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NHS Right to Choose allows patients in England to choose where they receive their NHS outpatient care, including ADHD assessments. Where long local waiting lists exist, this pathway enables referral to an alternative NHS-commissioned provider elsewhere in England.
For ADHD clinicians, understanding how Right to Choose operates is increasingly important. Many patients are actively requesting it, yet awareness and interpretation of the framework can vary between GP practices and local NHS systems.
This page outlines the legal basis, eligibility criteria, referral mechanics, and practical considerations specific to ADHD services.
When considering ADHD assessment for adults or children, there are generally two broad routes:
Right to Choose does not apply in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, as healthcare is devolved and equivalent patient choice legislation has not been implemented in the same way.
Right to Choose is a patient choice right within NHS England. It applies when:
It is important to distinguish between:
A useful way to conceptualise this is:
The clinician decides whether a referral is clinically indicated. The patient decides where that referral is sent, provided the provider meets eligibility criteria.
Patients cannot be referred to any provider of their choosing. The selected provider must:
Many ADHD assessment services accessed under Right to Choose are independent sector organisations contracted to provide NHS services to NHS standards. These providers operate within NHS clinical governance frameworks.
If medication is initiated, prescriptions are issued under NHS arrangements.
Right to Choose does not apply in certain circumstances. Patients are not eligible if they are:
These exclusions are defined within NHS England guidance and should be reviewed when complex circumstances arise.
Clinicians frequently raise the following questions:
Is an Individual Funding Request required?
No. An IFR is not required where the provider holds a qualifying NHS contract.
Does the Integrated Care Board need to approve the referral?
No additional permission is required if the provider meets the eligibility criteria under Right to Choose.
Does ADHD assessment fall within the Right to Choose framework?
Yes. ADHD outpatient assessment falls within scope, provided the conditions outlined above are met.
Several NHS systems commission ADHD assessment services from independent providers. These are often informally referred to as “Right to Choose providers,” although legally they are simply NHS-contracted providers eligible under the framework.
Patients may request direct referral to one of these providers rather than entering their local waiting list.
Each provider sets out its own referral process, typically requiring:
Clinicians should advise patients to review the chosen provider’s referral guidance carefully to avoid administrative delays.
Many outsourced ADHD providers initiate medication but require a Shared Care Agreement with the patient’s GP for long-term prescribing.
This creates several practical considerations:
Clinicians should ensure patients understand that refusal of shared care may affect ongoing prescribing arrangements.
Right to Choose has significantly reduced access delays for many ADHD patients in England. However, increasing demand has led to local commissioning tensions and, in some areas, attempts to restrict referrals.
Policy and commissioning arrangements are evolving. Clinicians should remain alert to:
As this is a dynamic area of healthcare policy, advice may change over time.
For ADHD clinicians, the key principles are:
A well-informed approach reduces delays, supports patient autonomy, and helps ensure equitable access to ADHD assessment services across England.
NHS Right to Choose is a lawful and established patient choice mechanism within England. For ADHD assessments, it provides an alternative pathway where local waiting times are prolonged.
Clinicians play a critical role in understanding the framework, supporting informed patient decisions, and navigating referral logistics appropriately.
Clear communication, accurate documentation, and awareness of commissioning criteria are central to ensuring this pathway operates effectively and in accordance with NHS policy.
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A few of our frequently asked questions about this course
With the UK facing a growing ADHD diagnosis crisis, NHS waiting lists now average 2–3 years due to the high demand for assessments. By taking this course, you’ll not only gain specialist skills but also play a crucial role in alleviating this crisis. As a healthcare professional, you’ll be making a meaningful difference to individuals in urgent need of timely support and helping to address the ADHD backlog.
Since updates to the NG87 NICE guidelines, the guidance now states that ADHD diagnosis can be carried out by a “suitably qualified practitioner.” To be considered suitably qualified, practitioners must complete specific training that provides them with the knowledge and practical tools to deliver accurate diagnoses.
Our course offers an in-depth look into ADHD in adults, covering DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, the widely recognised DIVA assessment, and practical guidance from expert instructors. You’ll also gain insights into the evolution of ADHD understanding and explore best practices through real-world scenarios.
This course is open to all healthcare practitioners. Prices vary for consultant psychiatrists. As we are a training provider only, please be aware that we do not verify practitioner credentials, and each participant is responsible for securing their own professional indemnity after completing the course.
