NHS waiting times in Coventry for ADHD
The NHS adult ADHD service in Coventry is closed to new referrals
Coventry and Warwickshire ICB has paused all new ADHD assessment referrals for adults aged 25 and over since 21 May 2025. This applies to both NHS Trust and Right to Choose routes. ADHD UK launched a legal challenge to this policy in July 2025, which is ongoing. If you are aged 25 or over in Coventry or Warwickshire and seeking an NHS-funded assessment, no route is currently available. A private assessment through Distinct is not subject to ICB referral policies.
CWPT states that waits for its service "may exceed 3–5 years" and patients should "expect to be waiting years." From 21 May 2025, Coventry and Warwickshire ICB paused all new ADHD assessment referrals for adults aged 25 and over, applying to both CWPT and all Right to Choose providers. Only under-25s can be newly referred. The ICB cited spending of £2.5m on adult ADHD via Right to Choose in 2024/25, nearly double its entire local ADHD budget.
Coventry and Warwickshire represents the most restrictive adult ADHD access environment currently in England. The ICB's age-based pause is unique nationally and is subject to ongoing legal challenge. A private assessment sits entirely outside the NHS commissioning framework and is not affected by ICB referral policies.
Coventry and Warwickshire ICB's blanket pause on adult ADHD assessment referrals for those aged 25 and over (introduced May 2025) is the most restrictive access policy currently in place in England. ADHD UK launched a legal challenge in July 2025 under Right to Choose legislation. The legal proceedings are ongoing; the pause remains in effect as of early 2026.
Your options in Coventry
There are currently several routes to an adult ADHD assessment for people in Coventry.
Service states waits may exceed 3 to 5 years. Adults aged 25 and over cannot currently be newly referred to any NHS-funded ADHD assessment, whether NHS or Right to Choose.
No new referrals accepted. Existing waiting list only, prioritised by clinical need.
Right to Choose is currently unavailable for new adult ADHD referrals for those aged 25 and over in Coventry and Warwickshire
The pause applies to both NHS Trust and Right to Choose routes for adults aged 25 and over. ADHD UK announced a legal challenge to this policy in July 2025; proceedings are ongoing as of early 2026.
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 Coventry 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 Coventry, 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. Given that Coventry has no functioning NHS ADHD service, the clinical authority of your report has a direct bearing on the support you can access afterwards.
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 Coventry 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 Coventry reflects publicly available information from Coventry and Warwickshire 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.