Right to Choose

Applies to NHS England patients only.

What is Right to Choose?

 

The laws in England under the NHS give patients a legal right to choose their mental healthcare provider. This means that, for instance if you're waiting too long on an ADHD assessment then you can choose your medical provider in order to get an ADHD diagnosis via the NHS.

You are limited on the provider you can choose from and most are online diagnosing services. Keep scrolling for the list of providers and how to assert your Right To Choose.

What’s the difference between getting a diagnosis via the NHS or NHS Right to Choose (RTC)?

  • via NHS

    When you ask your NHS GP about an ADHD diagnosis you will be referred to your NHS Trust’s local mental health service. In general, the wait times are over 2 years depending on your area. Ask your GP to find out what the current wait times are in your area before considering Right to Choose.

  • NHS Right to Choose

    When you ask your NHS GP about a ADHD diagnosis and exercise your ‘Right to Choose’, you are referred to a private provider - BUT you need to decide who they refer you to and you need to present a referral letter to your GP from that private provider. Find out next steps below.

Step 1 - Preparation

  • Getting your GP on-board

    Make sure you have a supportive GP before visiting or speaking with them. Send this NHS document that explains the Right To Choose policy if they are unfamiliar with how it works.

  • Adult ADHD Self Screening Tool

    Take this Adult ADHD Self Screening Tool and send it to your GP. Then book a call with them - stating that you believe you meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnose.

  • What to send your GP

    Please remember that it’s usually helpful to email your GP your notes BEFORE the appointment so they understand you are choosing a ‘Right to Choose’ provider for an ADHD assessment. If writing up an informal email before hand, this email template might come in handy!

Step 2 - Choose your Right to Choose provider

Step 3 - Your GP Visit

  • Be clear with your GP

    Let your GP know that you would like to exercise your Right to Choose and say where you would like them to refer you to. Most Right to Choose providers have a referral letter template you can complete and give to your GP. This letter explains to your GP what they need to do and what information they need to supply to the provider - in order to make the referral. Click for Psychiatry UK’s one as an example.

  • If your GP isnt supportive

    If you find your GP declines your Right to Choose or there is resistance in making a referral - the charity ADHD UK have created a letter of support to bring along, which you can download here.

  • Hand over documents

    If you have not already done so electronically, give your GP the following documents:

    • Your Adult ADHD Self Screening Results and/or symptom notes

    • Your Right to Choose providers letter

    • Copy of Right to Choose information (if needed)

    • Support letter from ADHD UK (if needed)

Still not sure?

I offer diagnosis support sessions! Book one now to give you the best start in getting an ADHD diagnosis.