The course runs for a full 8-hour day via video link on Microsoft Teams. Participants are expected to engage fully in discussions, complete mock assessments, and participate in a final Q&A assessment to demonstrate their understanding.
Participants who complete the course receive a recognised CPD certification, which not only enhances professional credibility but can also be submitted to insurance providers as proof of ADHD diagnostic competence.
With demand for ADHD testing rising each year, private ADHD assessments have become a valuable income stream for qualified practitioners, with professionals able to charge up to £1,500 per assessment. This qualification offers flexibility, allowing you to incorporate assessments into existing work commitments.
The trainer was excellent and made the course so interesting. We also had an opportunity to work through an assessment. I would recommend this to all professionals especially those in mental health services.
Great Course , I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Educative and eye opening. Even emotional at times.
The course was an eye opener. Self assessed as well..this is a game changer .
Found the training very valuable and informative. With the knowledge gathered, I can add value to people's lives. The trainer's delivery prowess with examples, made me appreciate the course/ gave me a clearer understanding of the salient points to look out for during ADHD assessment.
Excellent course. Great interaction and case studies.
Great first day, looking forward to tomorrow's session. I did feel that the break-out room time may be bit lengthy. Felt like getting back into bigger groups and hearing The trainer's experience was more beneficial. Or prehaps, switching up the groups?
Great course
Great Course
The DIVA Diagnosis Course with The trainer was an excellent, informative day. Id recommend it for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and diagnosing ADHD. It provides a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic process, including clear guidance on administration and scoring. The course does an outstanding job of breaking down complex concepts and highlighting the real-life impact ADHD has on individuals across various contexts. Whether you're a clinician, educator, or simply someone seeking more knowledge, this course offers practical insights and a strong foundation for understanding and supporting those with ADHD.
In depth and providing real life case studies
I took part in the management of ADHD course. The learning provided me with a lot of knowledge on the different medications that are used to help manage symptoms of ADHD. the case studies allowed us to put this learning into practice which was really useful. Overall was a great course that has improved my knowledge on ADHD.
Very detailed. I will recommend this to my other colleagues
ADHD course was delivered with great perfection
The course was interactive
The course covered the scope of what I wanted to learn and much more, participation in the course inspired me to look into non medical prescribing. I would definitely recommend this diagnostic course to anyone interested in extending their ADHD knowledge base and I look forward to participating in the upcoming management course.
Great course
I did the management course, it was very informative, thorough and covers all bases
I really enjoyed the course and ready to apply in my career
Brilliant course, well presented.
Interested to joint the ADHD assessment team
excellent depth of context
The course was delivered in great depth. I find certain parts to go a little too fast. I thoroughly enjoyed the training a learnt so much from everyone
A really interesting and informative day. I look forward to putting this course to good practise and helping those struggling with undiagnosed ADHD. Thank you.
comprehensive, succingt
Fantastic course with wonderful learning. I am looking forward to pursuing a further career in this area asap!
Training is informative.
It was a great day of training. I found it insightful to understand they symptoms and their presentation in ADHD. Though I thought the course was expensive, at the end of the day, I feel it is totally worth it.
Great and very informative
amazing session overall.
The trainer and Dr Kumar teaching program on management of ADHD has provided me with great insights and confidence in this subject area and this will help improve my clinical practice.
Incredibly informative, essential and well organised course. Thank you.
good course.
Really enjoyed this training. Very informative and well structured. Really enjoyed the activities element too.
Great course, loved the practice DIVA assessment section, it definitely improved my confidence. The trainer was very helpful and informative as well as keeping the course engaging. Looking forward to the course on treatment if ADHD!
Fantastic course
The ADHD training was informative and insightful. I appreciated the level of detail and the effort the facilitator put into explaining the concepts. However, I found that one day (eight hours) wasn’t quite enough to take in all the information because the topic is quite broad and detailed. I’m still in the process of going through the learning materials again to deepen my understanding and reinforce what I’ve learned. Overall, the session was valuable and gave me a good foundation, but I would have benefited from more time to digest and practice the concepts covered.
Enjoyed the course, in particular going through the DIVA-5.
Good teaching on ADHD
I currently work as an Advanced Nurse Practioner (prescriber) in Primary Care with a significant mental health case load. I have a specific interest in ADHD and found the course to be very informative, I have completed both the assessment and medication management course, both were excellent in terms of delivery and information.
