What is Right-to-Choose and How to Access it with Mentalwell?

For many adults in the UK, accessing an ADHD diagnosis through traditional NHS routes can involve long waiting times. The NHS Right-to-Choose pathway offers an alternative, allowing eligible patients in England to choose an approved provider for their assessment. This article provides a clear overview of how the pathway works, who is eligible, and how Mentalwell supports patients throughout the process.

What is the Right to Choose Pathway for ADHD?

The Right-to-Choose pathway is an NHS policy that allows patients in England to select their preferred provider for certain services, including ADHD assessments, when referred by their GP.

With this pathway, your GP refers you to a provider like Mentalwell, who will carry out your assessment and, where clinically appropriate, initiate treatment. This can provide faster access to care compared to standard NHS waiting lists.

Eligibility and Key Considerations

To access the ADHD assessment through Right-to-Choose, you must:

• Be registered with a GP in England

• Be seeking an ADHD assessment (not already under active ADHD care with another provider)

• Choose a provider that holds an NHS commissioning contract for the service

Your GP will still need to assess whether a referral is clinically appropriate. While patients have the right to choose their provider, the referral itself must come from your GP.

The Referral Process

The process typically involves:

• Completing a screening tool such as the ASRS to outline your symptoms

• Preparing a referral letter requesting a Right-to-Choose assessment with your chosen provider

• Booking an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms and request the referral

Once your GP submits the referral, the provider will review it and, if accepted, guide you through onboarding and the next steps of your assessment.

What Happens After Referral?

If your referral is accepted:

• You will be invited to complete pre-assessment questionnaires

• You will attend a comprehensive online ADHD assessment with a specialist clinician

• You will receive a diagnosis (where appropriate) and a detailed outcome report

• If clinically indicated, treatment options, including medication, may be discussed and initiated

If your referral is not accepted:

• Your GP may provide feedback on the reason

• You may be advised on alternative options, including local NHS services or private care

Possible Outcomes and Next Steps

Following your assessment, there are several possible outcomes:

• ADHD diagnosis confirmed, with treatment and support options provided

• ADHD not diagnosed, with alternative explanations or recommendations shared

• Further information is required before a final outcome is reached

If treatment is initiated, ongoing care may involve continued specialist support and, where appropriate, discussion with your GP about shared care arrangements for long-term prescribing.

A final note

Accessing ADHD care through the NHS Right-to-Choose pathway can provide a clearer and more timely route to diagnosis and support. While the process depends on GP referral and eligibility, it offers patients greater choice in how and where they receive care.

Mentalwell is an approved provider for ADHD assessments under the NHS Right-to-Choose pathway, holding the necessary NHS commissioning arrangements to deliver this service. With a referral from your GP, you can access our psychiatrist-led assessments and structured pathway designed to support you from referral through to diagnosis and beyond.