NHS waiting times in Exeter for ADHD
DAANA publishes a notably detailed picture of its waiting list: 4,896 people awaiting diagnostic assessment, 1,113 people awaiting treatment after having been diagnosed elsewhere (including privately), and 160 in transition from CAMHS. DAANA explicitly states that "after joining the list most people are not currently moving any closer to the top." Devon ICB has set a 14-week minimum and 52-week maximum wait for Right to Choose providers in 2025/26.
DAANA is one of the most transparent NHS adult ADHD services in England in terms of publishing its waiting list position and being explicit that patients are not progressing. The figure of 1,113 people waiting for treatment after diagnosis elsewhere (including privately) illustrates the scale of unmet treatment need even among those who have already sought assessment independently.
Devon ICB has set specific parameters for Right to Choose in 2025/26: a minimum 14-week wait and maximum 52-week wait. The ICB also maintains a defined list of approved Right to Choose providers for shared-care purposes; providers outside this list may not be supported for NHS prescribing by local GPs.
Your options in Exeter
There are currently several routes to an adult ADHD assessment for people in Exeter.
Over 5 years. DAANA states most people on the waiting list are not currently moving any closer to the top.
Referrals accepted subject to GP assessment and local capacity.
Between 14 and 52 weeks through Right to Choose providers in Devon ICB, per ICB-set parameters
Devon ICB only supports shared-care arrangements with a defined list of Right to Choose providers (Care ADHD, Holistic ADHD Solutions, Oakdale Centre, Psychiatry-UK). Going outside this list means local NHS GPs may not take on shared-care prescribing.
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 Exeter 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 Exeter, 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.
Devon ICB only supports shared-care prescribing arrangements with a defined list of Right to Choose providers. If you use a provider outside this list (including fully private providers), your Devon GP may not take on shared-care prescribing. We recommend confirming your practice's current position with them directly. Distinct assessments are conducted by GMC-registered consultant psychiatrists, and we recommend discussing shared-care with your GP before or alongside booking. More on sharing your report with your GP.
Frequently asked questions
NHS waiting time data for Exeter reflects publicly available information from Devon 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.