Right to Choose ADHD in Greater Manchester: what's changed in 2026
If you live in Greater Manchester and you've been referred for an ADHD assessment through Right to Choose, you may have been told there's no date available. You haven't done anything wrong, and you haven't lost your place. Here's what changed, and what your options are.
What changed on 1 April 2026
NHS Greater Manchester, the local health board, changed how new non-urgent ADHD and autism assessments are booked with Right to Choose providers. Each provider now gets a fixed annual allocation of funded assessments, known as an Indicative Activity Plan. Funding for 2026/27 stayed the same while demand kept rising, so the number of funded assessments is limited.
NHS Greater Manchester has said this is a funding decision, not a lack of capacity among providers. Assessments are also now prioritised by clinical need, rather than first come, first served.
What it means for you
You keep your place
Everyone already referred stays on the list and keeps their original referral date. People already in the middle of assessment, waiting for treatment or taking medication should carry on as normal.
But you may wait much longer
Some providers have already used up their Greater Manchester funding for the year. Clinical Partners, for example, says it can't offer new booking dates for NHS-funded ADHD assessments or schedule new titration appointments until more funding is confirmed. Psychiatry UK warns that waits in the area may exceed a year.
There's no minimum waiting time
Unlike some other areas, NHS Greater Manchester hasn't introduced a set waiting period before you can be referred. You can still ask your GP for a referral.
Your options
| Option | Cost | Likely wait | Good if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay on your Right to Choose list | Free | Possibly a year or more | You can wait and cost is the priority |
| Local NHS service | Free | Varies, prioritised by need | Your needs are urgent; speak to your GP |
| Private assessment | Typically £800 to £1,300 for assessment | Usually weeks | You need answers soon for work, study or family reasons |
These options aren't either/or. You can stay on your NHS list while getting a private assessment. If you go private, read our guide to shared care with your GP first, so you know what to expect with prescriptions afterwards.
Sources and further reading
- NHS Greater Manchester: ADHD and autism assessments
- Clinical Partners: Right to Choose wait times and updates
- Psychiatry UK: waiting times update
- ADHD UK (charity)
Common questions
Has Right to Choose for ADHD stopped in Greater Manchester?
Not entirely. You can still be referred, but providers now get a fixed number of funded assessments each year, and some have already used theirs. That means many people face much longer waits.
Will I lose my place on the waiting list?
No. NHS Greater Manchester says everyone keeps their place and original referral date.
Can I go private while I wait?
Yes. Booking a private assessment doesn't remove you from your NHS or Right to Choose list.
How much is a private ADHD assessment in Manchester?
Prices vary, but many reputable providers charge around £800 to £1,300 for an adult assessment, with titration and prescriptions on top if you need medication.
Sick of waiting? Book private.
Tell us who the assessment is for and how soon you want to be seen. We'll match you with a registered practitioner who has availability, and you'll know the costs before you commit.
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This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to a qualified clinician about your own situation. BookPrivate is a booking platform and does not provide clinical care.