Which UK Areas Accept ADHD Shared Care Agreements?

That's true. There's no single UK-wide rule, and decisions can vary between nations, local NHS areas and even neighbouring GP practices. Here's how the picture currently looks across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

ADHD medication is usually started by a specialist. Once the dose is stable, a GP may take over prescribing under a shared care agreement. But GPs don't have to agree, and they remain responsible for every prescription they sign.

On top of individual GP decisions, local NHS organisations often set their own rules. These can cover which providers GPs can share care with, whether there's a protocol for adults, children or both, and whether GP practices are funded to provide the extra monitoring. Policies can also change, sometimes several times a year.

This means two people with similar diagnoses can get very different answers, depending on their postcode and their GP practice.

In England, many local NHS areas have shared care protocols for ADHD medication, but their approach to private providers varies.

NHS and Right to Choose providers: Shared care is generally more likely when medication is started by an NHS service or an NHS-funded Right to Choose provider. It still isn't guaranteed. Some Right to Choose providers can continue prescribing themselves if a GP declines.

Private providers: Approaches vary widely. In some parts of England, GPs can choose to accept shared care after a private diagnosis, although it's never guaranteed. In others, there are currently no shared care arrangements in place with private providers at all. Some local GP networks have also set policies stating that they won't enter shared care with private providers, and that patients need to see an NHS-approved specialist first.

Individual GP practices can also make their own decisions. Some have chosen not to take on any new ADHD shared care because of capacity, even with NHS-funded providers. In these cases, the specialist provider usually continues prescribing.

Scotland has no national NHS policy on shared care after a private ADHD diagnosis. Decisions are made by individual GPs, sometimes guided by their practice or local health board.

Some health boards, such as NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, have set out criteria for when they'll accept private ADHD diagnoses for referral into their services. Private clinics in Scotland must also be registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

Wales currently has no national policy on shared care with private ADHD providers. Adult ADHD services are still developing, and arrangements differ between health boards.

A 2024 survey by the charity ADHD UK found that people in Wales were the least likely in the UK to have shared care accepted after a private diagnosis. The Welsh Government has said it intends to review guidance on accepting private diagnoses, and is working on a national approach to adult ADHD services, including prescribing and shared care.

Until then, decisions are made by individual GPs and health boards.

In Northern Ireland, there is no regional policy on shared care after a private ADHD diagnosis that we're aware of, and no regionally commissioned adult ADHD service. Arrangements vary between Health and Social Care Trusts.

For children, ADHD medication usually stays under the care of CAMHS or community paediatrics, rather than moving to GPs. Adults may be reviewed by adult mental health services, depending on the local Trust.

As elsewhere, shared care with private providers is at the GP's discretion.

• England: Local policies vary. NHS and Right to Choose routes are generally more straightforward. Some areas restrict shared care with private providers.
• Scotland: No national policy. Decisions rest with individual GPs, with some health boards setting their own criteria.
• Wales: No national policy yet. Acceptance after private diagnosis has been reported as the lowest in the UK. National guidance is under review.
• Northern Ireland: No regional policy. Arrangements vary between Trusts, and children's medication usually stays with specialist services.

Because rules vary so much and change often, the most reliable information is usually local. Many GP practices now publish an ADHD or shared care policy on their website, and local NHS organisations often share details of their arrangements online too.

For anyone considering a private route, it's worth finding out what applies in your area before starting treatment. Knowing whether shared care is likely, and what happens if it isn't, makes it much easier to plan for any ongoing costs.

Raiys doesn't currently prescribe ADHD medication, so we don't offer titration or shared care agreements ourselves. After your assessment, you'll receive a detailed written report, usually within 14 days, which you can share with your GP to talk about next steps, such as a referral for medication.

Everyone diagnosed at Raiys can also use BeChange, our digital programme designed to help you build practical, everyday strategies at your own pace.

Raiys works nationwide, offering online ADHD assessments for adults and for children and young people aged 5 to 17 across the UK. Our experienced, specialist ADHD team follows NICE guidelines and provides a clear, detailed report designed to be shared with your GP.

If you're in crisis right now, call 999, go to A&E, or call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time of day or night.

Ready to take the next step? Find out more about our adult ADHD assessment or child ADHD assessment.

Local policies change often. The information in this article was checked in October 2026, but it's always worth confirming the current position with your GP practice or local NHS organisation.