Right to Choose ADHD Assessment: What Parents in the West Midlands Need to Know

If you’re a parent in the West Midlands struggling with long NHS waiting lists, you’re not alone. Many families don’t realise they have a legal option to choose where their child is assessed. Through right to choose ADHD providers, you can request an alternative NHS-approved clinic instead of waiting years locally.

This guide explains how it works, who qualifies, how to find the right to choose clinics near me, and what to expect from an NHS-approved ADHD assessment.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is the NHS Right to Choose?

The NHS Right to Choose is a legal right in England. It allows patients to choose their healthcare provider for certain services, including ADHD and autism assessments.

If your child is registered with a GP in England, you can request a referral to right to choose ADHD providers instead of your local NHS service.

This applies to:

• ADHD assessments
• Autism assessments
• Some mental health services
• Elective care services

You do not have to accept the default local waiting list.

Why Parents in the West Midlands Are Using Right to Choose

Across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, and Solihull, ADHD assessment waiting times can exceed 18–36 months.

That’s a long time for a child who may be:

• Struggling at school
• Experiencing emotional distress
• Facing behavioural challenges
• Losing confidence

By choosing the alternative right to choose ADHD providers, many families access assessments faster.

Some providers offer:

• Online assessments
• Shorter waiting times
• Structured diagnostic pathways
• Post-diagnosis medication titration

Who Is Eligible?

You can usually use Right to Choose if:

  Your child is registered with a GP in England
  The provider has an NHS contract
  The service is clinically appropriate
  It is not an emergency referral

You cannot use it if:

  Your child is already under active ADHD treatment
  You need urgent crisis support
  The provider does not hold an NHS contract

Always check eligibility with your GP.

What Is an NHS Approved ADHD Assessment?

An NHS approved ADHD assessment means:

• The provider has a contract with an NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB)
• The service meets NHS clinical standards
• Assessments follow NICE guidelines
• The diagnosis is recognised by the NHS

This is important.

Not all private clinics qualify under Right to Choose.

When searching for the right to choose clinics near me, always confirm they:

• Hold an NHS contract
• Accept GP referrals under Right to Choose
• Provide an ADHD assessment under NHS funding

How to Access Right to Choose ADHD Providers (Step-by-Step)

Here is the simple process:

Step 1: Book a GP Appointment

Explain your concerns clearly.

Describe school difficulties, behaviour patterns, and emotional impact.

Step 2: Request a Referral Under Right to Choose

Be specific.

Say you want a referral to a named provider under your legal Right to Choose.

Step 3: Provide Supporting Information

Some GPs may request:

• School reports
• Behavioural questionnaires
• Parent statements

Step 4: GP Sends Referral

The referral must come directly from an NHS GP email.

Self-referrals are usually not accepted.

Step 5: Wait for Provider Contact

The chosen provider will confirm:

• Waiting time
• Assessment format (online or face-to-face)
• Required paperwork

Right to Choose ADHD Providers vs Local NHS Services

Here’s a simple comparison:

Feature	Local NHS	Right to Choose ADHD Providers
Waiting Time	Often 18–36 months	Often shorter (varies)
Location	Local only	Maybe online nationwide
Cost	Free	Free (NHS funded)
Choice	Limited	You choose a provider
Flexibility	Varies	Often more flexible

Waiting times vary by ICB funding agreements.

Always check current timelines.

What About Autism?

Many families also ask about autism assessments.

The same legal framework applies to the right to choose autism providers.

If your child shows traits of:

• Social communication difficulties
• Sensory sensitivities
• Repetitive behaviours

You can request a referral to a provider offering autism assessments under NHS funding.

Some clinics assess both ADHD and autism together.

How to Find the Right to Choose Clinics Near Me

Parents often search: right to choose clinics near me.

Here’s how to find reliable options:

1. Search for providers with NHS contracts
2. Check if they accept referrals from your ICB
3. Confirm they follow NICE guidelines
4. Ask about waiting times
5. Verify medication pathways

Many providers now offer virtual assessments, so “near me” may not require travel.

Are There Restrictions in the West Midlands?

Yes, sometimes.

Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) may:

• Limit the number of funded assessments
• Pause new referrals
• Restrict adult or child services
• Set activity caps

This is not controlled by providers.

Always ask the clinic if your ICB currently allows new referrals.

What Happens During the ADHD Assessment?

A full NHS-approved ADHD assessment usually includes:

1. Clinical Interview

Detailed discussion of developmental history.

2. Questionnaires

Parent, teacher, and sometimes child forms.

3. Diagnostic Criteria Review

Assessment based on DSM-5 or ICD-11.

4. Outcome Report

Written report with diagnosis (if confirmed).

5. Treatment Plan

May include:

• Medication
• Behavioural strategies
• School support recommendations

What About Medication?

If diagnosed, medication may be offered.

Some right to choose ADHD providers provide:

• Titration (dose adjustment)
• Regular reviews
• Shared care agreements with the GP

Check whether:

• Medication is included
• Your GP accepts shared care
• Ongoing reviews are covered

Common Concerns from West Midlands Parents

Will my GP refuse?

Some GPs are unfamiliar with the process. Politely remind them: Right to Choose is a legal NHS right in England. You may need to provide provider details.

Is it really free?

Yes. If the provider has an NHS contract, the assessment is NHS-funded. You should not be charged.

Is online assessment valid?

Yes, if clinically appropriate. Many right-to-choose ADHD providers offer secure virtual consultations.

Benefits of Using the Right to Choose

Parents often report:

• Faster diagnosis
• Reduced stress
• Better school support
• Access to earlier treatment
• More provider flexibility

For a child struggling daily, time matters.

FAQs (Optimised for Featured Snippets)

What is the Right to Choose for ADHD?

Right to Choose allows patients in England to select an NHS-contracted provider for ADHD assessment instead of using their local NHS service.

Can I choose any ADHD clinic?

No. The provider must:

• Hold an NHS contract
• Accept Right to Choose referrals
• Be clinically appropriate

Are Right to Choose ADHD providers available in the West Midlands?

Yes. Many providers accept referrals from West Midlands GPs, though funding rules may vary by ICB.

How long is the waiting time?

It varies.

Local NHS: Often 18–36 months.
Right to Choose: Often shorter, but depends on funding limits.

Can I use Right to Choose for autism?

Yes. You can request a referral to the right to choose autism providers under the same NHS legislation.

Key Takeaways for West Midlands Parents

• You have a legal right to choose your provider.
• Assessments are NHS-funded.
• Waiting times may be shorter.
• Not all clinics qualify.
• Always confirm NHS contract status.

Choosing from approved right to choose ADHD providers can significantly reduce delays and stress for your family.

Conclusion

Navigating ADHD assessment can feel overwhelming, especially with long waiting lists across the West Midlands. The good news is that you are not limited to your local service. By understanding how right-to-choose ADHD providers work, you can explore faster, NHS-funded options for your child.

Speak to your GP, check provider eligibility, and take informed steps toward getting the support your child deserves.

Early clarity can change everything.