NHS waiting times in Brighton for ADHD
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust describes "significant delays" and states it is "prioritising those in greatest need." It does not publish a specific current wait. Older data from 2021 indicated waits of up to 2 years in East Sussex, and demand has grown since. The service has three regional teams with distinct catchments: East Sussex, West Sussex, and Brighton and Hove.
Brighton and Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex are each served by separate teams within Sussex Partnership's Adult Neurodevelopmental Service. Borough of residence determines which team is responsible. Sussex Partnership is currently undertaking a redesign of its neurodevelopmental pathway across all age groups.
Your options in Brighton
There are currently several routes to an adult ADHD assessment for people in Brighton.
Significant delays; precise figure not published. Local GP guidance indicates waits of over a year, with the situation having worsened since 2021.
Referrals accepted subject to GP assessment and local capacity.
Approximately 44 weeks through Right to Choose providers in Sussex and Surrey ICB
Sussex Partnership runs an All-Age Neurodevelopmental Pathway Programme to redesign services and actively promotes Right to Choose as an alternative. The ICB covers both Sussex and Surrey.
Within days
Private assessment by a GMC-registered consultant psychiatrist. £799 all inclusive. Full report within 7 days. No referral needed.
Ready to book your Brighton assessment?
Available by video call. No referral needed. Report within 7 days.
What a Distinct assessment involves
A Distinct assessment is a 60 to 90 minute structured clinical interview conducted by a GMC-registered consultant psychiatrist via secure video call. It uses the DIVA-5 diagnostic interview alongside validated symptom rating scales, following DSM-5 criteria throughout. You can attend from anywhere in England including Brighton, without travelling.
Before your appointment you complete a pre-assessment questionnaire covering your symptoms, history, and daily functioning. At the end of the consultation your psychiatrist shares their clinical conclusion verbally. Your full written report follows within 7 days.
All Distinct assessments are conducted directly by the consultant psychiatrist, not reviewed or countersigned by one. This distinction matters for GP acceptance and shared-care prescribing.
Your report and what it enables
Your written diagnostic report is delivered within 7 days of your consultation. It covers your symptom history, the DSM-5 criteria met, the impact on your daily functioning, and clinical recommendations for next steps. It includes a letter addressed to your GP summarising the findings.
Your report can also be used for workplace adjustments under the Equality Act, Disabled Students' Allowance applications, and DVLA disclosure where required. There is no time limit on when you can use it.
Most Brighton GPs will accept a diagnosis from a GMC-registered consultant psychiatrist for shared-care prescribing. NHS England guidance indicates GPs should not normally refuse prescribing following a diagnosis from a qualified specialist. We recommend discussing shared-care with your practice alongside booking your assessment. More on sharing your report with your GP.
Frequently asked questions
NHS waiting time data for Brighton reflects publicly available information from Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and the relevant ICB, current as of April 2026. Waiting times change and we recommend verifying current figures directly with your GP or the relevant trust.