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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.
Attending the ADHD Medication Management course has significantly enhanced my clinical confidence and prescribing competence when supporting individuals with ADHD. The course provided a comprehensive overview of pharmacological options, including stimulant and non-stimulant therapies, and offered practical strategies for monitoring treatment effectiveness and managing side effects. The evidence-based content, combined with real-world case discussions, has strengthened my ability to deliver safe, person-centred, and effective care. I would highly recommend this course to any healthcare professional involved in ADHD management."
Really enjoyed this training. Very informative and well structured. Really enjoyed the activities element too.
very in depth, I feel as though I got a good foundation of knowledge today to go off and build on
Thank you The trainer for this amazing course , really useful and effective . I got thorough understanding of detailed DIVA assessment and ADHD for adults and children .
Good teaching and very informative
amazing course
Excellent course . Very informative and thorough. I will definitely recommend Global ADHD course to anyone.
Brilliant course, well presented.
The course has been an incredibly valuable resource. The content was clear, well structured and practical., offering both the theoretical understanding and the hands on tools needed to assess ADHD
very informative calm and organised teacher
This course provides comprehensive and detailed content on ADHD, presented in a clear and accessible manner. The instructor's delivery style makes complex concepts easy to understand and apply. I've gained valuable insights that have deepened my understanding of ADHD and feel well-equipped with practical knowledge from this program.
The course was very informative and useful. I learnt alot.
interactive, informative
Interesting and informative course which has increased my understanding of ADHD, DIVA assessment and diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria and guidelines.
excellent course but would like to have seen an example of a non diagnosis or a co morbid one too even if these were additional resources to do in our own time
very detailed and learnt a great deaol
amazing course thank you
This is a brilliant course and was taught very well by The trainer, he was able to explain things and listened to us when we had questions. We left the training satisfied and well informed.
I have learnt a lot of ADHD diagnostic and will be able to use it confidently.
This training have given me more confidence to assess and diagnose patient. Dr./trainer was very patient and ready to answer questions and signpost candidate in career progression. I will certainly recommend this training to anyone trying to work within ADHD specialism area. Thank you.
Great course, an abundance of information for education.
Very informative
The course was very insightful and informative!
I found the trainer and the training very informative. I know more about the symptom and diagnosis of ADHD after attending the training. I will recommend the training, well presented
I really enjoyed the course and it was very informative and insightful.
Very Informative.
Great course, very informative
Very thorough training, excellent to understand nuances in high functioning profiles and masking. Brilliant delivery and overall organisation. Thank you The trainer and team.
A complex, but enjoyable programme. This was more medical focussed on the diagnostic programme, which as a psychologist was less relevant to my day-to-day practice, but this was still very helpful.
great course
Brilliant course
I enjoyed the training! The content was incredibly thorough and up-to-date. It covered everything from the latest diagnostic criteria to the best assessment tools and methods. The videos and reading materials were clear, engaging, and easy to follow. The interactive elements and the patient interview video near the end of the training were particularly helpful in applying theoretical knowledge to real assessment scenarios.
very good, well delivered
Amazing training, engaging and thorough
ADHD VERIFICATION COMPLETION
I have enjoyed the course, it has been in depth and informative.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about different medications and how they can help individuals , especially as I am not a prescriber. In my job role I support people to understand their medications so this has been immensely helpful. Thank you for an interesting course.
It was good. Would be good to know if someone comes (adult), what documents/ forms/ letters needs to be filled to diagnose them with ADHD, along with the DIVA.
excellent course, the most advanced specialist course for ADHD by far
GREAT COURSE, VERY THOROUGH AND WELL DELIVERED
Very informative session today. Good resources and explanation of diagnostic tools. Time given for break out rooms to discuss with other clinicians.
Comprehensive course with a good balance of core material and activities which generated opportunities for learning. Admin process from booking to receiving the material was smooth and efficient. Really helpful tips around career guidance.
A great comprehensive and concise course that gives you confidence to prescribe in ADHD. The teaching is very clear and easy to understand.
Great Course , I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Educative and eye opening. Even emotional at times.
Really enjoyed the information and what ADHD actually means. The presentation was awesome
The Training was well taught by The trainer. I feel very confident that the skills and knowledge I have learnt will enable me to complete a comprehensive ADHD assessment
Very good course intense and very simple at the same time. Very well organised.
