A private ADHD assessment is a big decision, and prices vary a lot between clinics. This guide explains what you should expect to pay in the UK, what the price should include, and the costs that come after a diagnosis.
The short answer
Most private adult ADHD assessments in the UK cost between about £500 and £1,500. Assessments for children and teenagers usually cost more, often £800 to £2,000, because they involve parents and school as well as the young person.
At ADHD Health, an adult assessment costs £895 and a child or teen assessment costs £1,195. Both include a written report and a letter for your GP. You can see every fee on our fees page.
What the price should include
Two assessments at the same price can be very different. Before you book anywhere, check what you get:
| Check | What good looks like |
|---|---|
| Who assesses you | A consultant psychiatrist, or a specialist nurse or psychologist with ADHD training and medical oversight |
| How long it takes | Usually 90 minutes to 3 hours for the interview, plus questionnaires before |
| Your childhood history | Information from someone who knew you as a child, or old school reports. ADHD symptoms must have started in childhood |
| Other conditions | A check for conditions that can look like ADHD or come with it, such as anxiety, depression, autism or sleep problems |
| Feedback | Time to talk through the outcome and ask questions |
| Written report | A detailed report and a letter your GP can act on |
| Children | Questionnaires from school, and a letter school can use to put support in place |
Why prices vary
- Who you see. Consultant psychiatrists usually cost more than other specialists. Both can be appropriate, as long as the clinician is trained and experienced in ADHD
- How thorough it is. Longer assessments with input from family and school take more clinical time
- Extra tests. Some clinics add a computer-based attention test such as QbTest, usually for children, for an extra fee
- Video or face to face. Video appointments can cost less because there’s no clinic room to pay for
- Packages. Some clinics include treatment in a package, which can look expensive at first but save money overall
The costs after a diagnosis
If you’re diagnosed and decide to try medication, there are more costs to plan for. These are often left out of advertised prices.
| What | Our fee |
|---|---|
| Medication titration (finding the right dose, up to 12 weeks) | £695 adults, £745 children |
| Assessment and titration package | £1,495 adults, £1,845 children |
| Follow-up appointment | £150 |
| Annual review | £195 adults, £225 children |
| Private prescription fee | £30 per prescription, plus the pharmacy’s charge for the medicine |
| Extra letters or reports | £45 |
The pharmacy’s charge for private ADHD medication depends on the medicine and the dose, so it’s worth asking a few pharmacies. Once your dose is stable, your GP may agree to take over prescribing through a shared care agreement. You then pay the standard NHS prescription charge in England, or nothing in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Warning signs of a poor assessment
- A very short appointment, for example 20 or 30 minutes
- No questions about your childhood, and no request for anyone else’s view
- A diagnosis that seems guaranteed before you’ve been assessed
- No clear information about the clinicians, or about which regulator the clinic is registered with (the CQC in England)
- A report that’s too brief for a GP to act on
A cheaper assessment that your GP won’t accept can cost more in the end, if you have to pay for a second opinion or private prescriptions for longer.
Other ways to get assessed
NHS referral. Your GP can refer you to your local NHS ADHD service. It’s free, but waits are often long, sometimes several years for adults.
NHS Right to Choose (England only). If you’re registered with a GP in England, you may be able to choose an NHS-funded provider for your assessment. Waits vary, and some areas have limited the number of assessments. Read our guide to private assessment or Right to Choose.
Health insurance. Some policies cover ADHD assessments, but many exclude them. Check with your insurer before booking.
Common questions
Is a private ADHD assessment worth the money?
It depends on how long you’d wait for the NHS, how much ADHD is affecting your life, and whether you can afford treatment afterwards. Many people find a timely, thorough assessment worth it. If you’re unsure, a free call can help you decide.
Can I pay in instalments?
Some clinics offer this. We take payment when you book, and our packages cost less than paying for each step separately.
Will my GP accept a private diagnosis?
Usually, if the assessment was thorough and followed NICE guidance, but GPs make their own decisions. Read is a private ADHD diagnosis recognised by the NHS?
Ready to talk it through? Book a free 15-minute call or book your assessment online.