No. At Kiam Clinic, you can book a private ADHD assessment for yourself or for your child without a referral from your GP. That's true of most private providers, though policies do vary, so it's always worth checking with the clinic you choose.
Not needing a referral doesn't mean your GP has no part to play. There are good reasons to let them know what you're doing, even when you don't need their permission to go ahead.
In short
- Kiam Clinic does not require a GP referral to book an adult or child ADHD assessment: you can self-refer directly.
- Private providers set their own policy, and some do ask for a referral letter, so check before you book elsewhere.
- A GP referral is the route into an NHS-funded assessment, including under the NHS Right to Choose scheme.
- Telling your GP is still worth doing, for continuity of care and in case you want shared care for medication later.
- Children can also be self-referred for a private assessment, though school information still helps.
Do private ADHD assessments need a GP referral?
Generally, no. ADHD UK explains that private assessment providers each set their own policy on this: some ask for a GP referral letter, some do not, and they recommend checking with your chosen provider before you book.
At Kiam Clinic, you can book an adult assessment directly, by booking online or making an enquiry. No referral letter is needed. What matters clinically is who carries out the assessment, not who refers you to it: NICE guidance says ADHD should only be diagnosed by a specialist psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately qualified professional with training and expertise in ADHD, and every Kiam assessment is led by a consultant psychiatrist.
Is a referral ever required?
Yes, for one route: an NHS-funded assessment. The NHS explains that if ADHD symptoms are affecting your work, studies or relationships, the usual first step is an appointment with your GP, who may then refer you to a mental health professional who specialises in ADHD. In England, you may also be able to choose where that referral goes, under the NHS Right to Choose scheme, but a GP still needs to make the referral.
A private, self-pay assessment is a separate route. It doesn't replace the NHS option, and choosing it isn't a comment on NHS care; it simply means you're arranging and paying for the assessment yourself, usually with a shorter wait to be seen.
Is it still worth telling your GP?
Yes, for two practical reasons. First, your GP holds your wider medical history, which can be useful context for your assessment. Second, after your assessment, Kiam Clinic sends a written report and, with your consent, a letter to your GP, so they have a record of the outcome even though they didn't make the referral.
If you're hoping to move prescribing and monitoring to your GP later, through what's called a shared care agreement, it's worth mentioning this to your GP before you book. Not every GP practice agrees to shared care, so an early conversation avoids surprises.
What about children and young people?
The same applies to children. ADHD UK confirms that most private assessment providers do not require a referral from a GP or school, and that self-referral is an option parents and carers can use directly.
At Kiam Clinic, you can arrange an assessment for a child or young person by making an enquiry, without first needing a letter from the GP or the school. That said, the assessment itself draws on more than one setting: with your permission, we send a questionnaire to your child's school as well as to you, because that comparison is part of what distinguishes ADHD from a difficulty confined to one setting. Talking to the school's SENCo (special educational needs co-ordinator) before you book is still a good idea, even though it isn't a requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to see my GP before booking a private ADHD assessment?
No, not at Kiam Clinic. You can book an adult assessment online, or make an enquiry for a child, without a GP referral. It's still worth letting your GP know, so they have the full picture of your care, and so you can ask early about shared care for any future medication.
Will my GP accept a private ADHD assessment report?
Most GPs will record a private diagnosis in your notes, and Kiam Clinic sends a written report and, with your consent, a letter to your GP after your assessment. Whether your GP will take on prescribing through shared care is a separate decision, and practices vary, so it's worth asking yours directly.
Does my child need a referral from their GP or school for a private assessment?
No. You can self-refer your child for a private ADHD assessment at Kiam Clinic, without a letter from the GP or school first. The assessment itself still draws on information from school as well as from home, with your permission, so speaking to the school's SENCo beforehand can help.
Is a private assessment the same as an NHS Right to Choose assessment?
No. NHS Right to Choose still starts with a GP referral; it simply lets you choose which NHS-funded provider carries out the first appointment. A private, self-pay assessment is a separate route that doesn't need a GP referral, though waiting times and what happens afterwards can differ between the two.
When to get help
It's worth considering an assessment if ADHD-type symptoms, inattention, restlessness or impulsivity, have been part of life for a long time, show up in more than one setting, and are getting in the way of work, study, home life or relationships.
If this sounds familiar, you could talk to your GP or book an assessment with one of our consultant psychiatrists, online or at our Epsom clinic. Only a full assessment can tell you whether ADHD is the explanation. For a child, talking to the school's SENCo alongside your GP is a good starting point, and our assessment is carried out by a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. You can compare assessment options and book directly when you're ready, and every fee is listed in full on our fees page.
Related reading
- Private ADHD assessment cost in the UK: what should be included? — once you know you don't need a referral, this explains what a thorough assessment fee should cover.
- Signs of ADHD in children: what parents and teachers notice first — for parents still deciding whether an assessment is the right next step.
References
- Private Diagnosis for Adult ADHD. ADHD UK, 2021, updated 2026.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NG87). NICE, 2018, updated 2019.
- ADHD in adults. NHS, 2025.
- ADHD Diagnosis Pathways (Children). ADHD UK, 2023, updated 2026.
Useful resources
- ADHD UK: diagnosis pathways for adults — an overview of both the NHS and private routes to an adult ADHD assessment, step by step.
- YoungMinds: ADHD support for your child — practical guidance for parents and carers, plus the free Parents Helpline on 0808 802 5544.
This article is for general information. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional who knows your situation.
