NHS waiting times in Bristol for ADHD
AWP states current waits for triage and assessment are "a number of years." Historical figures from local support groups indicated waits of over 2 years in 2022, and demand has continued to grow since. From December 2024, BNSSG ICB additionally commissioned a second provider to deliver adult ADHD assessment and treatment in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, a dual-provider strategy intended to increase local capacity.
Bristol took a distinctive approach in late 2024 by commissioning a second provider alongside the NHS Trust, making it one of a small number of ICBs to actively expand local ADHD assessment capacity through dual commissioning rather than relying solely on Right to Choose.
From December 2024, BNSSG ICB commissioned a second provider (Clinical Partners) to deliver adult ADHD services in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire alongside AWP, explicitly aiming to increase assessment and treatment capacity. An ATMOS pilot is also operating in some Bristol GP practices to triage patients and facilitate referrals.
Your options in Bristol
There are currently several routes to an adult ADHD assessment for people in Bristol.
A number of years; precise figure not published by AWP
Referrals accepted subject to GP assessment and local capacity.
Approximately 44 weeks through Right to Choose providers in BNSSG ICB
Local GPs in Bristol typically support shared-care arrangements only for AWP and the additionally commissioned provider. Patients using other Right to Choose providers should confirm shared-care availability before booking.
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 Bristol 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 Bristol, 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.
Local GPs in Bristol typically support shared-care arrangements only for patients assessed by AWP or the additionally commissioned Clinical Partners service. If you use a different Right to Choose provider, confirm with your GP whether they will take on shared-care prescribing before booking. A Distinct report from a GMC-registered consultant psychiatrist is well-placed to support shared-care conversations, but we recommend checking with your practice. More on sharing your report with your GP.
Frequently asked questions
NHS waiting time data for Bristol reflects publicly available information from Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS 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.