ADHD & ASD Referral Information 

NHS referral

• We can refer you to a local NHS ADHD service
• Waiting times are currently several years

Right to Choose (RTC)

• This is an NHS pathway that allows you to choose a provider with shorter waiting times
• Many patients choose this option

Things to know:

• Waiting times vary depending on the provider
• Not all providers offer medication or ongoing care
• You will need to choose a provider before we send your referral

Private assessment

• You can self-refer and are usually seen sooner, but you will need to cover the full cost of the assessment and any follow-up care

Please note:

• We’re only able to work with certain providers for ongoing care and prescribing
• As a GP practice, we cannot recommend or endorse any private providers
• Any private assessment or provider should be researched thoroughly before choosing

Autism assessments do not involve medication, so shared care does not apply. Please go straight to the list of providers: www.adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/ and then submit the referral form.

You’ll need to select a provider before we can refer you.

You may find it helpful to consider:

• Waiting times
• Whether they offer medication titration
• Whether they provide shared care with your GP

If you’re unsure, please contact us and we can help guide you.

Providers we can work with

We can only support ongoing care (including prescribing) if your provider meets certain requirements.

This usually means they are:

• UK-based
• Appropriately regulated (e.g. CQC registered)
• Able to provide a full assessment and treatment plan

The following providers are currently approved for shared care under Sussex ICB:

• Psychiatry-UK www.psychiatry-uk.com/right-to-choose
• ADHD 360 www.adhd-360.com/right-to-choose/
• Psicon www.psicon.co.uk/nhs/patients
• Clinical Partners www.clinical-partners.co.uk/nhs-services/right-to-choose
• Berkeley Psychiatrists Ltd www.berkeleypsychiatrists.co.uk/nhs-right-to-choose

If you’re unsure whether a provider is suitable, please check with us first.

What is a SCA?

A Shared Care Agreement is a formal arrangement between your GP, your ADHD specialist and you.

It ensures your ongoing treatment is safe, consistent, and properly monitored.

The agreement outlines:

• What the GP is responsible for (e.g. repeat prescriptions)
• What the specialist must do (e.g. advice, medication reviews and adjustments)
• What you must do (e.g. attend follow-ups and reviews)

SCA’s can be void if terms are not met or adhered to; an example of this is that every patient on ADHD medication requires an annual review with their specialist and if this is not carried out GPs will be unable to continue prescribing where they had previously agreed.

Do GPs accept all SCAs?

No. We can only accept SCAs based on the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. At any point GPs can decline shared care especially if they believe for it to be unsafe for any reason.

Some private assessments cannot be supported under shared care.

Unfortunately, we cannot engage in a shared care agreement from any specialist from abroad.

Who prescribes during titration?

Your specialist provider. GPs do not prescribe during titration. We can only take over prescribing once your dose is stable and safe.

What physical checks do I need before starting ADHD medication?

Most providers require:

• Blood pressure
• Pulse
• Weight
• Sometimes cardiac history or ECG (if clinically indicated)

These checks must be carried out by the provider and be up-to-date.

How often do I need monitoring once stable?

Usually every 6–12 months, depending on the medication. Your GP will ask you to book routine monitoring appointments to maintain safe prescribing.

You will require an annual review with the specialist to maintain the terms of the SCA and enable a GP to continue to prescribe.

What happens if I run out of medication during titration?

You must contact the specialist provider, not the GP. We are unable to issue prescriptions until your dose is stable and shared care is agreed.

What if I already have an ADHD diagnosis and want to be referred for medication titration-only?

If you have a diagnosis from a private provider or from overseas and you would like to be referred to the NHS or Right to Choose for medication then you will need to submit a new referral.

If you have a diagnosis from the NHS or a Right to Choose provider then it is recommended to go back to that provider to start titration.

NHS RTC generally do not accept a diagnosis or treatment plan from another provider. They consider it too risky to prescribe controlled medication based on another provider’s assessment or titration plan. The only options are a new referral and full assessment, or returning to your original provider if they accept this.

Can I be referred to more than one provider?

No. You can only be on one waiting list at a time – this includes the NHS Neurodevelopmental Service.

Can I change provider after my referral is sent?

Yes. You can request a new referral but this will reset waiting times.

My provider hasn’t contacted me – what should I do?

Please contact the provider directly. They manage their own waiting lists and appointment booking.

I can no longer afford private costs – can I transfer my care to NHS/RTC?

If you wish to move to an NHS or RTC service, you can submit a new referral. However, you would need to start at the beginning of that waiting list, as NHS and RTC services cannot take over care part-way through private treatment. This is to make sure the process is fair for all patients and that no one is able to skip ahead on the waiting list.

If you’re moving to Sussex and already have an ADHD diagnosis, here’s what you need to know.

Will I still get my ADHD medication?

Possibly – but it depends on your current care arrangements.

ADHD medication is usually prescribed under a Shared Care Agreement. This is a formal agreement between:

• Your ADHD specialist
• Your GP
• The local NHS area (ICB)

When you move, your new GP will need to review your paperwork before continuing prescriptions.

Does shared care automatically transfer?

No. Shared Care Agreements are local. Your new GP is not automatically required to continue one that was set up in a different area.

We will usually need:

• Your diagnostic report
• Confirmation of your current medication and dose
• Evidence of physical health checks (blood pressure, pulse, weight)
• Confirmation that you are still under the care of your provider
• An updated Shared Care Agreement with our details on

What if I’m under a Right to Choose provider?

If you are under providers such as ADHD 360, Psychiatry UK, etc they often continue to review patients wherever they live in England. However, your new GP still needs to agree to prescribe under the local shared care rules.

Could there be a gap in my medication?

Sometimes, yes – especially if:

• Your previous provider discharges you when you move
• Your paperwork isn’t available
• Your new GP has not yet reviewed and agreed shared care

To reduce the risk of this:

• Tell your ADHD provider you are moving
• Ask if they will continue reviewing you
• Ask if they can accept the Sussex-Specific Shared Care Agreement
• Speak to your new GP

Will I need to be referred to a local ADHD service?

You might, if:

• Your previous specialist will not continue follow-up
• There isn’t clear documentation
• There is no active specialist oversight

If your current provider continues yearly reviews and provides clear documentation, a new referral may not be needed.

What’s the most important thing to remember?

Your diagnosis stays the same. But prescribing depends on having:

• An active specialist provider
• Clear documentation
• A Shared Care Agreement that can be adopted by your specialist and GP

If you’re unsure, speak to us early so we can guide you through the process.

Once you have read the above information and chosen your preferred provider, please complete the online referral form.

Once we receive your form, we’ll review it and contact you if we need more information.

We will text you once your referral has been sent.