Private Adult ADHD Assessment In The UK: Timeline, Pricing And Outcomes
Thinking about an adult ADHD assessment can feel overwhelming.
You want clarity, you want it soon, and you want a report that actually helps in real life. This guide explains how private and NHS routes compare, what happens in a full adult ADHD assessment at NeuroFX, how long each stage takes, realistic costs in the UK, and what your report can unlock at work or university. You will also see how our onboarding review supports people already diagnosed elsewhere, and how treatment works over a structured six-month pathway.
NHS waits vs private timelines
NHS waits: Adult ADHD waiting times vary widely across the UK. In many areas, waits stretch from 12 to 36 months, with some regions reporting longer queues due to high demand and limited capacity. You may also face additional waits for titration and shared care after diagnosis.
Private timelines: Private clinics can usually see you faster. At NeuroFX, appointments are often available within around two weeks, depending on demand. Where the clinical picture is clear, feedback and a provisional outcome may be provided on the day, followed by your formal written report shortly after. If medication is appropriate, you can step into our structured six-month treatment pathway without another long queue.
So, how long does a private ADHD diagnosis take? From enquiry to outcome, most adults who choose private care complete assessment within weeks, not months. The precise timeline depends on form completion, availability of a partner or parent informant, and any complex differential diagnosis questions that need careful exploration.
What a full adult ADHD assessment includes at NeuroFX
A valid adult ADHD diagnosis must follow NICE guideline NG87. At NeuroFX, every adult assessment is evidence-based and guideline-aligned. Your assessment typically includes:
Structured clinical interview: We explore your developmental, educational, occupational, and psychiatric history, and map current symptoms to functional impact. We use NICE-aligned, structured interview tools where appropriate.
Differential diagnosis: ADHD can overlap with or be mimicked by anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, sleep problems, substance use, or autistic traits. We consider these systematically, so the conclusion is robust, not a tick box.
Collateral information: With your consent, we invite input from someone who knows you well, such as a partner or parent, to support the reliability of childhood onset and current impact.
Risk and physical health context: We review relevant medical history, past medication responses, and factors that matter for safe prescribing decisions.
Clear outputs: You receive a concise, clinically detailed report that sets out the evidence, the diagnostic conclusion, and tailored recommendations. We also provide a GP summary letter to aid care coordination.
What is a full ADHD assessment? It is a structured, clinician-led process that gathers history, applies recognised tools, considers alternatives, and connects the dots to everyday function. It is not an online checklist in isolation, and it does not require theatrical extras that add cost without improving clinical quality.
Reports, outcomes, and how long they take
At NeuroFX, you will get verbal feedback at the end of the clinical appointment, wherever possible. Your written diagnostic report and GP summary letter follow shortly after, typically within days. If ADHD is confirmed, your report lays out treatment options, reasonable adjustments, and a plan for next steps. If ADHD is not confirmed, you still receive a clear explanation of findings and signposting.
Pricing in the UK, and what to expect
How much does a private adult ADHD assessment cost UK? Price points vary substantially. Across the UK, adults commonly see fees in the region of £600 to £1,200 for a single clinician assessment with a written report, with some providers charging more when they bundle extras. NeuroFX keeps pricing transparent and focused on clinical value in line with NICE NG87. We also support payment plans at booking, subject to availability. If you already hold a diagnosis from another provider and want to access our treatment pathway, our onboarding review is £250. This review aligns your prior report to our clinical standards and confirms eligibility for ongoing care.
Is a private ADHD assessment worth it? If you are stuck on a long NHS wait, a private assessment can provide clarity sooner, unlock workplace or study support, and help you move into treatment more quickly. The key is to choose a clinic that is guideline-aligned, clinically competent, and able to offer treatment where indicated.
How does your report help with work and university
A comprehensive, well-structured report can make a practical difference:
Workplace adjustments: Your clinician can outline reasonable adjustments such as structured task lists, protected focus times, assistive tech, and meeting strategies. This supports your discussions under the Equality Act.
University and DSA: Universities and DSA assessors look for a clear diagnostic statement, evidence of functional impact, and specific recommendations. The NeuroFX report is written with these users in mind, and your GP summary letter supports wider healthcare coordination.
Will the NHS accept my private ADHD diagnosis?
Many GPs and NHS services will accept a private diagnosis that follows NICE NG87, is completed by a suitably qualified clinician, and includes clear documentation. Acceptance is not guaranteed, and local policies vary.NeuroFX provides GP summary letters and communicates in a clinically clear, guideline-referenced format to support shared care discussions where appropriate.
Can a GP refuse an ADHD referral? A GP can decide not to refer if they believe a referral is not clinically indicated, or if local pathways require certain steps first. You can ask your GP to explain the rationale, what evidence would support referral, and what options exist locally, including Right to Choose pathways where available.
DVLA: Do I need to tell them I have ADHD?
You must tell DVLA if your ADHD affects your ability to drive safely, especially if symptoms are associated with episodes of sudden disabling distraction, significant impulsivity that compromises control, or side effects from medication that impair alertness. If you are stable, well-managed, and symptoms do not affect driving, notification may not be required. Check the latest DVLA guidance and speak to your clinician if unsure.
Already diagnosed elsewhere? Use our onboarding review
If you already have an ADHD diagnosis from another provider, our onboarding for existing ADHD diagnoses in Bedford service offers a structured review for £250. We check that your previous assessment meets NICE-aligned standards, summarise key details in our format, and confirm eligibility for the NeuroFX treatment pathway. This helps you move forward without repeating the entire assessment.
Next steps in our six-month treatment package
When ADHD is confirmed, and medication is clinically appropriate, you can enter our six-month treatment pathway. This typically includes supervised prescribing, titration to find the right dose, monitoring of benefits and side effects, and practical strategy support. Our clinicians, including Independent Prescribers, manage titration safely and provide GP summary letters to support shared care conversations.
Where we work, online and in person
We are based in Bedford and offer secure online appointments to improve access across the region. If you prefer to be seen locally, you can enquire about a private ADHD assessment in Bedford or ask about nearby locations. We also support regional access, including those looking for an adhd clinic in Cambridge or a private adhd assessment in Northampton, with many adults choosing online sessions for convenience.
Summary and how to enquire
Private vs NHS: NHS waits are often 12 to 36 months. Private assessment can be completed within weeks.
What to expect: A full adult ADHD assessment at NeuroFX follows NICE NG87, explores differential diagnoses, and results in a clear report plus a GP summary.
Pricing: UK private assessments commonly range from £600 to £1,200. NeuroFX is transparent on fees and offers a £250 onboarding review for existing diagnoses.
Outcomes: Your report supports workplace adjustments and university or DSA applications. Where indicated, you can step straight into a supervised six-month treatment pathway.
Practicalities: Many GPs accept guideline-compliant private diagnoses, though local policies vary. DVLA notification depends on whether symptoms or treatment affect safe driving.
Ready to move forward with clarity? Send us a message to enquire about adult assessments, discuss timelines, and explore next steps in treatment.
