In England, under the NHS, you have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare provider. This service, offered through the NHS, is free of charge.
This right allows you to explore alternative providers if the waiting time for an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism assessment is too long.
Right to Choose was introduced in 2018 and is still a new system. Many patients may not be aware of these options.
Who can offer Right to Choose assessments?
Several private organisations across the UK offer Right to Choose ADHD and/or autism assessments. To be eligible, clinics must offer the same service to the NHS in England. They must also have an NHS Standard Contract with an integrated care board (ICB) or NHS England for the required service.
Checking a provider's website is a good way to determine if they offer the services, you need and their current waiting times. GPs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been informed of which eligible providers will be accepted through Right to Choose.
Things to consider
Many clinics offering these assessments can diagnose ADHD or autism but may not provide medication titration. This means you might need a local NHS referral if medication is required to manage symptoms. NHS services can also quality check the diagnosis and decline to provide medication if it is not of a suitable quality. This should be considered when considering Right to Choose for ADHD.
Many of the private organisations offer remote assessments (usually by video call). This is a different experience than face-to-face assessments offered by the Trust.
It is important to discuss your decisions with the child or young person involved where possible, to ensure they are part of the decision making.
Request a Right to Choose referral from your GP
Have an open conversation with your GP about your concerns regarding ADHD or autism. Your GP may suggest a referral for an official assessment. With waiting times for ADHD and autism assessments at the Trust being over a year, Right to Choose can offer faster alternatives. This can help reduce the long wait for diagnosis and support.
What happens after choosing a clinic?
Once you select a clinic, you will need to research and decide which provider to choose. Your GP cannot advise on which clinic to select. Your GP will advise you on how to let them know your choice.
How much quicker is Right to Choose?
The speed of the assessment depends on your chosen clinic and whether they offer medication titration. Right to Choose assessments can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 12 months. This is much quicker than NHS alternatives, which have waiting times of up to 7 years.
If a clinic offers a diagnosis but not medication titration, you may need an additional referral for post-diagnostic support. This can take more than 24 months. Your GP will not initiate specialist medication and will only prescribe once the patient is stable on a dose and if the provider can meet the same standard for shared care as NHS services.
Why choose this if medication is not accessible?
Many patients find that a diagnosis is sufficient for obtaining additional support from schools or employers. They also may not need medication at all for managing their conditions.
Further questions
If you have more questions, get in touch with your GP surgery. For further research, below are some helpful resources.
ADHD resources
Autism resources