A 3-year wait doesn't mean 3 years of struggling in silence. There's more support available than you think — while you wait.
If you've recently been referred for an NHS adult ADHD assessment, you've probably received a letter with a wait time that made your stomach drop. Two years. Three years. In some parts of England, longer. You're not alone, and the wait is not a reflection of how seriously your concerns are being taken.
Being on a waiting list doesn't mean you have no access to NHS mental health support. Your GP can refer you for talking therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or support through NHS Talking Therapies while your ADHD assessment is pending.
Right to Choose: In England, you have the legal right to choose any NHS-commissioned provider for your assessment. Some providers have shorter wait times. Ask your GP about this — many aren't aware of it.
Under the NHS Constitution, you have the right to choose where you receive your care from a list of NHS providers. For ADHD, this means you can request a referral to any CQC-registered provider that offers NHS-funded ADHD assessments — including some that have significantly shorter waits than your local service.
We're not going to pretend private assessment is accessible to everyone — it isn't, and that inequity is real. But if cost is the only barrier, it's worth knowing that some clinics offer payment plans.
Take our free 3-minute screener and get matched with accredited clinics near you.