Right to Choose: Getting an ADHD Assessment Without the Long Wait

If you've been waiting months for an ADHD assessment, you may have heard of Right to Choose and wondered whether it could help you. It's a genuine NHS entitlement, but it comes with conditions, and knowing how to use it properly can save you time and frustration.

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In short: Right to Choose is an NHS policy that lets you ask your GP to refer you to a different NHS-funded provider for your ADHD assessment, sometimes with a shorter wait than your local service. It works best when you put the request in writing and name a provider. Refusals usually come down to paperwork gaps, provider availability or confusion about the rules. If the process stalls, a private assessment can be a faster, more predictable alternative.

• Right to Choose lets eligible NHS patients in England ask for referral to an alternative provider
• Requests work best in writing, naming a specific provider and referencing your right under the NHS Constitution
• Common refusal reasons include missing GP referral criteria, provider capacity limits or incomplete requests

What Right to Choose is and who can use it

Right to Choose is part of the NHS Constitution. It gives patients in England the legal right to ask to be referred to a different provider of NHS-funded care, rather than automatically going to your local service. For ADHD, this often means asking your GP to refer you to an alternative NHS-commissioned provider that may have shorter waiting lists than your local NHS adult ADHD service.

You can usually use Right to Choose if:

• You are registered with a GP in England.
• Your GP agrees that a referral for an ADHD assessment is clinically appropriate.
• The provider you choose is commissioned to deliver NHS-funded ADHD assessments and accepts Right to Choose referrals.

It's worth checking the NHS guidance on your right to choose before you approach your GP, so you understand exactly what you're asking for and why it applies to your situation.

Right to Choose does not guarantee a faster assessment. Some alternative providers also have long waits. But it does give you more options than simply accepting whatever your local service offers.

How to ask your GP in writing

A verbal request at a GP appointment can get lost or misunderstood. Putting your request in writing gives you a clear record and makes it easier for the practice to act on it correctly.

When you write to your GP, try to include:

• A clear statement that you are asking to exercise your right to choose under the NHS Constitution.
• The name of the specific alternative provider you would like to be referred to.
• A brief explanation of your symptoms and why you believe an ADHD assessment is appropriate.
• A request for confirmation of the referral, including the provider's name and the date it was sent.

Keep your letter factual and short. You don't need to justify your choice extensively, but naming a provider makes it far easier for the GP to process the request without needing to research options themselves.

If you're not sure which providers accept Right to Choose referrals for ADHD, it's worth asking the provider directly before you contact your GP. Most will confirm whether they accept this type of referral and what information your GP needs to include.

Common reasons a request is refused

Right to Choose requests are sometimes turned down, and the reasons are rarely about the policy itself. They're usually practical.

• The provider doesn't accept Right to Choose referrals for ADHD in your area. Not all providers offer this route for every condition, so it's essential to check first.
• The referral letter is incomplete. If the GP doesn't include the right wording or clinical detail, the receiving service may bounce it back.
• The provider has paused referrals. Some services temporarily close their books when waiting lists grow too long, even for Right to Choose patients.
• The GP is unfamiliar with the policy. Not every GP deals with Right to Choose requests often, and some may need polite, clear information about how it works before they'll action it.
• You're asking for something outside the scope of Right to Choose. For example, asking to bypass an NHS assessment altogether rather than choosing a different NHS-funded provider.

If your request is refused, ask for the specific reason in writing. This makes it easier to address the issue, whether that means choosing a different provider or giving your GP more supporting information.

When going private is simpler

For some people, Right to Choose works well and leads to a faster assessment than they expected. For others, the process involves back-and-forth with the GP, uncertainty about provider capacity, and waits that are still longer than they'd like.

A private assessment can be a more straightforward option if:

• You've already tried Right to Choose and hit delays or refusals.
• You need clarity on timing, for work, study or personal reasons.
• You'd prefer a single, clear process rather than navigating NHS referral criteria.
• You want to compare providers directly rather than relying on your GP to manage the referral.

Going private doesn't mean giving up on NHS support entirely. Many people use a private diagnosis as a starting point, then discuss next steps, including medication or further care, with their GP.

If you decide this route suits you better, you can book a private ADHD assessment directly, without needing a GP referral first. Platforms such as Mind a Porter can help you find a suitable clinician if you're unsure where to start, though it's one option among several.

It's also worth being aware that assessment criteria follow recognised clinical guidelines, including those set out by NICE, whether you're assessed through the NHS or privately. The underlying standards for diagnosis don't change depending on the route you take, only the waiting time and process tend to differ.

What to do this week

If you're considering Right to Choose, start by checking which providers in your area accept these referrals for ADHD. Write a short, clear letter to your GP naming your chosen provider and explaining why you're requesting an assessment. Keep a copy for your records.

If you've already tried this route and it's stalled, or if the wait is affecting your work, studies or daily life, it may be worth looking into a private assessment instead. Either way, taking one concrete step this week, whether that's sending a letter or making an enquiry with a private provider, will move things forward more than waiting and hoping the situation resolves on its own.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Right to Choose policy? Right to Choose is a policy under the NHS Constitution for patients in England. It allows you to ask your GP for a referral to a different NHS-funded provider for an ADHD assessment. This is sometimes used as an alternative to your local service if you are looking for different waiting times or options.

Do I need to put my referral request in writing? Yes, putting your request in writing is recommended to ensure you have a clear record. A verbal request at an appointment can sometimes be misunderstood or forgotten. Writing to your GP allows you to clearly state the specific provider you have chosen and explains why you believe an assessment is clinically appropriate for you.

Why might my GP refuse a referral request? Requests are sometimes refused for practical reasons rather than policy issues. Common causes include an incomplete referral letter from your GP or the chosen provider not accepting referrals in your area. Some providers also temporarily pause new referrals if their waiting lists become too long, or the GP may simply be unfamiliar with the process.

Is a private assessment better than the NHS? A private assessment can be a more predictable alternative if you face delays or refusals through the NHS. It provides a clearer timeline for those needing results for work or personal reasons. However, the underlying clinical standards used for your diagnosis remain the same regardless of whether you choose an NHS or a private route.