Information on ADHD

man in white shirt carrying girl in gray shirt

NHS ADHD Referral – Adult (18 Years +)

Referral Process

For adult ADHD referrals, please submit our ADHD questionnaire:

New Eltham’s ADHD Assessment

Waiting Times

The current waiting time for NHS providers of ADHD assessments in South East London is over 3 years.

Right to Choose

Under the NHS Right to Choose scheme, patients can be referred to alternative providers — including approved private healthcare organisations — for assessment and treatment. These providers may be located outside of South East London, and you may be required to travel to their location.

To find out more about the Right to Choose scheme, visit:

If you wish to proceed via Right to Choose:

  • Choose a provider from the approved list.
  • Bring the provider’s details to your GP appointment. Some providers will require you to self-refer and you may need to complete their self-referral form. Please click here for more details.
  • Please note: Your GP cannot choose the provider for you.

Prescribing and Medication Under Right to Choose

Prescribing arrangements may differ from standard NHS services. You are advised to ask the following questions when selecting a provider:

  • Do you provide NHS prescriptions, or will I need a private prescription? What are the medication costs?
  • Do you arrange Shared Care Agreements (SCAs) with GPs?
  • What are my options if my GP declines a Shared Care Agreement?

Some Right to Choose providers hold NHS contracts and may prescribe NHS medication directly, which can be dispensed at any pharmacy. Others may only issue private prescriptions unless a Shared Care Agreement is arranged with your GP.

ADHD Diagnosis and Medication – NHS Providers

If you are diagnosed with ADHD by an NHS provider:

  • They may initiate treatment and medication.
  • Once your condition is stabilised, the provider may request a Shared Care Agreement with your GP for continued prescribing.
  • The NHS provider remains responsible for your overall ADHD care, including periodic reviews.
  • Please note: There is no obligation for the GP practice to accept Shared Care Agreement requests. By default, ongoing treatment remains the responsibility of the NHS provider.

Shared Care Agreements (SCA)

A Shared Care Agreement is a formal arrangement between the patient, an NHS specialist, and the GP. It outlines responsibilities for continued care and prescribing once a condition is stable.

The agreement includes:

  • Details of prescribed medication.
  • Monitoring and review responsibilities.
  • Guidance on communication between parties.

Importantly, a Shared Care Agreement is not mandatory, and GPs may decline to enter into one.

Private ADHD Diagnosis

You may choose to seek a private ADHD assessment due to long NHS waiting times or personal preference. In this case:

  • Prescribing and monitoring of any medication must remain with the private provider.
  • The GP cannot take over prescribing unless the diagnosis and treatment meet NHS standards and are transferred to an NHS service.

To transfer care to the NHS:

  1. You must be referred to an NHS Mental Health Specialist Team.
  2. The specialist must confirm that:
    • ADHD diagnosis meets NHS criteria.
    • Medication is appropriate under NHS prescribing guidelines.
  3. If criteria are met, a Shared Care Agreement may be established between the NHS specialist and your GP.

Until then, the private provider remains responsible for prescribing and monitoring.

Further Information and Support