Access Compass guide
Getting an ADHD assessment in Northamptonshire (child and adult, including Right to Choose)
This guide explains how to get an NHS ADHD assessment in Northamptonshire. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The guide covers children and adults, step by step. You will learn who can refer you, and that the waits are long. It also explains NHS Right to Choose. This is a legal right to pick a different NHS-funded provider instead of waiting locally. One important local point: there are currently no shared-care arrangements for ADHD medication with Right to Choose providers. Shared care is where your GP takes over prescribing from the specialist.
Published by Access Compass · How we research and check guides
Who it's for: Parents & carers, Adults, Families, Children & young people
Not yet verified Last checked 7 Jul 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Step by step
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Decide the route that fits your situation
There are three main routes to an ADHD assessment: the standard local NHS service, NHS Right to Choose (an NHS-funded alternative provider), and a private (self-funded) assessment. For ADHD, medication needs a formal diagnosis first, so the route you choose matters if medication is likely to be part of the picture. Your GP is the best person to talk this through with.
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For a child or young person: get a professional to refer through the Referral Management Centre
Referrals for children and young people can only be made by a professional (GP, school SENCO, school nurse or health visitor) via the NHFT Children's Referral Management Centre (RMC). Parents cannot self-refer. In North Northamptonshire NHFT assesses all school ages; in West Northamptonshire NHFT covers secondary age and Northampton General Hospital covers primary age. Ask your GP or school to confirm and make the referral.
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For an adult: ask your GP to refer you to the NHFT Adult ADHD, Autism and Tourette's Team
Adults aged 18 and over registered with a Northamptonshire GP can be referred by their GP to the NHFT Adult ADHD, Autism and Tourette's Team at St Mary's Hospital, Kettering (phone 03000 273666, Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm). This NHS service assesses ADHD and can assess for medication where appropriate.
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Ask about the waiting time and support while you wait
ADHD assessment waits in Northamptonshire can be very long (the children's service reported an average first-appointment wait of around 114 weeks in June 2026, and national waits vary widely). Ask for the current figure. While you wait, ask about support that does not need a diagnosis, such as SENDIASS for children, the NHFT iDiscover service, and adult support through the NHFT Recovery College and Northamptonshire Mind.
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Consider NHS Right to Choose for an NHS-funded alternative provider
If you are registered with a GP in England, you have the legal right to ask your GP to refer you to an approved alternative NHS-funded provider for a first ADHD assessment. For adults, providers include Psychiatry-UK and ProblemShared. The assessment is free on the NHS. You cannot self-refer under Right to Choose: your GP must send the referral, usually on the provider's own form. You can only be on one pathway at a time (local NHS or Right to Choose, not both).
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Check the medication and shared-care position before you decide (very important for ADHD)
ADHD medication needs a formal diagnosis first, and after a diagnosis medication is usually stabilised by the specialist before a GP continues it under a Shared Care Agreement. In Northamptonshire, the local NHS guidance states there are currently no agreed shared-care arrangements with any Right to Choose providers for ADHD medication, and GPs are not expected to prescribe on that basis. If ongoing NHS-prescribed medication matters to you, discuss this carefully with your GP before choosing Right to Choose.
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Choose a provider, complete the referral, and check current availability
Use ADHD UK's list of providers that hold an NHS contract (adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose) to pick a provider, then download and complete their referral and self-report forms and ask your GP to refer you. Check the provider's current status, because some areas can temporarily pause Right to Choose referrals when funding is limited. Keep copies of your referral and any assessment report.