Skip to main content

Right to Choose: ASD & ADHD Assessment Pathways

What is Right to Choose?
In England, under the NHS, you now have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare provider, including for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessments. This service, offered through the NHS, is free of charge.

Who Can Offer Right to Choose Assessments?
Several clinics across the UK offer Right to Choose ADHD and/or ASD assessments. Some are face to face and some are online. To be eligible to provide this service, clinics must also offer the same service to the NHS in England. Private-only clinics are not eligible. Checking a provider’s website is a good way to determine if they offer the services you need.

Which Providers Offer Right to Choose Assessments?
The list of clinics offering Right to Choose assessments is constantly evolving. Currently, several clinics are available, but there may be other providers worth researching as well. We are not allowed to recommend particular providers but you may find these links helpful

Things to Consider About Right to Choose

  • You can be on an NHS pathway or a RTC pathway but not both
  • It’s important to note that many clinics offering these assessments can diagnose ADHD or ASD but may not provide medication titration. This means you might need a local NHS referral or further RTC referral  if medication is required to manage symptoms.
  • Your GP will not be able to prescribe specialist medication ( see below for more details)

When Can You Not Use Right to Choose?
There are certain restrictions on eligibility for Right to Choose referrals. You are not eligible if:

  • You require urgent or emergency treatment.
  • You are already receiving care for the condition you are seeking an assessment for.
  • The provider you choose cannot provide appropriate care for your condition.
  • You are a prisoner or in specific secure settings such as a secure hospital or under the Mental Health Act.
  • You are a serving member of the armed forces.

What Happens After Choosing a Clinic?
Once you select a clinic, either you or your family (if the patient is a child) will need to research and decide which provider to choose. Your GP cannot advise on which clinic to select. After making your choice, please contact the practice using the usual triage process a to indicate where you would like your referral to go and include any forms or information requested by the provider

How Much Quicker Will Right to Choose Be?
The speed of the assessment depends on your chosen clinic and whether they offer medication titration. Generally, Right to Choose assessments can take anywhere from 12 weeks to 12 months—much quicker than the local NHS alternatives.. however some clinics have subsequent waits to start medication

If I Am Diagnosed Will My GP Then Prescribe Me The Medication?

No unfortunately we do not enter into shared care agreements with private or RTC providers. If a patient has been stabilised on medication through the NHS provider, we will consider a shared care agreement once the patient is stabilised, but this is not guaranteed.

Further information on our shared care policy can be found here :

Why Choose Right to Choose If Medication May Not Be Easily Accessible?
Many patients find that a diagnosis is sufficient for obtaining additional support from schools or employers, or they may not need medication at all for managing their conditions.

Further Questions?
For further research, here are some helpful resources:

Information on ADHD

  • AHD UKD: A charity offering free advice and information on ADHD and Right to Choose referrals
  • ADHD Foundation: The UK’s leading neurodiversity charity, offering services for those who live with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, DCD, Dyscalculia, OCD, Tourette’s Syndrome and more
  • NHS Website
  • Mind: ADHD and mental health

Information on ASD

Page published: 11 September 2025
Last updated: 11 September 2025