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NHS Right to Choose is one of the most useful, and most misunderstood, rights available to people seeking an ADHD assessment in England. Used well, it can let you choose an NHS-funded provider instead of waiting on your local list. But in 2026 it comes with important catches. This guide explains how Right to Choose for ADHD works, who is eligible, what has changed this year, and how it compares with a private assessment.
What is NHS Right to Choose?
Right to Choose is a legal right under the NHS Constitution for England. It means that when your GP agrees you need a referral for an ADHD assessment, you can ask to be referred to any qualified provider that holds an NHS contract for that service, not just your local NHS team. The assessment is funded by the NHS, so there is no cost to you. Your GP acts as the clinical gatekeeper, deciding whether a referral is appropriate, while the choice of provider is yours.
Who is eligible?
- You are registered with a GP in England. Right to Choose does not apply in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, which run different systems.
- Your GP agrees that a specialist ADHD assessment is clinically appropriate.
- You are not already receiving ADHD care from another NHS service, and you are not in crisis or urgent care or detained under the Mental Health Act.
The catch in 2026: ICB caps and pauses
Demand has surged, and since the middle of 2025 a number of Integrated Care Boards, the local NHS bodies that fund services, have capped or paused new ADHD assessments under Right to Choose. The 2026 to 2027 NHS payment arrangements introduced practical limits on Right to Choose ADHD spending in many areas, and several regions have paused new referrals for periods running into 2026. In short, Right to Choose is still a real and valuable right, but access and waiting times now vary a great deal by area, and it is not the guaranteed shortcut it once seemed. Always check whether your local ICB is currently accepting referrals before you rely on it.
What to say to your GP
Book an appointment to discuss your symptoms. If your GP agrees an assessment is appropriate, you can say that you would like to use your NHS Right to Choose and be referred to a named provider that holds an NHS contract. It helps to have noted real examples of how your symptoms affect daily life, and to have checked that your chosen provider is currently accepting referrals in your area.
After diagnosis and shared care
If you are diagnosed and medication is recommended, your GP will often continue prescribing under a shared-care agreement, with NHS prescription charges or an exemption applying as normal. However, shared care is not automatic, and your GP must agree to it, so it is sensible to ask about their policy early.
Right to Choose versus private assessment
Right to Choose is free, which is its biggest advantage. The trade-offs are that it requires a GP referral, depends on local ICB availability, and can still involve a wait of many months. A private self-pay assessment, by contrast, needs no referral, is available quickly, and gives you certainty about timing. At ADHD Diagnosis UK, an adult assessment starts from £189, is carried out online by GMC-registered doctors, and comes with a next-day written report. You can compare the routes in our guides to the NHS ADHD waiting list and private versus NHS assessment, or book a private assessment online.
Frequently asked questions
Is Right to Choose available everywhere in England?
The right exists across England, but in 2026 several local areas have capped or paused new ADHD referrals, so availability depends on your ICB. Check before relying on it.
Does Right to Choose apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland?
No. It is an England-only right. The other UK nations have separate systems.
Can my GP refuse a Right to Choose referral?
Your GP must agree that a specialist assessment is clinically appropriate. If they agree, the choice of qualifying provider is yours.
Prefer not to wait? Book a private online ADHD assessment from £189, with no GP referral required and a next-day written report.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical or legal advice. NHS Right to Choose rules and local ICB availability can change, so always confirm current details with your GP and ICB. Last updated 2026.