NHS waiting times in Cambridge for ADHD
Local GP guidance describes the CPFT Adult ADHD Clinic as having waits of "3+ years for an initial assessment," while describing it as a "highly regarded clinic with a wealth of expertise." CPFT is currently accepting new referrals for assessment and also accepts referrals specifically for medication review and treatment from people who have been diagnosed elsewhere. CPFT has a longstanding research connection with the University of Cambridge.
CPFT's Adult ADHD Clinic is notable for accepting referrals from people who have already been diagnosed elsewhere specifically for medication review and treatment, a relatively uncommon service offering that may be useful for people who have received a private diagnosis and are seeking NHS prescribing support.
Your options in Cambridge
There are currently several routes to an adult ADHD assessment for people in Cambridge.
Approximately 3 years or more
Referrals accepted subject to GP assessment and local capacity.
Approximately 44 weeks through Right to Choose providers in NHS Central East ICB
NHS Central East ICB (formerly Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB, now merged with Beds, Luton and Milton Keynes) manages Right to Choose activity for this area.
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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge reflects publicly available information from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 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.