ADHD Right to Choose: What Is It and Who Is Eligible?
If you're looking into an ADHD assessment in England, you've probably come across "Right to Choose". Here's a clear guide to what it means and whether it applies to you.
In brief
- Right to Choose lets you pick which NHS-funded provider assesses you.
- It's free, but you need a GP referral.
- It only applies in England.
- Availability and waiting times now vary depending on where you live.
What is Right to Choose?
Right to Choose is a legal right in the NHS Constitution for England. When your GP refers you to a specialist, you can choose which provider you're referred to, as long as they have an NHS contract for that service.
For ADHD, this means you don't have to wait for your local NHS service. You can ask to be referred to another approved provider instead, and the NHS pays.
Who is eligible?
You can usually use Right to Choose if
- you live in England and are registered with an NHS GP in England
- your GP agrees that an ADHD assessment is right for you
- you haven't already been referred for the same thing
- you're not already under the care of a mental health service for the same condition
It applies to adults and children.
It doesn't apply in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. If you live there, speak to your GP about local NHS options.
How does it work?
- Book an appointment with your GP and explain why you'd like an ADHD assessment.
- Tell them you'd like to use Right to Choose, and name the provider you've chosen.
- Your GP sends the referral. Some providers have their own referral forms.
- The provider contacts you to arrange your assessment.
It helps to check a few things before you choose a provider: how long their wait is, whether they offer medication after diagnosis, and whether they accept referrals from your area.
Things to know in 2026
Right to Choose still exists across England. But since April 2026, local NHS areas can set limits on how many assessments they fund with each provider. This means:
- some areas have paused or capped new referrals
- waiting times can vary a lot depending on where you live
- a provider may have space but still not be able to see you straight away
Your GP or local Integrated Care Board (ICB) can tell you what applies in your area.
Right to Choose or a private assessment?
Some providers offer both, which can be confusing. The key difference is who pays.
| Right to Choose | Private (self-funded) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | The NHS | You |
| GP referral needed | Yes | Usually not |
| Where it applies | England only | Across the UK |
| Waiting time | Varies by area, can be months | Usually shorter |
| Medication afterwards | Through the NHS, if the provider offers it or your GP arranges it | Depends on the provider and your GP |
Both routes should follow NICE guidelines. Neither is better or worse. It depends on your location, budget and how long you're able to wait.
Does Raiys offer Right to Choose?
No. Raiys is a private service, and we don't currently provide assessments through Right to Choose.
If you'd like to use Right to Choose, speak to your GP about NHS-approved providers in your area.
If you'd prefer a private, self-funded assessment, our adult ADHD assessments are carried out online by an experienced, specialist ADHD team and follow NICE guidelines. You can refer yourself, and you don't need to live in England.
Thinking about a private assessment? Find out more about our adult ADHD assessment.
Whichever route you take, the most important thing is finding the one that works for you.