Waiting Times Updates

Waiting Times Update
NHS Right to Choose & Private Services

Last updated: 05/08/2025 

Current NHS (Right to Choose) Waiting Times

RTC Service TypeWaiting Time
Adult ADHD Initial Assessment (from referral acceptance)Up to 12 months
Adult Autism Assessment (from referral acceptance)Up to 4 months
Adult ADHD Medication (titration after initial assessment)Up to 10 months

Please note: If further tests (e.g. ECG, bloods) are required, this may extend your waiting time depending on NHS availability.
We kindly ask that you do not contact our Customer Support team for updates unless your circumstances have changed or your need is urgent. Unfortunately, they are unable to provide any more accurate estimates than those shown above.

Faster Options Available:
Our Private ADHD & Autism Services

We know how hard waiting can be – which is why we’ve launched new private (self-pay) services for those looking for faster access to support.

Private Service TypeWaiting Time
Adult ADHD Initial AssessmentWithin 2-3 weeks
Adult Autism AssessmentWithin 2-3 weeks
Children & Adolescents ADD, ADHD, Autism AssessmentWithin 2-3 weeks
Children & Adolescents ADHD Medication (titration after assessment)Within 5 weeks

No GP referral needed. No waiting list. Just timely, expert support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the past few years, demand for ADHD and Autism assessments through the NHS Right to Choose pathway has surged dramatically across the UK. While we are proud to help thousands of people access care through this route, it does mean longer-than-ideal waiting times.

We’re constantly working to improve this. We continue to:

  • Recruit more clinicians and support staff
  • Expand and train our team
  • Invest in new systems and technology

Still, the demand remains high, and we understand how frustrating the wait can be. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to reach you as soon as possible.

If you’ve been referred through RTC, here’s what to expect:

  • Referral Processing – Can take up to 8 weeks.
  • You’ll receive a welcome email/text to help you create an account on our MedQare portal.

Once your referral is accepted and you’ve completed the necessary forms, you’ll be added to our waiting list.

If you’ve waited more than 8 weeks and haven’t heard from us:

  • Check with your GP whether the referral was accepted or returned as incomplete.
  • If confirmed as accepted but still no contact, reach us via our Virtual Assistant Chat tool (bottom left of your screen).

It can take up to 8 weeks to process your referral. 

  • Once accepted, we will contact you via SMS and/or email to help you set up an account on our MedQare portal  
  • When you are logged in, you will find a welcome note letting you know what you need to do next

If you have not heard from us after 8 weeks, please ask your GP surgery:  

  • The date your GP sent your referral. 
  • Whether your referral has been returned to your surgery as incomplete, or has not been accepted. 
  • If your referral has not been returned to your GP and you have not heard from us after 8 weeks, please contact us using  our Virtual Assistance service. Your query will be escalated to our live chat to speak to a member of our Customer Support team (available Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm).
  • We’re unable to expedite individual requests as this would be unfair to other patients.
  • However, you may consider our private options for faster access.

Please use our  Virtual Assistant (VA) service, which is available from our website, portal and Companion App. This is the fastest way to find information. Click the ‘Chat Live with us’ button to access this service.

If our Virtual Assistant is unable to answer your query, you will be transferred to a member of our Customer Support team or fast-tracked to the team that is best suited to answer your query. Our opening hours are Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm. 

Alternatively, you can call our support line: 0330 124 1980 (Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm). Our phone lines are extremely busy and we regret that you may be on hold for some time.

Please note thatour call handling team will not be able to give any additional information about wait times,so please wait to be contacted by us. 

Looking to start your private ADHD Assessment today?

Visit our dedicated page, fill in your details, and we’ll guide you from there – no referral, no waiting times, no hassle, and full support along the way.

Urgent Medical Assistance

Please note: Psychiatry UK is an online service only and is therefore not able to offer an emergency service. 

Please see our guide to seeking urgent assistance.