Going private for ADHD or autism assessment in Scotland: a practical guide

For many people in Scotland, private assessment is the route they eventually choose, not because NHS care is bad, but because waiting times are long and uncertainty is difficult to live with. If you are considering going private, here is what you need to know.

What does private assessment cost?

Costs vary depending on the type of assessment and the provider:

• Adult ADHD assessment: typically £400–£800
• Adult autism assessment: typically £600–£1,200
• Combined ADHD and autism assessment: typically £800–£1,400
• Child assessments vary more widely and some providers do not offer them at all

The compare providers directory lists costs from all private providers in Scotland so you can see current prices side by side.

What should I look for in a provider?

HIS registration is an important thing to check. Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) is Scotland's regulator for private healthcare. An HIS-registered provider has been inspected and meets required standards. Not all private providers operating in Scotland are required to hold this registration, whether registration is required depends on the type of clinician involved. You can check registration on the HIS website, filter by HIS-registered providers in the compare directory, or read our regulation page for a full explanation.

Clinician qualifications, ADHD and autism assessments in Scotland should be led by a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, or appropriately trained specialist nurse. Ask about qualifications before booking.

Shared care, if you are diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed medication, you will need your GP to share care (take over prescribing). Not all private providers can guarantee shared care, and not all GPs agree to it. This is worth asking about before you book, not after.

What happens after a private assessment?

After a private assessment you receive a written report. This can be shared with your GP, employer, or school or university. If you receive an ADHD diagnosis and want to start medication, your private provider may prescribe initially and then transfer to shared care with your GP.

If your GP refuses to accept shared care, you are not without options, ask your private provider for advice, and you can also raise a formal concern with NHS Scotland if you believe you are being refused appropriate follow-up care without clinical reason.

Is private assessment right for me?

Only you can decide that. Private assessment is not the right choice for everyone. Cost is a significant barrier, and the process of navigating providers and shared care can itself be stressful. But for many people, the certainty of a timely assessment, and the ability to get answers and start treatment sooner, makes it the right decision.

If you do go private, use the compare tool to look at what different providers offer beyond the assessment itself, prescribing, titration, shared care support, not just the upfront cost.

---

Once you have booked: How to prepare for a private ADHD assessment, what to bring, how to get your GP records, and how to describe your symptoms clearly.