Private ADHD Assessment Process

Navigating the private ADHD assessment process at our practice is designed to be thorough, evidence-based, and supportive. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect:

Step 1

Booking an Appointment

Step 2

Pre-Appointment Questionnaires and Documentation

  • Prior to your assessment, you will receive pre-appointment questionnaires to complete.
  • These questionnaires will, among others, include an observer questionnaire, where a close family member or friend can provide insights into your childhood ADHD symptoms. (Alternatively, you may choose to submit school reports or other relevant documentation for review).
private adhd assessment

Step 3

60-Minute Assessment Session

  • Your assessment session will last approximately 60 minutes. However, the psychiatrist will pre-analyse the submitted questionnaires, ensuring they are well informed about your case before the assessment.
  • During this session, you will meet with our experienced psychiatrist, who specializes in ADHD.
  • The assessment will be based on diagnostic tools recommended by NICE guidelines
  • The psychiatrist will make a diagnosis based on the gathered data, as well as a detailed history and current symptoms discussed during the assessment.
  • The diagnosis will be communicated to you clearly, along with any recommendations for treatment.
  • After the appointment, you will receive a detailed report. You will be sent a link by email which will enable you to download the report.
nice adhd guidelines

Step 4

Treatment Plan

  • A personalized treatment plan will be developed, tailored to address your specific needs and circumstances.
  • For ADHD, pharmacological treatment may be recommended if the psychiatrist determines it to be appropriate and beneficial for you.
  • Should medication be recommended, the first prescription is provided during the initial assessment.
  • Once physical measurements are received and reviewed, the prescription will be issued.
  • Prescriptions can be delivered via our pharmacy courier system or posted to your preferred pharmacy for collection.

Step 5

Follow-Up Appointments

  • A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
  • This appointment ensures ongoing support and optimization of your ADHD management plan.

Step 6

Shared Care Agreement (SCA) for GP Involvement

  • Upon completion of the titration period and identification of the suitable medication and dosage, we can facilitate a Shared Care Agreement (SCA) to be sent to your General Practitioner (GP).
  • The SCA outlines the agreed-upon treatment plan and responsibilities between our practice and your GP.
  • If accepted by your GP, they can take over prescribing and managing your medication as part of your regular healthcare.
  • In the rare event that your GP rejects the SCA, we can continue to issue private prescriptions to ensure uninterrupted access to your medication.

Step 7

Ongoing Monitoring and Support

  • Regardless of whether prescribing responsibilities transition to your GP or remain with our practice, we are committed to providing ongoing monitoring and support.
  • A follow-up appointment can be scheduled to assess treatment effectiveness, address any concerns, and make adjustments as necessary.
  • Our team is here to support you every step of the way on your journey towards managing ADHD effectively and improving your overall well-being.
  • We offer psychoeducational sessions to help you and your loved ones better understand ADHD and its impact on daily life.
  • Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to thrive in all aspects of your life, whether through medication or alternative approaches.

At our practice, we are committed to providing comprehensive ADHD assessments and tailored treatment plans to support your well-being and success. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns throughout the process.

Private ADHD Assessment Fees Explained

This page outlines and explains all the fees associated with diagnosing and treating ADHD in our private practice. We believe in transparency — there are no hidden costs — and we do our best to arrange Shared Care Agreements (SCA) with your GP as quickly as possible after diagnosis and treatment initiation.

What is Included in the Private ADHD Assessment Package

Pre-assessment preparation by the consultant psychiatrist, which includes detailed analysis of:

  • Completed diagnostic questionnaires (e.g. ASRS)
  • The DIVA-5 structured clinical interview framework
  • Observer input forms (e.g. school reports or feedback from family/friends)
  • Any relevant physical or medical measurements

A 60-minute face-to-face or online assessment with the consultant psychiatrist, where a full developmental, psychiatric, and functional history is taken. This consultation will also explore current symptoms and their impact on your life.

A diagnostic conclusion (if possible at this stage), based on the comprehensive clinical assessment and supporting information.

A detailed treatment letter summarising the assessment and outcome, shared with:

  • The patient
  • The GP (if the patient wishes)

A personalised ADHD treatment plan, including:

  • Medication options (if appropriate)
  • Non-medication strategies
  • Recommendations for useful ADHD tools, websites, and support services
  • Information on patient rights and workplace/school adjustments

First private prescription (if medication is agreed upon), provided directly by the consultant.

Additional Costs

Cost of medication
Paid directly to your chosen pharmacy. Prices may vary depending on the pharmacy and medication prescribed.

Titration process (if medication is prescribed)
Titration is the process of safely adjusting medication dosage to find the right balance between effectiveness and tolerability. This includes:

  • Regular follow-up reviews (usually every 2–4 weeks)
  • Monitoring of symptoms, side effects, and progress
  • Adjustments to dosage if needed

Each titration follow-up session is charged separately, as outlined on our fees page.

Shared Care Agreement (SCA)
Once you are stable on medication, we will write to your GP to request a Shared Care Agreement. If your GP accepts, they can take over prescribing on the NHS.
We recommend annual or biannual reviews with our clinic to ensure ongoing support and safe prescribing.

Other Assessments

Private ADHD Assessment FAQ

What distinguishes your private ADHD assessment service from others?

Our service integrates the high standards of private practice with extensive experience within NHS settings. We provide a structured, compassionate, and efficient assessment process, delivering personalised care that is both clinically robust and responsive to individual needs.

What does the private ADHD assessment process involve?

The assessment process is comprehensive, evidence-based, and aligned with NICE guidelines. After scheduling an appointment, you will be asked to complete detailed pre-assessment questionnaires, including input from someone familiar with your childhood. The assessment itself lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and personal history. Following the assessment, you will receive a full diagnostic report and an individualised treatment plan, which may include medication recommendations if clinically appropriate.

What happens after a diagnosis is made?

Following diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan is developed. If medication is advised, we will request up-to-date physical health data, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and weight, before issuing a prescription. Ongoing follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor treatment response and make adjustments as needed. Additional support, including psychoeducation and therapeutic interventions, is also available.

Is the medication included in the price of the initial assessment?

Yes. If the psychiatrist deems it appropriate and the necessary physical health checks have been submitted, a prescription will be issued as part of the initial assessment. However, the cost of the medication itself is not included and must be paid separately to the pharmacy.

Is this a private-only service, or can I access NHS support following diagnosis?

While this is a fully private service, we aim to make ongoing care accessible. Where suitable, we can initiate a Shared Care Agreement (SCA) with your NHS GP. If accepted, your GP may take over prescribing responsibilities based on our treatment plan. If a Shared Care Agreement is not established, we continue to provide private prescriptions and follow-up care as needed.

Do you assess children for ADHD?

Our clinic currently specialises in the assessment and treatment of ADHD in adults. We focus on supporting individuals managing ADHD in the context of adult responsibilities, including work, relationships, and wellbeing.