How much does a private ADHD assessment cost in the UK?
What private adult ADHD assessments cost in 2026, what the price should include, and the treatment costs afterwards that people often miss.
"How much is a private ADHD assessment?" is one of the first questions people ask, and the answers online range from a few hundred pounds to over two thousand. The assessment fee is only part of the picture. This guide covers what you should get for the price, and what comes after it.
The headline figure
Prices for a private adult ADHD assessment in the UK vary widely. One 2026 comparison of 41 UK clinics found prices from £289 to £2,240, with a median of £950 (ADHD Clinic Finder).
Part of the reason for the spread is that clinics include quite different things under the same name.
What the price should include
For a fair comparison, check that the fee covers all of this:
- Questionnaires before the appointment, including one for someone who knew you as a child if possible.
- A structured assessment with a clinician trained in adult ADHD, usually 60 to 90 minutes.
- A diagnosis made by someone who met you, rather than someone who only read a summary.
- A full written report, whatever the outcome, explaining the reasoning.
- A letter to your GP with your consent.
- A feedback conversation where the findings are explained and you can ask questions.
If any of these costs extra, add it on before you compare.
Why some assessments are much cheaper
A very low price usually means something has been cut. Common examples are a shorter appointment, a diagnosis signed off by a psychiatrist who never speaks to you, a brief letter instead of a proper report, or extra fees for things like the GP letter. None of these are automatically wrong, but they affect how useful the diagnosis is later, especially if you want your GP to take over prescribing.
The costs after the assessment
This is where people get caught out. If you're diagnosed and want to try medication, there are usually further costs.
Titration. Starting medication and adjusting it safely takes a series of reviews over several weeks. Many clinics sell this as a package. Ask how many reviews are included, and what happens if you need more. Our guide to ADHD titration explains what it involves.
The medicine itself. With a private prescription, you pay the pharmacy's price for the medicine, not the standard NHS prescription charge. Prices vary by medicine, strength and pharmacy, so it's worth asking two or three pharmacies.
Prescription fees. Some clinics charge a fee each time they issue a prescription.
Ongoing reviews. Anyone taking ADHD medication should be reviewed regularly, including at least once a year. If you stay with a private clinic, these reviews are usually charged, either per appointment or as a monthly plan.
Occasional tests. If your health history means a heart trace (ECG) or blood test is needed before treatment, that may be an extra cost.
How shared care changes the numbers
Once you're settled on medication, your private clinic can ask your GP to take over prescribing under a shared care agreement. If your GP agrees, your prescriptions move onto the NHS and you pay the standard NHS prescription charge in England (or nothing if you're exempt).
GPs do not have to agree, and practice varies a lot between areas. That's why it's worth asking a clinic, before you pay, what they know about shared care where you live. We cover this in detail in shared care explained.
Ways to spread or reduce the cost
- Instalments. Many clinics let you split the assessment fee.
- Private medical insurance. Some policies cover ADHD assessment, often with conditions. Check before you book, and ask the clinic whether they're recognised by your insurer.
- Employer health schemes. Some employee assistance programmes or health cash plans contribute.
- Right to Choose. If you're in England, an NHS-funded assessment may be available through Right to Choose, although availability varies.
A simple way to compare clinics
Ask each clinic the same question: "If I'm diagnosed and want to try medication, roughly what will my first year cost, including titration, reviews and prescriptions?" A clinic that can answer that clearly is being straight with you.
This article is general information about private ADHD care in the UK. It is not medical or financial advice. Prices quoted come from the source linked and will change over time.