Private ADHD Assessment Cost UK 2026 Fees, Diagnosis & Treatment
As FCA-authorised private medical insurance experts who have helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr understands the urgent need for clarity on UK healthcare costs. This guide provides an in-depth look at the fees, processes, and crucial considerations for private ADHD assessments in 2026, helping you make an informed decision.
Updated guide on the cost of private adult and child ADHD assessments, including medication costs and shared care agreements
Navigating the path to an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in the UK can feel overwhelming. With NHS waiting lists for specialist assessments often stretching for years, many individuals and families are turning to the private sector for timely support.
This definitive 2026 guide breaks down the complete financial picture of a private ADHD diagnosis. We will cover everything from the initial assessment fees for adults and children to the ongoing costs of medication and the vital process of arranging a "shared care" agreement with your NHS GP.
Why Consider a Private ADHD Assessment?
The primary driver for seeking a private ADHD assessment is speed. While the NHS provides an excellent standard of care, the demand for neurodevelopmental assessments has surged.
- NHS Waiting Times: In many parts of the UK, the wait for an initial NHS ADHD assessment can be between two and five years. For adults and children struggling at work, in school, or with their mental health, this delay can have profound consequences.
- Choice of Specialist: The private sector offers more choice over which psychiatrist or clinic you see and when you are seen.
- Faster Treatment: A private diagnosis can lead to immediate access to treatment, including medication titration and therapy, potentially starting within weeks of your initial enquiry.
A private assessment is a significant financial commitment. It is crucial to understand the full scope of the costs involved before you begin.
Private ADHD Assessment Cost UK: A Detailed Breakdown (2026)
The cost of a private ADHD assessment varies depending on the clinic, the location, and whether the assessment is for an adult or a child. Child assessments are often more expensive due to the need for more detailed feedback from schools and parents.
Here is a typical breakdown of expected costs for 2026. These are guide prices and you should always confirm the exact fee with your chosen clinic.
| Service | Typical Cost (Adult) | Typical Cost (Child/Adolescent) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial ADHD Assessment | £700 – £1,200 | £900 – £1,500+ | Clinical interview, diagnostic questionnaires, review of history, full diagnostic report. |
| Follow-up Consultation | £150 – £300 | £180 – £350 | Post-diagnosis discussion of treatment options, medication advice. |
| Medication Titration Package | £150 – £400 per month | £180 – £450 per month | Specialist oversight while finding the correct medication type and dose. Lasts 4-12 weeks. |
| Private Prescription (Monthly) | £50 – £150 | £50 – £150 | The actual cost of the medication itself, which is separate from the titration fee. |
Key Insight: The initial assessment fee is just the starting point. The most significant ongoing cost is typically the medication titration phase, which is essential for establishing a safe and effective treatment plan.
Hidden Costs: Beyond the Initial Assessment Fee
Many people are surprised by the additional costs that follow a diagnosis. It is vital to budget for the entire pathway, not just the first appointment.
- Medication Titration: This is the process where a specialist psychiatrist adjusts your medication dose to find the optimal balance between benefits and side effects. This requires close monitoring and several follow-up contacts. Most clinics charge a monthly fee for this service, which lasts until your medication is stabilised. This is not a one-off fee.
- Private Prescriptions: Until you have a Shared Care Agreement in place with your GP, you will have to pay for your medication privately. Costs for common ADHD medications like Elvanse or Concerta can range from £50 to over £150 per month.
- Follow-Up Appointments: After your medication is stabilised, you will still need periodic reviews with your private psychiatrist, typically every 6 or 12 months, to continue the Shared Care Agreement. These appointments are chargeable.
- Diagnostic Reports for Others: If you need copies of your report sent to your employer or university for support arrangements, some clinics may charge an administrative fee.
Real-Life Scenario: Sarah, a 30-year-old marketing manager, sought a private diagnosis.
- Initial Assessment: £950
- Titration Phase (3 months): £250/month = £750
- Private Prescriptions (3 months): £90/month = £270
- Total cost before NHS shared care: £1,970
Understanding these follow-on costs is essential for realistic financial planning.
The Private ADHD Diagnosis Process: What to Expect
A reputable private assessment follows a structured process to ensure it meets national (NICE) guidelines.
- Initial Enquiry: You contact a clinic and are usually asked to complete pre-assessment screening questionnaires.
- The Assessment: This is a comprehensive clinical interview with a consultant psychiatrist specialising in ADHD. It will last between 90 minutes and 3 hours. The psychiatrist will explore your developmental history, childhood, education, work history, and current symptoms.
- Information Gathering: For a robust diagnosis, the clinician will need evidence of symptoms in childhood. This might involve questionnaires for your parents or a partner, and for children, detailed school reports and teacher feedback forms are essential.
