers accept Right to Choose referrals for ADHD:
- Psychiatry UK (the largest provider, waits currently 10-14 months)
- Clinical Partners (waits 6-12 months)
- ADHD 360 (waits 8-12 months)
- The ADHD Centre (waits 6-10 months)
Reality check: Right to Choose waiting times have also increased due to demand, but they’re still significantly faster than standard NHS routes.
How to Request Right to Choose
Step 1: Book an appointment with your GP (phone or in-person).
Step 2: Say: “I’d like to use my Right to Choose for my ADHD assessment. Can you refer me to [Provider Name] instead of the standard NHS pathway?”
Step 3: Your GP submits the referral. You’ll receive confirmation from the private provider within 2-3 weeks.
Step 4: The provider contacts you to book your assessment.
What if my GP says no? They shouldn’t—Right to Choose is your legal right. If they refuse, politely ask them to explain why in writing. You can then escalate to the practice manager or file a complaint with NHS England.
Surviving the Wait: Immediate Support Options
Whether you’re using Right to Choose or waiting for a standard NHS appointment, you’ll still have months (or years) to navigate. Here’s how to support yourself in the meantime.
1. Get a GP-Issued Medication Trial (If Appropriate)
Some GPs are willing to prescribe a short trial of ADHD medication based on strong clinical suspicion, especially if you:
- Have clear, impairing symptoms
- Are in crisis (about to lose your job, struggling with severe depression)
- Have a family history of ADHD
This isn’t standard practice, but it’s worth asking. If medication helps, it provides additional evidence for your formal assessment.
What to say: “I’m struggling significantly whilst waiting for assessment. Would you consider a trial of methylphenidate to see if it helps?”
2. Request Workplace Adjustments (No Diagnosis Required)
You don’t need a formal ADHD diagnosis to request reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. If you have a “physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities,” you’re protected.
Adjustments you can request now:
✓ Written instructions rather than verbal-only
✓ Noise-cancelling headphones or a quieter workspace
✓ Flexible working hours (working during your peak focus times)
✓ Regular check-ins with your manager for task prioritisation
✓ Extended deadlines or project breakdowns
How to request: Email your HR department or line manager explaining your difficulties and suggesting specific adjustments. You don’t have to use the word “ADHD” – focus on functional impairments.
3. Access Free ADHD Resources and Psychoeducation
Knowledge is power. Understanding how your ADHD brain works can reduce shame and help you build compensatory strategies.
Recommended resources:
- ADHD Foundation UK (free webinars, fact sheets, and coaching videos)
- ADDISS (information service with downloadable guides)
- How to ADHD (Jessica McCabe’s YouTube channel—gold standard for ADHD education)
- Driven to Distraction by Dr Edward Hallowell (book, audiobook available)
4. Join ADHD Peer Support Groups
You’re not alone, even if it feels that way. Peer support groups provide validation, practical tips, and a sense of community.
London-based ADHD groups:
- ADHD Richmond (meets monthly, open to all Londoners)
- ADHD Support Group UK (Facebook group with 40,000+ members)
- ADHD Women’s Support Group (specifically for women and non-binary people)
5. Invest in ADHD Coaching (If Financially Possible)
ADHD coaches aren’t therapists, but they specialise in practical strategies for time management, organisation, and goal-setting.
What coaching can help with:
- Building morning and evening routines
- Task initiation and breaking projects into steps
- Managing overwhelm and decision fatigue
- Accountability for long-term goals
Cost: £50-£150 per session. Many coaches offer sliding scale fees.
At London Trusted Therapy, we offer ADHD coaching alongside our assessment services, helping you build skills whilst you wait for formal diagnosis.
6. Advocate for Faster Referral Routes
If your mental health is deteriorating whilst you wait, you can request an urgent referral or ask your GP to contact the local ADHD service to escalate your case.
When to push for urgency:
- Severe depression or suicidal thoughts linked to ADHD struggles
- About to lose your job due to performance issues
- Relationship breakdown caused by ADHD symptoms
- Unable to care for children due to executive dysfunction
Your GP can also refer you to the local Crisis Team or Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) for short-term support whilst you wait.
Private Assessment as a Parallel Option
Let’s be honest: not everyone can afford to wait years. If you’re in a position to consider private assessment, it’s worth understanding how it complements (not replaces) the NHS pathway.
Why People Choose Private Assessment Alongside NHS
✓ Speed: Private assessments happen within weeks, not years
✓ Comprehensive: Often includes advanced diagnostics like QbCheck
✓ Shared care: You can transfer to NHS prescribing after private diagnosis
✓ Support during the wait: You get treatment whilst still on the NHS list
The Cost Reality
A full private ADHD assessment in London costs £1,200-£1,500. For many people, that’s simply not feasible—and that’s okay. The NHS is there for a reason.
