Service Updates
We want to keep our NHS Right to Choose (RTC) patients fully informed about current waiting times and service changes.
Demand for ADHD and autism assessments across England has grown significantly in recent years – much faster than the available NHS resources.
To help manage this, some local NHS commissioners are making changes to the way services are planned and funded. As a result, Psychiatry UK has been asked by certain NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to temporarily delay the booking of some assessment appointments.
We anticipate that this will change from April 2026 onwards, when the new NHS financial year begins.
What is Right to Choose (RTC)?
If you are registered with a GP in England and they refer you to a consultant or specialist doctor, you have the legal right to choose your provider.
- Right to Choose (RTC) is not currently available in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. If you move and register with a GP outside England while waiting for an assessment, or during treatment, you will no longer be eligible for RTC.
- The organisation you choose must be a ‘qualified provider’. Psychiatry UK has NHS contracts with a number of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to provide diagnosis and treatment services for adult ADHD and autism. We therefore meet the RTC criteria..
- We cannot provide ADHD assessments for patients under the age of 18 under RTC.
If your GP feels a referral is appropriate, and makes a referral to us, we can arrange for your treatment to be paid for by the NHS under the Right to Choose legislation.
Important update
Some NHS commissioners have asked us to temporarily pause or delay the booking of certain Right to Choose assessment appointments.
If this affects you, there is nothing you need to do right now. We will contact you as soon as we are able to book or rearrange your appointment.
Am I affected by this change?
You may be affected if your NHS Right to Choose referral is funded by one of the NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) listed below.
NHS ICBs currently delaying appointment bookings:
- Delay booking appointments: Yes
- Autism assessments delayed: Yes
- ADHD assessments delayed: Yes
- Delay booking appointments: Yes
- Autism assessments delayed: Yes
- ADHD assessments delayed: Yes
- Delay booking appointments: Yes
- Autism assessments delayed: Yes
(services remain open for appointment booking) - ADHD assessments delayed: Yes
- Delay booking appointments: Yes
- Autism assessments delayed: Yes
- ADHD assessments delayed: Yes
- Delay booking appointments: Yes
- Autism assessments delayed: Yes
- ADHD assessments delayed: Yes
- Delay booking appointments: Yes
- Autism assessments delayed: Yes
- ADHD assessments delayed: Yes
- Delay booking appointments: Yes
- Autism assessments delayed: Yes
- ADHD assessments delayed: Yes
- Delay booking appointments: Yes
- Autism assessments delayed: Yes
- ADHD assessments delayed: Yes
- Delay booking appointments: Yes
- Autism assessments delayed: Yes
- ADHD assessments delayed: Yes
- Delay booking appointments: Yes
- Autism assessments delayed: Yes
- ADHD assessments delayed: Yes
If you are affected, what does this mean for you?
If your ICB is listed above:
- Your appointment will be booked or rescheduled as soon as booking reopens
- If you already have an assessment booked, this may be rearranged
- There is nothing you need to do at this time
We will be in touch with you directly as soon as we are able to book or rearrange your appointment.
We understand how this feels
We understand the disappointment, frustration, and uncertainty this situation may cause. Unfortunately, these delays are outside of our control and are determined by your local NHS commissioner.
If you would like to contact your local Integrated Care Board, you can find their details here:
In the meantime
While you are waiting, you may find the following helpful:
- Visit our Resources Hub for information, guidance, and support.
- We will be publishing blogs with tips and strategies to help you manage symptoms while you wait.
- There are alternative ways to access an assessment, although these involve self-funding.
Find out more here: Private Psychiatric Services | Mental Health Support
Are you interested in a Private Adult ADHD Assessment?
View our dedicated page and we’ll guide you from there – no referral, no hassle, and full support along the way.
