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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’s course was highly informative and gave me a strong baseline understanding of how to assess patients with ADHD. He clarified misconceptions I had, particularly that ADHD is not just about hyperactivity but also involves inattention. I especially appreciated how he guided us through each section of the DIVA-5 criteria, making it easy to understand. Overall, it was an excellent session that I would highly recommend to others.
A comprehensive course, well designed with an excellent structure enabling students to collaborate and learn together.
Fantastic course
Very informative and interesting.
Informative and helpful training
impressed the professionalism, gave me confidence, had all the answers of my questions
I thoroughly enjoyed the interactive course, it made a difference especially learning from a professional who's not just talking the talk but also has walked the walk. The group case study was most helpful. It's worth been worth it. I'd recommend it to everyone health, social care and educational practitioner.
I've found this course incredibly valuable. Dr Pav has been brilliant at bringing the material to life, especially through real-life case studies
A very useful course, tailored to suit just what I need when it comes to further knowledge in assessing and diagnosing ADHD
excellent
Fantastic course, very informative. Would highly recommend.
VERY INFORMATIVE
enjoyed the course, covered a good range of case studies
Good course today. Interesting discussions in the break out rooms. Good examples and case studies.
A fabulous course about ADHD diagnosis which was fabulous, interesting, informative. I have learnt so much and very happy after today, so looking forward to the ADHD medication and management course in November
Very informative and has made me feel much more confident in pursuing a career in the ADHD field.
I have provided feedback on google. The course is very professional and in depth. It should be enough for any mental health professional to get skilled to use DIVA and diagnose ADHD.
A great comprehensive and concise course that gives you confidence to prescribe in ADHD. The teaching is very clear and easy to understand.
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.
Attending these two days has given me confidence in treating patients with ADHD. The content was tailored for a holistic approach towards patients with ADHD. The presentation was excellent and there was lots of opportunity to ask questions. Thanks a lot!
It was interesting
very professionally delivered
Very interactive and insightful.
GREAT COURSE, VERY THOROUGH AND WELL DELIVERED
Good course and very educative
I really enjoyed the course and it was very informative and insightful.
Thank you - it was worth sacrificing my Saturday !
amazing ADHD training, thank you
Great training , really enjoy it and very captivating and informative
Excellent course, The trainer is magnificent as a speaker and admin support brilliant, can't recommend this course enough.
Absolutely interesting
refreshing and insightful
Good course - informative
very good tuition and it will support my CPD
Great and very informative
Outstanding course, trainer very knowledgeable and engaging, would recommend for anyone wanting to gain a recognised qualification that will enable the clinician to work as a qualified ADHD assessor.
The course was incredibly informative and beneficial. The trainer was engaging, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer everyone’s questions thoroughly. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of ADHD, it's been an excellent learning experience.
Dr Pav was excellent in delivering the course – interactive, informative and practical. I feel more confident in diagnosing and assessing ADHD.
The training course was informative and well delivered. I feel confident to continue completing ADHD assessments using the DIVA assessment tool.
Amazing training.
A well-delivered session. I now understand ADHD far better.
Brilliant course
Thank you for a great course. Great presentation with lots of opportunities to ask questions
The management course was excellent and has enhanced my knowledge and understanding of medication management, non pharmacological interventions and longer term management strategies that include monitoring, managing side effects and adjustment of treatment plans.
The course has been very insightful in deepening my understanding about ADHD. I am confident about diagnosis of ADHD, overlapping symptoms with other mental health conditions.
Good training, needs more than one day.
Excellent course
This has been an incredibly informative experience, providing a comprehensive understanding of ADHD and its impact on a patient's life. It has enhanced my knowledge of the diagnostic process, especially in terms of using the DIVA tool. The mock assessment was particularly helpful, as it really brought everything into perspective and solidified the concepts in a practical, real-world context
I am glad to have engaged in the course, it was very informative and a lot was discussed over the course of the day. I would definitely recommend for people who have an interest in ADHD and wanting to go forwards with this in their career
Good teaching and very informative
great course, well structured.