Amazing training.
Informative and helpful training
Excellent assessment training. Very in-depth and with lots of additional information for further reading.
Very informative
This ADHD Course has been very inspirational and educating.
Great training very informative etc
Amazing! Very enjoyable and informative. Thank you so much for the training sessions and my interest in pursing my career in adhd has grown immensely and will definitely go for it :)
Thoroughly enjoyed the course
Qualified
very educative course
Amazing session, I feel very confident on how to use the DIVA and my knowledge on ADHD has massively improved
Brilliant teaching by The trainer. It was very informative and interactive. Vinod was very helpful and prompt in sending the resource pack and documents for the course.
The trainer was great at relaying information and answering all questions. Lots of information provided.
Well presented course. Very informative
very good course, very detailed
Brilliant course
Excellent course . Very informative and thorough. I will definitely recommend Global ADHD course to anyone.
Very Informative.
Educative
A very good course, pace was good and the material covered was very helpful. I have learnt a lot and now more confident in managing ADHD.
Great course, really good presentation full of information and real life examples
Really interesting and informative course, very well paced. Interactive parts could possibly be a little shorter.
I recently completed the ADHD pharmacological management course from adultadhd.com, and it was incredibly insightful and practical. A special thanks to The trainer for clearly explaining the different dose titration strategies — his approach made a complex topic easy to understand. The course has boosted my confidence in managing ADHD in adults and provided valuable tools for safe and effective prescribing. Highly recommended!
great session
very interactive session.
The course content was very clear and comprehensive. I enjoyed the interaction in the breakout sessions. All questions were taken and answered clearly. The trainer was very calm clear articulate patient and came across as very knowledgeable and compassionate.
amazing course thank you
Shannice guided me through the registration. And I don't regret taking the course. The trainer and Vinod did an excellent job training us and answering all our questions.
I would like to achieve a career in ADHD assessment and diagnostic.
This has been a very enjoyable course so far! I have been engaged throughout which is very rare and the content is essential for my clinical practice. Would highly recommend!
Incredible management course on ADHD. The trainer provides an extremely deep & great class, interactive, with relevant examples and practicalities into real life. Extremely grateful for this course!
The lessons were clear, engaging and easy to follow. I gained practical skills i can apply straight away and the instructors were supportive throughout.
I found the course useful, relevant and feel positive going forward
Very well delivered 2 days. The trainer was so patient and treated everyone with respect despite repetitive questions. He would still take his to re-explain. He made any anxieties disappear within minutes of joining. I have recommend a few colleagues who are in the process of registration.
The training is excellent
All course content were very information and well presented.
very professionally delivered
Great course, very informative and explaination of how drugs work was great. The trainer is very knowledgeable and the teaching skills are impressive
I am glad attend the training today. The session was very informantive and active.
I am thrilled to have completed the ADHD DIVA training course. I believe this course will enhance my skills and experience as I venture further into Neurodiversity service and development.
I attended the assessor course for ADHD with The trainer. He was brilliant, thorough and delivered the course smoothly.
ADHD ASSESSMENT
Brilliant course and very informative.
Thank you for course very insightful this has helped me understand how to do an assessment for ADHD thanks for your time and knowledge :)
ADHD VERIFICATION COMPLETION
Really enjoyed the course
Invaluable and informative day. A detailed analysis of the methodology of using medication in supporting patients with ADHD.
I have enjoyed the course, it has been in depth and informative.
Great interactive session with the Doctor thank-you
Absolutely amazing course. Very detailed and thorough. The trainer was a great teacher, very patient and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend.
Very informative and highly recommended.
The course was very insightful
Good course
Excellent teaching
The course was insightful and helpful
Great course
This was a brilliant and informative course. Thank you
Thank you very much for brilliant training, was very informative
Amazing training, very engaging and very thorough.
The course was informative
Very well presented by knowledgeable team.
This comprehensive training, guided by experienced ADHD specialists, ensures participants are well-prepared to handle diverse cases and offers the added benefit of earning a recognised CPD certification. This certification not only validates your expertise but also enhances your professional credibility in the field. We encourage you to book the course today to advance your skills in ADHD diagnosis.
If you have any questions or need assistance in choosing the right course for you, please get in contact with us. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
