How to choose an assessment clinic

Choosing where to have an ADHD or autism assessment is a big decision, and it's normal to feel unsure where to start. With more private options available than ever, it helps to have a clear, calm way of comparing them.

Start with registration and regulation

Any clinic offering medical assessments in England should be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). You can check a clinic's CQC status and read their most recent inspection report before you book. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the equivalent regulators are Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and the RQIA. A clinic that cannot tell you who regulates them, or is not listed, is a warning sign.

Regulation of the clinic is separate from regulation of the individual clinician. Ask which professional register the assessing clinician is on:

• GMC (General Medical Council) for doctors, including psychiatrists
• HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) for practitioner psychologists and some other allied professionals
• NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) for specialist nurses
• BPS (British Psychological Society) membership can indicate additional professional standing, alongside HCPC registration for practising psychologists

You can look clinicians up on these registers to confirm they hold current, unrestricted registration.

Think about who will actually assess you

A thorough ADHD or autism assessment usually involves more than a single short conversation. Ask what the assessment process actually involves: how many appointments, how long they last, whether standardised tools and structured interviews are used, and whether family or informant history is gathered where relevant. NICE guidance (NG87 for ADHD, and CG142/CG128 for autism in adults and children) describes the kind of comprehensive, multi-disciplinary assessment that good practice aims for.

Understand costs and what's included

Private assessment costs vary widely between providers, and it's reasonable to ask for a full written breakdown before committing. Find out whether the quoted price covers the full assessment, a written report, a follow-up appointment to discuss results, and any post-diagnostic support. Ask what happens if more time or additional information is needed.

Ask about shared care and follow-on prescribing

If an ADHD diagnosis leads to a medication recommendation, ongoing prescribing is often managed through a "shared care" arrangement between the private clinic and your GP. This depends on your GP practice agreeing to take on shared care, which is not guaranteed and varies between practices and areas. Ask any clinic you're considering how they usually approach shared care, and what happens if your GP declines it. It's worth checking with your own GP practice too, ideally before you book.

Consider location, format and waiting times

Assessments may be offered in person, online, or as a mix of both. Think about which format suits you or your child best, particularly for children or anyone who finds video calls difficult. Waiting times vary between clinics and change over time, so always ask for current estimates directly rather than relying on old information you've seen elsewhere.

Look for clear complaints and safeguarding processes

A reputable clinic should be able to explain, in plain terms, how to raise a concern or make a complaint, and how safeguarding is handled, particularly for assessments involving children or vulnerable adults.

Trust your instincts, and take your time

A good clinic will welcome your questions, explain things clearly, and not pressure you to book quickly. If something feels rushed, unclear or evasive, it's fine to look elsewhere or ask a GP for guidance.

Speak to your GP or another qualified clinician for advice tailored to your own situation, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medication.