5 Important things when considering a Private ADHD Assessment
Are you considering a private ADHD assessment? As a psychologist specialising in ADHD I would like to share 5 important things with you which you should consider when deciding to get a private ADHD assessment.
Understanding whether you have ADHD can be a significant step in your journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. However, it can be a struggle to decide how to obtain an assessment and diagnosis. There are 5 important things to consider before deciding on a private assessment.
Financial Costs and Need for Medication
NHS or A Private Assessment?
Your GP can refer you to your local NHS service, and also you have a legal 'Right to Choose' your mental healthcare provider if local NHS waiting times are too long. Both these routes are free. Your GP is not normally an expert in ADHD and will need some supporting information to make the referral such as a description of your problems by yourself or the outcome normative screening tool (ASRS or WURS).
A private assessment might be worth considering if these options aren't suitable for you or if waiting times are too long. If you're considering a private assessment, it's important to think ahead. Are you hoping to receive medication? You will need a private provider who can diagnose and medically treat ADHD such as a specialist doctor (Psychiatrist). While GPs can prescribe once medication adjustments and treatment is stable (called titration) this process needs careful monitoring by an ADHD specialists for approximately 2 to 6 months. If you wish for your GP to continue to prescribe after titration, you will need to check that your GP offers ‘A Shared care agreement’ with your private.
Note that medication can mean ongoing costs. Medication adjustments (called titration) need careful monitoring by an ADHD specialists for approximately 2 to 6 months whilst on titration. Even if you are not looking for medication now could this need change in the future?
Unfortunately, some clients find that their GP and neurodevelopmental service within the NHS does not accept a private assessment report although a private assessment is commonly more thorough and detailed involving more assessment hours and more comprehensive reports.
If you do not wish to receive medication you can consider an ADHD assessment from a Private Psychologist. (They can't prescribe medication as they do not have prescribing rights.)
If you have private insurance, such as Bupa, depending on your health plan, they may cover the cost of a udiagnostic assessment and treatment.
Qualifications
In the UK, ADHD assessments must be conducted by qualified specialists according to NICE guideline 87. This includes (specially trained ) psychiatrists, qualified psychologists with ADHD expertise, and specialist ADHD nurses. In the UK the term psychologist itself is not a protected title. All psychologists need to be registered with the HCPC (Health and Care Professionals Council) and you can check their qualifications on the HCPC website. They should also have obtained further training in diagnosing ADHD for example from UKAAN (The UK Adult ADHD Network).
Assessment Approach
ADHD isn't just about challenges - while it can mean difficulty concentrating on particular things, feeling restless, or acting on impulse, it can also bring amazing strengths! Many people with ADHD are wonderfully creative, spontaneous, and deeply empathetic.
Therefore, modern ADHD assessment combines a medical and neuro-affirmative approach. While this means using a structured diagnostic tools for a rigorous assessment and to understand your challenges, the approach also celebrates your unique strengths and abilities. This balanced approach helps create a fuller picture of who you are, focusing on how ADHD impacts your life while also recognising and building upon your natural talents.
Goodness of Fit
Many private services offer a free initial consultation to ensure you feel comfortable with your assessor. This might be over the phone, online, or in person. It's a chance to ask questions and understand how they work. Some people prefer working with clinicians who have lived experience with ADHD - and that's perfectly fine! Your choice is important as ultimately an assessment is the start of a therapeutic journey.
Understanding the Assessment process
A thorough private assessment typically takes several hours and involves various components:
- Clear explanation of costs and if the person is a recognized provider for insurance
- Use of comprehensive tools for ADHD (DIVA or ACE) and related conditions
- Collecting comprehensive information about your development via forms and/or interview (some people may struggle with completing lengthy forms)
- Optional computerised assessments (QB Check). This tracks your eye movements, measures attention and distractibility when engaged in a simple computerized task. It isn’t a valid stand-alone assessment but can contribute valuable information to the assessment process.
- Information from parents, family members or others who know the person well (with their consent)
Feedback and a detailed report that you can review, check for accuracy and discuss in detail with the clinician
Differential Diagnosis
The assessor should be able to carefully consider other factors that may explain your experiences such as mental health conditions (PTSD/trauma, Bipolar disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder) and other neurodevelopmental conditions (for example, Autism). There can be a large amount of overlap between ADHD and other conditions.
Do they offer post-diagnostic support?
Some services will provide specific recommendations tailored to the individual’s needs, formulate a letter for employers about useful work adaptations, provide valuable resources to help learn more about ADHD and post-diagnostic coaching and therapy.
Your assessment can be the beginning of a meaningful journey towards better self-understanding, self-compassion, and personal growth. Whether you choose NHS or a private assessment, the most important thing is finding the path that is right for you and which will provides what you need.
