Is a Private ADHD Assessment Recognised by the NHS?

Short answer: yes — a private ADHD assessment can be recognised by the NHS, provided it meets specific clinical and governance standards. However, not all private assessments are accepted, and this is where confusion (and frustration) often arises.

This article explains what “NHS-recognised” actually means, why some reports are rejected, and how to ensure an assessment can be used to support NHS care.

What does “NHS-recognised” actually mean?

The NHS does not formally “approve” individual private clinics. Instead, GPs and NHS services look at whether an assessment meets recognised clinical standards, including:

Alignment with NICE guidelines

A clear diagnostic process

Evidence of a multidisciplinary approach

A report written to a standard that NHS services can rely on

If these criteria are met, a private ADHD assessment can and often is accepted to support onward care, including referrals, reasonable adjustments, and — in some cases — medication under shared care.

Why are some private ADHD assessments rejected?

This is one of the most common concerns we hear.

Private ADHD reports are typically rejected when they:

Do not follow NICE guidance

Rely on a single questionnaire without clinical assessment

Lack sufficient developmental history

Are completed without appropriate clinical oversight

Do not clearly explain how diagnostic criteria were met

Are written in a way that NHS clinicians cannot safely rely on

Rejection is usually about process and evidence, not whether the assessment was private.

What should an NHS-recognised ADHD assessment include?

A robust adult ADHD assessment should include:

1. A structured clinical interview

This explores current symptoms, childhood history, and functional impact across multiple settings.

2. Evidence of symptoms from childhood

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition. Reports must show that traits were present before age 12.

3. Use of recognised assessment tools

These should support — not replace — clinical judgement.

4. Consideration of differential diagnoses

This includes anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, and other conditions that may overlap with ADHD.

5. Multidisciplinary oversight

NHS services expect diagnoses to be made or confirmed within an appropriate MDT framework, rather than by a single isolated practitioner.

6. A clear, clinically reasoned report

The report should explicitly map findings to diagnostic criteria and explain conclusions in plain, professional language.

Can a GP refuse to accept a private ADHD report?

A GP can decline to act on a report if they believe it does not provide enough clinical assurance. However, they should be able to explain why.

Importantly:

A GP cannot refuse simply because the assessment was private

Decisions should be based on clinical quality and safety

If a report meets expected standards, many GPs are willing to:

Add the diagnosis to medical records

Support referrals

Consider shared care arrangements (where appropriate)

What about medication and shared care?

Medication prescribing for ADHD follows additional safeguards.

Even with a recognised private assessment:

The NHS is not obliged to accept shared care

Stability on medication is usually required

Local ICB policies may apply

This is why high-quality assessments explain:

Diagnostic rationale

Risk considerations

Medication recommendations (where relevant)

Clear handover information for GPs

Are private ADHD assessments a “shortcut”?

No — and well-conducted assessments should never be presented that way.

A properly completed private ADHD assessment should be:

Clinically thorough

Evidence-based

At least as rigorous as NHS pathways

Focused on long-term safety and understanding, not speed alone

How to choose a private ADHD service safely

If you are considering a private assessment, it is reasonable to ask:

Do you follow NICE guidelines?

Is there MDT involvement?

Who confirms the diagnosis?

Will the report be suitable to share with my GP?

What support is offered after diagnosis?

A reputable service will answer these clearly and transparently.

Key takeaways

✔ Private ADHD assessments can be recognised by the NHS

✔ Acceptance depends on clinical quality, not whether the service is private

✔ MDT oversight, NICE alignment, and a clear report are critical

✔ Poor-quality assessments are more likely to be rejected

✔ Asking the right questions protects you from wasted time and cost