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In England, you can use the NHS Right to Choose by asking your GP to refer you for an ADHD or autism assessment with a provider of your choice, as long as that provider has a contract with NHS England.
In England, you can use the NHS Right to Choose by asking your GP to refer you for an ADHD or autism assessment with a provider of your choice, as long as that provider has a contract with NHS England.
The NHS – Private – NHS “Sandwich” (Step by step guide):
1. NHS → Bottom slice of bread
* Where to start: booking your GP appointment *
Begin by booking a GP appointment to discuss Right to Choose in relation to ADHD and/or autism assessment.
At this appointment, request a referral for an ADHD or autism assessment under Right to Choose.
Under this scheme, you can ask your GP to refer you to a provider of your choice, as long as they hold an NHS contract.
A list of eligible providers is available here: ADHD UK – Right to Choose providers.
Have a look at the providers before your GP appointment to see who you’d like to go with.
Provide your GP with the name and details of your chosen provider.
Once the referral is made and then accepted, you’ll receive confirmation and can book your assessment directly with that provider.
2. Private-style assessment & titration (but NHS-funded) → The filling
The provider you choose (e.g., Psychiatry UK, ADHD 360) looks and feels like a private service, but because of Right to Choose, it’s funded by the NHS.
Here you get:
Assessment → formal diagnosis of ADHD or autism.
Titration (if you medication is something you want to try) → careful adjustment of medication type and dosage until it’s stable and effective – usually lasts 12 weeks
This stage is often faster than waiting for your local NHS trust, which is why people use Right to Choose.
3. Back to NHS → Top slice of bread
Once you’ve found a medication type that works for you and the dosage is correct, your care is handed back to your local NHS services.
Your GP can then issue your prescriptions on a standard NHS basis.
You’re back in the NHS system for ongoing care, but the crucial diagnostic and titration work has already been done by the chosen provider.
Other important information
You don’t stay “private” forever – once stabilised, you return to NHS care.
It’s all NHS-funded, so you’re not paying private fees.
The GP is the starting and ending point, with the specialist provider in the middle.
We recommend that you check with your GP to confirm they accept shared care, and ensure this is confirmed in writing.
Sources:
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