Right To Choose: ASD & ADHD Assessment Pathways For Wirral

What is Right to Choose?

In England, under the NHS, you 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 is free of charge and can help Wirral patients receive ADHD or ASD support more quickly.

Introduction to Right to Choose Referrals

NHS patients can legally select their mental healthcare provider. This is especially useful if waiting times for assessments are long. Right to Choose, introduced in 2018, is still relatively new, so many patients may not be aware of their options.

Who Can Offer Right to Choose Assessments?

Clinics offering Right to Choose must also provide the same service to the NHS in England. Private-only clinics are not eligible. Check the provider’s website to confirm they offer NHS-funded assessments.

Which Providers Offer Right to Choose Assessments?

The list of providers is growing and may change over time. Researching available clinics is recommended to find the best fit for your needs.

Important Resources

Things to Consider About Right to Choose

Many clinics offer diagnosis only and may not provide medication titration. If medication is needed, a local NHS referral might still be required for ongoing management.

When Can You Not Use Right to Choose?

You are not eligible for Right to Choose if:

You require urgent or emergency treatment
You are already receiving care for the condition in question
The provider is unable to offer appropriate care
You are a prisoner, in 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

Discuss your ADHD or ASD concerns openly with your GP. Due to long local waiting lists, Right to Choose may offer a quicker assessment option. If eligible, your GP can make a referral.

What Happens After Choosing a Clinic?

Once you choose a clinic, you or your family will research and confirm your preferred provider. Your GP cannot choose for you. After deciding, send a PATCH with your selection and any required documents.

Note: While e-RS (electronic referral system) is preferred by the NHS (Section 7.9 of the NHS Standard Contract), referrals can be made by letter. GPs will not complete clinic-specific forms.

How Much Quicker Will Right to Choose Be?

Timeframes vary by clinic but assessments typically take between 12 weeks and 12 months — usually quicker than local NHS services. If the provider doesn’t offer medication titration, post-diagnostic support may take longer.

GPs will not initiate specialist medication. They can only prescribe once a patient is stable on treatment and the clinic meets NHS shared care standards.

Why Choose Right to Choose If Medication May Not Be Easily Accessible?

For many people, a diagnosis alone is enough to access support at school or work. Not all patients require medication to manage symptoms.

Referral Via A School Nurse

The ADHD lead for community paediatrics has confirmed to WWGP that they do not accept child ADHD referrals as they must go through the school nurse. They signpost parents to Families in Wirral – ADDvanced Solutions and adults Right to Choose – ADHD UK.

This is a step that you can discuss with your child’s GP when seeking advice about ADHD.