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ADHD assessments: patient information

Healthcare Central London accepts adult ADHD referrals via the NHS e-Referral Service (eRS) under the Right to Choose pathway. 

We do NOT accept self-referrals.

Person on video call

What to expect from your ADHD assessment appointment

Our assessments are online or in-person with a consultant psychiatrist, or specialist ADHD Clinical Assessor.

We will send information on how to join the virtual call ahead of your appointment. 

What the assessment covers:

  • A detailed clinical interview 
  • Standardised ADHD rating scales 
  • Exploration of your strengths, challenges and lived experience 
  • Consideration of co-occurring conditions 
  • A clear, evidence-based diagnostic decision 
  • Time for questions and clarification 

We do not expect you to mask or present symptoms in a particular way.  

Our focus is on understanding your day-to-day experience and how it has developed over time.

After the assessment

You will receive:

  • A comprehensive diagnostic report – this is an official letter that explains what your assessor has diagnosed from your appointment, written in clear, accessible language 
  • Information about support options and next steps 
  • If needed, guidance on medication and a prescription  
  • We will also share your report with your GP 
  • Be mindful of the content of your report and who else you may wish or wish not to share it with. 
Woman taking medicine

Medication and titration

If you are diagnosed with ADHD and advised to take medication, our clinicians will help you find the right dose with check-ins as required. 

If you do not want to start medication, we can help to provide advice and guidance locally, you will be returned to your GP. You can always come back later through your GP if you change your mind. 

Click here for more information on prescribing

Ongoing care

Once your medication dose is stable, we will issue a Shared Care Agreement with your GP. 

  • If your GP agrees to the shared care, you will be returned back to them and receive monthly prescriptions from your GP. 
  • If your GP does not agree, you will continue to receive prescriptions from us. 

We also support you with an Annual Review to check how you are managing with your ADHD medication and discuss any changes if needed. 

Frequently asked questions about assessments

  • Yes. Your GP must complete the referral. You can use this letter to ask your GP to make the referral.

  • Yes. We offer online appointments and will explain how these work in advance. 

  • Yes. You can make appointment changes by contacting us by email at hcl.adhd@nhs.net.

  • Yes. We provide prescriptions for you to collect at a community pharmacy of your choice. 

  • Yes, your assessor needs to be able to see you as part of the assessment.  

  • Yes. You can take breaks at any time, and the session can be paced to suit you. 

  • Yes. You are welcome to have a support person with you during the assessment. 

  • Yes. Adjustments are part of our service. You can request them at any stage. 

  • This is very common. We aim to make the process calm, respectful and predictable. You can tell us what helps you feel more comfortable. 

  • We will explain the outcome clearly and discuss other possible explanations or next steps. 

  • You can write things down, take your time, or share information in advance or ask your support person to help. We adapt to how you communicate best. 

  • A consultant psychiatrist is a fully qualified medical doctor who has completed specialist training in psychiatry and holds a senior clinical role. 

    They lead the team which includes specially trained and qualified ADHD assessors and healthcare professionals who support you when starting ADHD medication (known as tritators).  

    Consultant psychiatrists: 

    • Diagnose mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions 
    • Prescribe and manage medication 
    • Lead and oversee clinical services 
    • Work with psychologists, GPs and other professionals 
    • Make complex clinical decisions 

    In the UK, consultant psychiatrists are regulated by the General Medical Council (GMC). 

  • Titration is the process of finding the right dose of medication for you. Your clinician will start you on a dose and adjust it gradually over time, checking how well it works and whether there are any side effects. The goal is to reach a dose that helps manage your symptoms safely and effectively. 

  • Yes. We follow NHS and GDPR standards to keep your information secure. 

  • Yes.

  • We want you to have the best possible experience when using our services. If something hasn’t gone well, we want to hear from you so we can put things right and learn for the future. 

    If you have a complaint or concern about the service you have received from the ADHD service, please let us know. We operate a complaints procedure as part of the wider NHS complaints system.  

    Visit our complaints policy page for more information here.