Questions to ask before you book

Booking a private assessment is easier when you go in with a clear list of questions. Clinics that are confident in their standards will usually be happy to answer all of these before you commit to anything.

Questions about regulation and staff

• Is the clinic registered with the CQC (or the relevant regulator for your nation), and can you see their latest inspection report?
• Which professional register is the assessing clinician on: GMC, HCPC, NMC or BPS?
• Will the same clinician carry out the whole assessment, or will different people be involved at different stages?
• What is the clinician's specific experience in assessing your age group and presentation, for example adult ADHD, autism in girls and women, or co-occurring conditions?

You can independently check registration status on the relevant regulator's public register, so treat this as a normal, expected question rather than an awkward one.

Questions about the assessment process itself

• How many appointments are involved, and roughly how long does each one last?
• Are standardised, validated assessment tools used?
• Will you be asked to gather information from parents, partners, teachers or other people who know you well? Is that required or optional?
• How is the assessment adapted for online delivery, if offered remotely?
• What happens if the clinician needs more information before reaching a conclusion?

Questions about cost and what's included

• What is the full cost of the assessment, and does the quote include the written report and a feedback appointment?
• Are there any additional costs, for example for extra appointments, letters, or follow-up review?
• What is the refund or cancellation policy if you need to change or cancel an appointment?
• Costs vary widely between providers, so ask for a written fee schedule rather than relying on a verbal estimate.

Questions about shared care and prescribing

• If medication is recommended, how does the clinic usually handle shared care with a GP?
• Has the clinic worked with your specific GP practice or Integrated Care Board area before?
• What is the fallback plan if your GP declines to take on shared care?
• It's sensible to also ask your own GP practice about their shared care policy before booking, since acceptance is not guaranteed and varies by practice.

Questions about the report and after-care

• Will you receive a written report, and roughly what will it cover?
• Is post-diagnostic support, such as guidance on next steps or signposting, included?
• Will the report be suitable for use with employers, schools, universities or other services if needed?

Questions about waiting times and availability

• What is the current estimated wait for an initial appointment and for the full assessment to be completed?
• Waiting times change over time and vary between providers, so ask for a current figure directly rather than trusting older information.

Questions about complaints and safeguarding

• What is the process if you want to raise a concern or make a complaint?
• How are safeguarding concerns handled, particularly for children or vulnerable adults?

Writing these questions down and asking them of more than one clinic can make it much easier to compare providers fairly. If you're unsure about any answer you receive, it's reasonable to ask your GP or another qualified clinician for a second opinion.