CARE ADHD - Waiting times
Last updated: 9th September, 9am
We know waiting can be stressful. At Care ADHD, we’re committed to being open and realistic about timelines so you know what to expect.
These are average waits from the last 90 days for patients moving through our service. Times may be shorter or longer depending on demand, capacity, and how quickly forms are completed.
💡 For comparison: published NHS data shows ADHD assessment waits can often be 12–24 months (sometimes longer, depending on region). At Care ADHD, our average pathways are measured in weeks, not years.
🏥 NHS Patients (including Right to Choose)
Step | What happens | Average time |
|---|---|---|
1 | GP sends referral → We send you forms | ~1 week |
2 | You return forms → Booking team contacts you | ~6–8 weeks |
3 | Booking confirmed → ADHD assessment | ~8–10 weeks |
✅ Most NHS patients in August were seen within 8-10 weeks total from referral to assessment.
This can vary depending on demand, capacity, and how quickly forms are completed.
👉 Want to learn more about the NHS Right to Choose pathway? Visit our Right to Choose page.
💳 Private Patients
Step | What happens | Average time |
|---|---|---|
1 | Payment made → We send you forms | 3–5 working days |
2 | You return forms → Booking team contacts you | ~1–2 weeks |
3 | Booking confirmed → ADHD assessment | ~6–8 weeks |
✅ Most private patients are seen within 6–8 weeks of payment, if forms are submitted promptly.
⚠️ If you book privately but later submit an NHS referral (including RTC), your private appointment will be cancelled and your NHS referral will be used instead (from the date your GP sent it). This keeps things fair, as NHS and private capacity are funded separately.
💊 Titration (Medication Pathway)
If you receive a diagnosis and want to start medication:
Step | What happens | Average time |
|---|---|---|
1 | Final outcome letter received → You confirm no changes are needed | Up to 2-3 weeks* |
2 | Titration request logged → Appointment offer | < 4–5 weeks |
3 | Appointment booked → First titration session | < 1 week |
⚠️ Do not apply for titration until you have your final outcome letter and confirmed there are no amendments needed.
*Why up to 2-3 weeks?
When your outcome letter is sent, there is a 7-day review window for you to check it.
If amendments are requested, the letter goes back to your assessor, and they
Only once the final, correct version is agreed can titration begin.
⚡ Tip to speed things up: Reply to your outcome letter promptly to confirm it’s correct.
✅ Most patients begin titration within 5–7 weeks after their final outcome letter is confirmed.
🔧 What We’re Doing to Improve
Earlier this year (Feb–Apr), some patients waited up to 16–18 weeks. Since then, we have:
Added more clinicians and prescribers.
Expanded our Customer Services team.
Built tools to track and clear bottlenecks faster.
Started developing a patient portal to cut back-and-forth email and to give you more visibility of where you are in the pathway, and what happens next.
📬 Why You Might Not Have Heard Yet
Delays are often caused by:
Referrals missing key information (e.g. contact details).
Forms not completed in full.
Patients not answering calls when we reach out to book.
High volume of duplicate emails/calls, which slows everyone’s response time.
✅ To avoid delays:
Save our number +44 20 4525 0709 so you don’t miss our call.
Avoid sending repeat emails unless your wait has gone past the averages above.
📣 Contacting Us
We are currently responding to general queries sent 1-2 weeks ago, in the order received.
If your referral or payment was made more recently, please wait before contacting us; chasing too early slows the queue for everyone.
❤️ Thank You
We’re proud to deliver high-quality ADHD care at scale, and we’re always improving.
Thank you for your patience. We’ll be with you every step of the way.