What is Right to Choose?
In England, under the NHS, you now have a legal right to choose your mental healthcare
provider, including for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessments. This service, offered through the NHS, is
free of charge
Introduction to Right to Choose Referrals
Did you know that NHS patients have the legal right to select their mental healthcare
provider? This important right allows you to explore alternative providers if the waiting
time for an ADHD or ASD assessment is too long. Right to Choose, introduced in 2018,
is still a relatively new system, and many patients may not be aware of these options.
Who Can Offer Right to Choose Assessments?
Several clinics across the UK offer Right to Choose ADHD and/or ASD assessments. To
be eligible to provide this service, clinics must also offer the same service to the NHS in
England. Private-only clinics are not eligible. Checking a provider’s website is a good
way to determine if they offer the services you need.
Which Providers Offer Right to Choose Assessments?
The list of clinics offering Right to Choose assessments is constantly evolving.
Currently, several clinics are available, but there may be other providers worth
researching as well.
Important Resources
ADHD & Right to Choose referrals: Visit the ADHD website for more
information.
ASD & Right to Choose referrals: Visit the National Autistic Society website for
helpful details
Things to Consider About Right to Choose
It’s important to note that many clinics offering these assessments can diagnose ADHD
or ASD but may not provide medication titration. This means you might need a local
NHS referral if medication is required to manage symptoms.
When Can You Not Use Right to Choose?
There are certain restrictions on eligibility for Right to Choose referrals. You are not
eligible if:
– You require urgent or emergency treatment.
– You are already receiving care for the condition you are seeking an assessment
for.
– The provider you choose cannot provide appropriate care for your condition.
– You are a prisoner or in specific secure settings such as a secure hospital or
under the Mental Health Act.
– You are a serving member of the armed forces.
How to Request a Right to Choose Referral from Your GP
Submit an e-consult with your concerns and our secretary will get in contact with you.
Your GP cannot advise on which clinic to select. After making your choice send an Consult Online from Home – Bassett Road Surgery with your selection and any relevant information to ensure an efficient referral
process. The NHS standard contract (section 7.9) dictates the use of the e-RS referral
system but does not require the use of a form to accompany such a referral. Your GP will
make the referral but will not complete forms created by the providers.
What Happens After Choosing a Clinic?
Once you select a clinic, either you or your family (if the patient is a child) will need to
research and decide which provider to choose. Your GP cannot advise on which clinic to
select. After making your choice, email or send an admin E-consult with your selection
and any relevant forms to ensure an efficient referral process. The NHS standard
contract (section 7.9) dictates the use of the e-RS referral system but does not require
the use of a form to accompany such a referral. Your GP will make the referral by letter,
but will not complete forms created by the providers.
How Much Quicker Will Right to Choose Be?
The speed of the assessment depends on your chosen clinic and whether they offer
medication titration. Generally, Right to Choose assessments can take anywhere from
12 weeks to 12 months—much quicker than the local NHS alternatives, which have
waiting times of up to 6-7 years. If a clinic offers a diagnosis but not medication
titration, you may need an additional referral for post-diagnostic support, which can
take up to 24 months locally. Your GP will not initiate specialist medication and will
only prescribe once the patient is stable on a dose and if the provider can meet the
same standard for shared care as local NHS services.
Why Choose Right to Choose If Medication May Not Be Easily Accessible?
Many patients find that a diagnosis is sufficient for obtaining additional support from
schools or employers, or they may not need medication at all for managing their
conditions.
Further Questions ADHD?
If you have additional questions, a simple call to your surgery may provide answers. For
further research, here are some helpful resources:
Information on ADHD
– AHD UKD: A charity offering free advice and information on ADHD and Right
to Choose referrals
– The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity – SNAP Charity The UK’s leading neurodiversity charity, offering services for
those who live with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, DCD, Dyscalculia, OCD, Tourette’s
Syndrome and more
– Tips for everyday living | ADHD and mental health | Mind ADHD and mental health
Further Questions ASD? If you have additional questions, a simple call to your surgery may provide answers. For
further research, here are some helpful resources:
National Autistic Society: offer support and advise for autistic people in the UK
and their families
Autism support, resources & advocacy | Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all
individuals with autism throughout their lifespan
Autism and mental health Autism and mental health