Guidance for NHS General Practitioners
Welcome to our dedicated information hub for NHS General Practitioners. We understand the vital role you play in supporting patients seeking ADHD and Autism assessments, and we are committed to making the referral process as clear and collaborative as possible.
Right to Choose Referrals: ADHD and Autism Assessments
We offer streamlined pathways for Right to Choose referrals, ensuring your patients receive timely and high-quality assessments.
To support your referral process and shared care planning, we’ve compiled a set of practical resources:
- Download GP Referral Form Template (PDF)
- Download GP Referral Form Template (word doc)
- Download GP Referral Guide (PDF)
- Download GP Shared Care Guidance (PDF)
About Psychiatry UK
Psychiatry UK provides consultant psychiatrist-led ADHD and autism assessments, both privately and on behalf of the NHS.
We operate within a comprehensive Governance and Quality Assurance Framework, recognised by the CQC for effective safeguarding, NICE compliance, and a culture of openness and continuous improvement.
Quick Facts
- CQC regulated: Rated ‘Good’ in all areas (June 2025)
- Patient experience: 96% rated care as ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ in FFT surveys (past 12 months)
- Clinical team: All consultants are GMC-registered CCT holders
- 800+ specialist clinicians across ADHD and autism services
- NICE-compliant diagnostic assessment and treatment pathways
- Dedicated patient support team for ongoing guidance
- Referral required: Access via GP and pre-assessment screening to ensure clinical appropriateness
Our commitment
Delivering high-quality, patient-centred care, with comprehensive clinical reports designed to support shared care and continuity in primary care.
How to Refer a Patient
Assessments are delivered via secure video consultations, ensuring accessibility, efficiency and adherence to clinical best practice. As a GP in England, you may refer eligible NHS patients (aged 18+) to Psychiatry UK under the NHS Choice Framework for:
- Autism assessments: Consultant-led diagnostic evaluations.
- ADHD assessments: Full diagnostic pathway.
- ADHD titration and medication management: Ongoing prescribing support aligned to shared care.
Step-by-Step Referral Process:
1. Check Patient Suitability
Before making a referral, please ensure the patient is clinically and technically suitable for online assessment.
2. Gather Clinical Information
Include relevant history, current medications, comorbidities, risk factors and any previous assessments.
3. Complete Referral Documentation
- A GP, ANP, or ACP must complete the referral form.
- Ensure all mandatory fields are filled in.
- Attach a patient medical summary with the referral.
Download our Referral Form Template (PDF) >
Download our Referral Form Template (word doc) >
4. Submit the Referral
Email all documents to:
[email protected]
Patient self-referrals cannot be accepted.
5. Pre-assessment Screening
Patients will complete screening to ensure clinical appropriateness and prioritisation.
6. Assessment and Reporting
The assessment is conducted via secure video and a comprehensive report is provided.
7. Titration and Follow-up (ADHD)
If indicated, titration is initiated with monitoring, shared care prescribing can proceed once stable and agreed.
Supporting Information
Ongoing recruitment and AI-supported triage have significantly improved waiting times:
- Autism assessments: under 3 months
- ADHD assessments: under 12 months
Please note: Expedited referrals are considered only where a specific clinical risk is identified.
We provide structured ADHD titration and medication management following diagnosis.
Some patients arrive well-informed about ADHD medication and may request specific options. Here we share some insight into our titration process and the types of medication we can and cannot prescribe.
Our Formulary (NICE compliant)
First-line options (adults):
- Methylphenidate
- Lisdexamfetamine
If not tolerated or effective, Atomoxetine (a non-stimulant) may be prescribed.
Treatment plans are personalised – balancing clinical suitability, lifestyle factors and patient preference.
Approximately 70–80% of patients report symptom improvement with stimulant medication.
What GPs receive after assessment
After your patient’s assessment, you will receive:
- A detailed clinical report summarising assessment outcomes and recommendations
- Information on any follow-up investigations required for patients considering medication treatment
Shared Care Arrangements
Following titration, we will contact you to discuss a Shared Care Agreement, ensuring safe and consistent prescribing.
Depending on local NHS arrangements, patients reaching a stable dose may be discharged back to their local ADHD service.
We invest continually in digital tools that enhance safety, efficiency and patient experience.
TwynSyght: AI-driven safeguarding tool identifying clinical risks in real time
QareScrybe: AI transcription drafting consultant-grade clinical letters within minutes
QareAssist (coming soon): Supports patients in completing pre-assessment forms accurately and efficiently
Private Assessment Options
(non-NHS)
Private services are available for patients not eligible under RTC:
- ADHD assessment: £950
- Autism assessment: £1,950 (Appointments typically available within 2 weeks post pre-assessment screening.) No GP referral required.
Quick Access Links
Guides
- GP Referral Form Template (PDF)
- GP Referral Form Template (word doc)
- GP Referral Guide (PDF)
- Shared Care Guidance (PDF)
Contact Support
- Contact: [email protected]
- GP Support: [email protected]
Patient Information
