What’s Included in the Cost?
A reputable private ADHD assessment should include all of the following within the quoted price:
- ✅ Pre-assessment questionnaires (ASRS, Conners or equivalent)
- ✅ Observer/collateral questionnaire for a parent, partner or colleague
- ✅ Clinical assessment appointment (60–90 mins for adults, 90–120 mins for children)
- ✅ Formal written diagnostic report (usually issued within 1–2 weeks)
- ✅ Letter to GP or referrer
The following are usually not included and charged separately:
- ❌ Medication titration (finding the right ADHD medication and dose) — typically £150–£400 per follow-up
- ❌ Ongoing prescribing (after initial diagnosis)
- ❌ Psychological therapy or ADHD coaching
- ❌ School reports or educational psychologist input
What Affects the Price?
- Clinician seniority: Consultant psychiatrists typically cost more than psychologists. Both are valid for ADHD diagnosis if appropriately qualified
- In-person vs online: Online assessments are usually £100–£300 cheaper. Both are clinically equivalent when conducted properly
- Child vs adult: Child assessments typically cost more due to longer appointment times and the need to gather school information
- Location: London providers are typically 10–20% more expensive than providers in other regions
- Provider type: Large national providers (e.g. Clinical Partners, ADHD 360) often have fixed transparent pricing; independent psychiatrists may charge more but offer more personalised service
- Co-occurring conditions: If autism or other conditions are also assessed, expect to pay significantly more
How Does Private Compare to NHS Cost?
NHS ADHD assessments are free at the point of use — but come with NHS waiting times of 2–5 years in many areas of England. The real-world cost of waiting includes lost productivity, untreated symptoms, strain on mental health and missed support at school or work.
Many adults who go private report that the cost was recovered within months through improved work performance, reduced sick days, or successful benefit claims enabled by the formal diagnosis.
Are There Ways to Reduce the Cost?
- Choose online over in-person — saves £100–£300 with no clinical difference
- Check if your PMI covers it — some private health insurance policies cover ADHD assessments; check your policy documents
- Look for combined assessments — if you think ADHD and autism may both be present, a combined assessment is usually cheaper than two separate ones
- Compare 2–3 providers — prices vary significantly for equivalent quality. Use our free matching service to get details from local providers
- Ask about payment plans — some providers offer instalments
