Right to Choose or private? An honest comparison.

“Private” shouldn’t mean “unregulated.” Here’s exactly how Inclura is governed, who oversees our clinicians, and what happens if something goes wrong.

The three routes

Local NHS, Right to Choose, or private.

Adults [[18+ / age range]]

[[Geographic coverage — UK-wide by video, or specify regions]].

Never assessed before

You suspect ADHD and want a definitive, evidence-based answer.

Assessed as a child

You want your diagnosis reviewed as an adult. [[Confirm process and fee]]

Is this right for you?

A genuine NHS pathway.

A legal entitlement in England to choose your provider for a first outpatient appointment when your GP refers you. NHS-funded, NHS-contracted, free to you.

All yes = eligible in principle. Even so, check your ICB’s current position — this checker can’t promise a referral.

Right to Choose has become less reliable.

Since 2025 a number of ICBs have capped, paused or restricted ADHD referrals under RTC, citing budget pressure; in some areas GPs have been instructed not to process new RTC referrals. Restrictions are mostly local guidance and prior-approval requirements rather than formal suspension, and their legal status is actively disputed — including a challenge by ADHD UK. Waits with RTC providers have also lengthened. Check your ICB’s current position — this changes frequently.

Side by side

How the three routes compare.

	Local NHS	NHS Right to Choose	Private
Cost	Free	Free	[[£XXX]]
Typical wait	3 weeks	3 weeks	3 weeks
Availability	UK-wide	England only	UK-wide
GP referral	3 weeks	3 weeks	3 weeks
Choice of clinician	3 weeks	3 weeks	3 weeks
Titration cost	3 weeks	3 weeks	3 weeks
Ongoing prescriptions	3 weeks	3 weeks	3 weeks
Shared care afterwards	3 weeks	3 weeks	3 weeks
Predictability	3 weeks	3 weeks	3 weeks

Why it matters most

The difference that matters most.

Most comparisons stop at cost and waits. With an NHS or RTC assessment, prescribing usually transfers to your GP without difficulty. With a private assessment, your GP is under no obligation to enter shared care — some practices decline as blanket policy.

If it doesn't go your way

If your referral is refused.

Ask for the reason in writing

You're entitled to it.

Ask which policy

Local guidance is not national policy.

Practice manager or another GP

At the same practice.

Contact your ICB

To confirm its current position.

Use PALS

The NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service.

ADHD UK and your MP

ADHD UK tracks ICB status and supports refusals; MPs matter where restrictions look inconsistent with national policy.

Clear, Honest Pricing

FAQ

Everything we charge for is on our pricing page, including the costs that only apply to some people.

How long does adhd assessment take ?

A adult ADHD assessment can take between 90 mins up to two hours of direct talk time with a specialist. This does not include the pre questionnaires that need to be filled out prior to you appointment to get the most comprehensive understanding of your symptoms

How does a ADHD assessment work?

There are no single biological markers or blood tests that can signify or diagnose ADHD. The Ault ADHD assessment is a robust clinical process which combines a review of your medical history, interviews, behavioural questionnaires in order to determine how your symptoms affect your day to day life.

1. Current Struggles Our ADHD specialists will ask you open questions on your relationships, your work, your sleeping patterns amongst other relevant social patterns.
2. Comprehensive childhood history The symptoms associated with ADHD must be present before 12 years of age as ADHD is a neurodevelopment condition. Your practitioner wil methodically go through your childhood history. How you performed and what you struggled with.

How to book a adhd assessment with Inclurahealth?

You can call our professional patient liaison team who will guide you through the process. They will be happy to answer any questions you have before booking on to your assessment.

When should i consider a ADHD assessment?

The NICE standards state that a specialist referral should be made if a patient is presenting with symptoms of ADHD that were also present in childhood and are also causing functional difficulties.

• Finding it difficult to keep concentration or finish tasks or prioritise important tasks effectively
• Procrastination- Delaying tasks until close to deadlines or not completing them
• Feeling restless or the need to constantly be doing something
• Struggling at work, with relationships, in education or home life because of these sustained patterns.
• Acting impulsively- Making sudden major decisions without thinking through the consequences, interrupting others in conversations. Importantly, experiencing some of these difficulties does not necessarily mean that you have ADHD. A robust ADHD assessment will look at your developmental history, mental health, and physical health, and the impact it has on your overall functioning.