Really good course, practical tips and increased my confidence in diagnosing ADHD
I would highly recommend the course. The trainer was brilliant! All the content was clear and concise. Full details explained and easily understood. Great examples, tips and support on how to manage your own clinical assessments and how to deliver and carry out the process. Thank You!
Wonderful training, exceptional trainer
A very well organised course. The trainer made is very easy to understand and the DIVA exercise was good to understand the diagnostic criteria.
Really enjoyable session learning about titrating,pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. The trainer provided excellent information and overall great resources were provided. I have walked away happy and confident in being able to at least titrate doses and take into other factors into my overall prescribing decision.
Excellent course , very informative , I love the concept of collaborating with the Gobal ADHD network
Found the course helpful and the trainer supportive and engaging ,
Brilliant training! Lots of information given and lot of additional materials given for further reading.
Thoroughly enjoyed the course. Thank you
This ADHD Course has been very inspirational and educating.
excellent
I enjoyed the session. Informative and options to ask doubts in between.
The course was informative
Fantastic course I have learned alot and looking forward to a autism course
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.
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.
The full day training with The trainer was informative, clear and engaging. The mix of teaching, group work, a quiz and a mock assessment made it practical and enjoyable. The trainer explained everything well and encouraged questions, making it a great learning experience.
Very informative
Great course detailing pharmacological options for ADHD
Fantastic course
The training was engaging and well-structured, with a good balance of theory, interactive discussion, and actionable techniques. I noted the trainer’s empathy, expertise, and relatable examples, which created a supportive learning environment. Very informative
Brilliant course and very informative.
Very informative and promotes up to date evidence on ADHD. The trainer seems very knowledgeable and polite. Slideshow was very small on my screen, couldn’t really see it and I don’t think it was my device.
I thoroughly enjoyed the course and found it to be very informative.
I recently completed the ADHD pharmacological management course from ADHD LLC, 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!
A very comprehensive training to be confident in ADHD Assessment
Thank you for a very informative course
Great training , really enjoy it and very captivating and informative
The course was useful and informative.
This course provided exactly what I needed to improve my confidence and assessing ADHD. The content was clear, comprehensive and clinically practical. It depend my understanding of diagnostic criteria, especially in adult presentations, and gave me confidence in structuring assessments and considering differential diagnoses. I'd highly recommend it to colleagues looking to improve their ADHD assessment skills in psychiatric settings
Great session! I appreciate how practical and clear the deep dive was, especially how the DIVA tool connects childhood and adult ADHD.
ADHD Assessment Course
Excellent course! Thank you
Excellent training. The trainer very knowledgeable and lead the course well
Great course, insightful. Able to put information into practice.
The course provided me with wealth of knowledge and informed my practice and learning further. The course was well presented, thorough and informative. I learnt so much from The trainer and everyone else. Thank you.
I enjoyed the training today. I felt it was a good balance of learning information, breakout rooms, and practice of the tools. There were good resources suggested as well
Qualified
More time spent on going through the DIVA would have been beneficial. Almost constant interruptions from course participants was problematic for how the day progressed - the facilitator was very calm with attempting to manage the group, however the constant questions/comments continued.
Very informative course. Felt comfortable asking questions and going at a pace that was most helpful for the group
The trainer conducted a comprehensive and engaging DIVA training session, significantly deepening my understanding of ADHD through interactive discussions with fellow mental health professionals.
Really good course. Very informative and definitely helps with treatment options.
Brilliant and very informative, Thank you.
Great Course
Fantastic course, very informative, thank you The trainer for excellent delivery of the course.
A really informative course, supporting existing learning around ADHD - feeling confident to now use the DIVA-5 appropriately to support assessments and diagnosis.
The training was clear . I gained new skills
Very engaging course! Content pack and The trainer was very detailed and clear in his explanations. I was surprised at how well I did in the exam and that was simply due to good teaching. Would highly recommend.
Very clear, supportive and informative. Helped me understand the process and how I can move forward with conducting my ADHD assessments
i found the course to be very informative and easy to follow. I liked the group discussions and case studies
Great!
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.
Good Training.
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.