Excellent assessment training. Very in-depth and with lots of additional information for further reading.
Perfect amount of education and training.
Very educative, informative, and insightful
very educative course
I enjoyed the course. It was an eye-opener, well-presented, easy to follow and engaging.
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.
enjoyed the training
Comprehensive ADHD assessment delivered.
Attending the ADHD Management online course has been an incredibly informative and enriching experience. The course offered a comprehensive overview of ADHD, particularly focusing on the various types of medication used in its treatment. I gained a solid understanding of both stimulant and non-stimulant medications, how they work in the brain to manage symptoms, and the common side effects associated with each. What truly brought the learning to life were the real-world video testimonies from clients. Hearing first-hand accounts from individuals and families living with ADHD added a depth of insight that theory alone could not provide. One of the most valuable aspects of the course was the opportunity to complete a mock exam at the end. Passing this confirmed that I had not only absorbed the knowledge but could also apply it confidently. Overall, I now feel much more confident in exploring opportunities within the ADHD field. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of ADHD.
The training was informative and productive
amazing course
Great course, clear concise information and a great start at looking at ADHD
Brilliant course
Very thorough. Dr Pav was very clear and articulate
I am glad I attended the training, informative:
great session
The trainer conducted a comprehensive and engaging DIVA training session, significantly deepening my understanding of ADHD through interactive discussions with fellow mental health professionals.
I really enjoyed the course. It was very informative. I would introduce others. Learnt a lot. Will be interested in doing Management course
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.
Informative and encouraging advocates for ADHD.
I benefited so much from the two courses completed with Private ADHD. Both have been brilliant at equipping me with a robust and detailed knowledge base on the diagnostic criteria, process of assessment and qualifications to be able to assess ADHD (in addition to Autism and Dyslexia) within an MDT - and with detailed insight into medication and management of ADHD, essential to the services I provide as a Neuroaffirming Consultant and Mentor: pre and post diagnostic support to individuals of all ages, and to families and schools.
Really enjoyed the course
Fantastic engaging information course presented in an affable encouraging manner.
Fabulous course, very well delivered, informative and practical. Loved The trainer's enthusiasm and sincerity.
The course was an eye opener. Self assessed as well..this is a game changer .
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.
This has been informative.
I AM VERY HAPPY I DID MY TRAINING WITH PRIVATE ADHD, I WILL DEFINATELY RECOMMEND THE COURSE TO MY FRIENDS
Very good informative feel I have gained underpinning knowledge in order to complete assessment correct
Content was excellent, practical and demonstrative elements brought subject to life with context and addressed challenges. The trainer was excellent
thank you for this course really informative
Very well presented, thoroughly enjoyed the course and found it very informative and helpful - Please NB CV will be sent on Tuesday 17/06/25
Good course
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.
The course was useful and informative.
Good course, covered various domains needed
I particularly enjoyed the mock assessment - applying knowledge acquired from the course and using the DIVA. The trainer was great, thank you.
excellent course so informative
Really interesting and informative course, very well paced. Interactive parts could possibly be a little shorter.
The training significantly improved my ability to understand ADHD and conduct structured ADHD assessments, interpret rating scale and communicate findings effectively to clients and families. The trainer - the course trainer is quite knowledgeable on the subject.
Thank you, very helpful course
Invaluable and informative day. A detailed analysis of the methodology of using medication in supporting patients with ADHD.
Great course thank you Dr Kav
Great course run well and gives a good understanding of the challenges that ADHD possesses and the impact of an early diagnosis. Good explanation of diagnostic criteria.
I thoroughly enjoyed the course and found it to be highly engaging. I appreciated the well-structured content and the inclusion of case studies, which allowed the application of the knowledge learnt throughout the session.
A really good introduction to the DIVA tool for assessing ADHD in adults and children. Highly informative with a good balance of teaching and discussion.
Very enjoyable training. Very interesting. I would recommend to my colleagues
Very informative
Course was very interactive and very educative.
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.