- The Diagnostic Report: Following the assessment, you will receive a detailed report. This will state whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD (according to DSM-5 or ICD-11). If you do, it will recommend a treatment plan.
- Treatment Planning: This involves a follow-up appointment to discuss the report and agree on the next steps, which may include medication, therapy, or coaching.
Navigating Medication Costs and Shared Care Agreements
A Shared Care Agreement (SCA) is a formal arrangement between your private specialist, your NHS GP, and you. It allows your GP to take over prescribing your ADHD medication on an NHS prescription, reducing your monthly cost to the standard NHS prescription charge (or free, depending on your circumstances).
This is the most critical step in managing long-term costs.
How to Get a Shared Care Agreement:
- Stabilisation: You must first be on a stable dose of medication, managed by your private psychiatrist through the titration process.
- Formal Request: Your private clinic will write to your GP, providing the full diagnostic report and a formal SCA proposal.
- GP Acceptance: Your GP is not obligated to accept the SCA. Most are willing, provided the private assessment was conducted by a reputable, GMC-registered specialist and followed NICE guidelines. However, some GP practices have blanket policies against entering into SCAs for privately diagnosed conditions.
Insider Tip: Before you book a private assessment, it is wise to have a conversation with your GP surgery. Ask them what their policy is regarding Shared Care Agreements for ADHD initiated by a private provider. This can save significant frustration and expense later.
Does Private Medical Insurance Cover ADHD Assessments? The Expert Answer
This is one of the most common questions we receive at WeCovr, and the answer requires careful explanation.
In short, standard UK private medical insurance (PMI) does not cover the diagnosis or treatment of ADHD.
Here’s why:
- Chronic vs. Acute: Private medical insurance is designed to cover acute conditions. An acute condition is a disease or injury that is likely to respond quickly to treatment and lead to a full recovery (e.g., a cataract operation, joint replacement, or cancer treatment).
- ADHD is a Chronic Condition: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it is present from childhood and is lifelong. In insurance terms, this makes it a chronic condition. PMI policies explicitly exclude cover for the management of chronic conditions.
- Pre-existing Condition: As ADHD is developmental, it will always be considered a pre-existing condition, even if it was never formally diagnosed. Most PMI policies exclude pre-existing conditions, either permanently or for a set period (e.g., under a moratorium).
While PMI won't pay for the ADHD assessment itself, having a policy can be invaluable for other eligible health concerns. A trusted PMI broker can help you navigate what is and isn't covered, ensuring you have the right protection for future, unforeseen acute medical needs.
Choosing the Right Private ADHD Clinic: Key Considerations
The quality of private ADHD services can vary. To ensure your diagnosis is respected by the NHS and other institutions, look for these green flags:
✅ GMC-Registered Specialists: Ensure the assessment will be conducted by a Consultant Psychiatrist who is on the General Medical Council's (GMC) specialist register. ✅ NICE Guideline Compliance: The clinic should explicitly state that their assessments follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. ✅ Comprehensive Process: A good clinic will insist on gathering information from multiple sources (e.g., school reports, parent/partner questionnaires). ✅ Transparency on Costs: All fees, including for titration and follow-ups, should be clearly listed upfront.
Red Flags to Avoid: ❌ Guaranteed Diagnosis: No ethical clinician can guarantee a diagnosis before a full assessment. ❌ Assessment Without Evidence: Be wary of clinics offering a diagnosis based on a short online quiz alone. ❌ Lack of Psychiatrist Involvement: The final diagnosis should be made by a qualified consultant psychiatrist, not a less qualified therapist or nurse alone.
The WeCovr Advantage: Holistic Health and Financial Planning
While the cost of a private ADHD assessment falls outside the scope of health insurance, understanding this process highlights the importance of proactive health and financial planning. At WeCovr, we help our clients build a comprehensive safety net.
- Expert PMI Advice: We can help you compare providers to find the best private medical insurance UK policy for your family's future acute healthcare needs, ensuring you're not paying for cover you can't use.
- Exclusive Benefits: Our clients gain complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, supporting your overall wellbeing journey.
- Bundled Discounts: When you take out a private health cover or life insurance policy with us, you can often access discounts on other essential protection, like income protection.
How much does a private ADHD assessment cost for an adult in the UK in 2026?
Will Bupa, Aviva or AXA cover my ADHD assessment?
Can I get a private diagnosis and then get medication on the NHS?
Is a private ADHD diagnosis valid in the UK?
Take Control of Your Health and Finances
A private ADHD assessment is a significant but often life-changing investment in your wellbeing. While it isn't covered by private health insurance, understanding the landscape of private healthcare is crucial.
Let our experts at WeCovr provide a free, no-obligation review of your health insurance needs. We'll help you understand what's covered, compare the UK's leading providers, and find a policy that gives you and your family peace of mind for the future.
Related guides
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
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