ADHD assessment waiting times for adults in England

Adult NHS ADHD waits in England vary hugely by area. Many local services quote waits measured in years, while some Right to Choose providers can assess within weeks or months, if your area isn't limiting referrals.

Why waits vary so much

• Your local service. Each area's NHS adult ADHD service has its own list. Demand has grown far faster than capacity.
• Your ICB's limits. In 2026/27, many ICBs give each Right to Choose provider a planned number of assessments for the year. When a provider reaches it, new referrals from that area may wait longer.
• The provider you choose. Waits differ between providers, and they change month to month.

How to find your real wait

1. Ask your GP for the current wait for your local NHS adult ADHD service.
2. Email two or three Right to Choose providers and ask: "What is your current wait from referral to assessment for a patient registered in [your ICB]?"
3. Check your area on ADHD UK's Right to Choose wait times, which are based on Freedom of Information requests.
4. Compare and choose. Pick the provider with the shortest realistic wait that also covers medication and shared care in a way that suits you.

Don't forget the wait for medication

After diagnosis, there may be a further wait to start medication (titration). Ask providers about this wait too, not only the assessment wait.

Sources: NHS England patient choice guidance; ADHD UK: Right to Choose changes 2026.

Related guides

• My GP refused ADHD shared care: what now?
• Right to Choose ADHD in Birmingham and Solihull
• Right to Choose ADHD in London
• How to get an ADHD diagnosis as an adult in England