Service Updates:
NHS Right to Choose

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

Waiting times for NHS Right to Choose assessments vary depending on where you live. Each area is managed by an NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB), which sets how many assessments providers like Psychiatry UK can deliver each year.

For 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027, some ICBs have set reduced activity levels, meaning fewer assessments can be offered during this period. As a result, waiting times may be longer than usual and, in some cases, may extend beyond March 2027.

In the meantime, we encourage you to make sure all your paperwork and forms are completed and up to date. As appointments become available, we allocate them to those who are ready – so getting everything in order now means you won’t miss out when your turn comes.

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.

• “Standard” wait times can be found here: Initial Assessment & Titration Waiting Times
• Easily find your ICB with your postcode: ICB lookup tool

If you are affected, what does this mean for you?

If your ICB is listed above and your wait time exceeds the ‘Standard’ wait time:

• Your appointment will be booked or rescheduled as soon as booking reopens
• If you already have an assessment booked, this may be rearranged
• We encourage you to make sure all your paperwork and forms are completed and up to date. As appointments become available, we allocate them to those who are ready – so getting everything in order now means you won’t miss out when your turn comes.

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:

• NHS England » Contact your local integrated care board (ICB)