What the NHS Right to Choose Changes Mean for ADHD Diagnosis in 2025
For thousands of people in the UK, the path to an ADHD diagnosis has been long, frustrating, and often disheartening. One initiative that’s made a real difference? The NHS’s Right to Choose policy. But in 2025, updates to this policy are causing confusion — and it’s important to understand what’s changing.
What Is the NHS Right to Choose?
Right to Choose (RTC) is a legal right under the NHS Constitution. It allows patients in England to choose which provider carries out their first outpatient appointment for a physical or mental health condition — including ADHD assessments.
This meant that instead of sitting on a local NHS waitlist for 1–3 years, patients could request a referral to a private provider commissioned by the NHS (like Psychiatry UK or other clinics), often being seen in a matter of weeks.
What’s Changing in 2025?
In response to a surge in demand and misuse of loopholes, the NHS is tightening its processes. Here are some of the major updates:
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Stricter criteria on eligibility – GPs must confirm clinical appropriateness, not just patient preference
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More limited provider lists – Some clinics have been removed or suspended pending review
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Increased paperwork and delays – Some patients are reporting difficulty accessing RTC due to changing local guidance
While the Right to Choose still exists, how it’s applied in practice is becoming more variable across regions.
What This Means for You
If you're currently on a waitlist, here’s what we recommend:
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Read up on the latest eligibility guidance from NHS England
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Ask your GP if you meet the criteria for an RTC referral — and be specific
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Follow up — this is not a one-and-done process. Be persistent, polite, and proactive.
Our Take at Attentiv Supplements
We believe everyone deserves fair, fast access to ADHD care — and we’re actively working on partnerships with trusted clinics and support services to make that a reality for our community.
If you’ve been affected by these changes or need help navigating next steps, keep an eye on our resources and future updates. We’re here to support you with both supplements and systems.