But for professionals facing job loss, parents struggling to function, or people in genuine crisis, private assessment can be a lifeline.
Financing options:
- Health insurance (Bupa, Aviva, AXA PPP often cover mental health assessments)
- Payment plans offered by some clinics
- Borrowing from family (if that’s an option without shame or strings)
At London Trusted Therapy, we’re transparent about costs and work with patients to find solutions. We also offer shared care pathways with NHS GPs, so you can move to NHS prescribing once diagnosed.
What to Do If Your Mental Health Deteriorates Whilst Waiting
The wait for ADHD assessment can feel endless, and for some people, symptoms worsen under the stress.
Warning Signs You Need Immediate Help
❗ Persistent low mood or suicidal thoughts
❗ Inability to get out of bed or complete basic self-care
❗ Severe anxiety or panic attacks
❗ Self-medication with alcohol, drugs, or risky behaviours
❗ Complete breakdown in work or relationships
Where to Get Help NOW
Crisis support:
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- NHS 111: Press 2 for mental health support
- SHOUT Crisis Text Line: Text “SHOUT” to 85258
- Your GP: Emergency same-day appointments available for mental health crises
Mental health services:
- Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT): Free NHS talking therapies (self-referral, no GP needed)
- Local Crisis Team: Via NHS 111 or your GP for severe, immediate risk
Don’t suffer in silence. ADHD-related distress is real, valid, and deserves treatment – even whilst you’re waiting for diagnosis.
Preparing for Your Assessment (When It Finally Arrives)
When that appointment letter arrives, you’ll want to be ready. Here’s how to prepare.
What to Bring to Your NHS ADHD Assessment
✓ Childhood evidence: School reports, old diaries, anything showing symptoms before age 12
✓ Collateral informant: Ask a parent, sibling, or long-term partner to attend (or provide written input)
✓ Symptom diary: Track your ADHD symptoms for 2-4 weeks before the appointment
✓ Medical history: List of previous diagnoses, medications tried, and mental health treatment
✓ Functional impact examples: Specific examples of how ADHD affects work, relationships, finances, self-care
Common Questions You’ll Be Asked
- When did you first notice these symptoms?
- How did you perform academically as a child?
- Do you interrupt others or struggle to wait your turn?
- How do you manage time and deadlines?
- Have you ever been in trouble with the law, had accidents, or engaged in risky behaviour?
Pro tip: Don’t downplay your symptoms. Many people with ADHD have developed coping mechanisms that mask the true severity of their struggles. Be honest about how hard things really are.
The Bottom Line: You Have Options
Yes, the NHS ADHD waiting list is unacceptably long. Yes, it’s frustrating, exhausting, and sometimes feels hopeless.
But you’re not stuck.
Your action plan:
- Request Right to Choose from your GP (do this TODAY if you haven’t already)
- Access interim support (workplace adjustments, peer groups, ADHD coaching)
- Prepare for your assessment (gather evidence, track symptoms)
- Consider private assessment if you’re in crisis and can afford it
- Reach out for help if your mental health deteriorates
You’ve waited long enough to understand yourself. Let’s make sure you’re supported whilst you wait for the system to catch up.
Next Steps: Get Support Now
If you’re struggling whilst waiting for NHS assessment, we’re here to help.
📍 Location: Pinero House, 115A Harley Street, London W1G 6AP
📞 Phone: 0207 126 8545
📧 Email: hello@londontrustedtherapy.com
🌐 Website: www.londontrustedtherapy.com
What we offer:
- Private ADHD assessments with QbCheck technology (results in 2-4 weeks)
- ADHD coaching and therapy whilst you wait for NHS diagnosis
- Shared care agreements with NHS GPs
- Support letters for workplace adjustments
Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your options.
Questions and Answers
Sadly, NHS waiting lists in many London boroughs now stretch between 2 to 4 years. For those who can’t afford to wait in limbo, we offer a private ADHD assessment in London with appointments typically available on Harley Street within 1–2 weeks.
Yes, you don’t need a formal label to start feeling better. We provide “pre-diagnostic” support and ADHD therapy in London or remotely to help you manage your focus and overwhelm right now, giving you the tools to cope while you navigate the diagnostic process.
Most London GPs will accept a private diagnosis through a “Shared Care Agreement” as long as it meets strict NICE guidelines. We provide the “gold-standard” clinical reports required to ensure your transition to ongoing care and medication is as smooth as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Olena Edwards-Skadowska is the Founder and CEO of London Trusted Therapy, a Harley Street practice specialising in ADHD and autism assessments. With over 20 years of clinical experience and lived experience of neurodiversity, Dr Olena combines clinical rigour with authentic human connection. She is BACP Accredited, a member of the British Society for Sexual Medicine (MBSSM), and trained in ADOS-2 autism assessments.
