NHS waiting times in London for ADHD
Important information about NHS ADHD access in London
NHS ADHD waiting times vary significantly across London boroughs. South London and Maudsley currently has a wait of approximately 4 years 8 months. Central and North West London states over 3 years. If you are in South East London (Bromley, Bexley, Greenwich, Lewisham, Lambeth, Southwark), a new mandatory triage process introduced in November 2025 now applies to all ADHD referrals.
NHS waiting times vary significantly across London. South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), covering Croydon, Lambeth and Lewisham, is currently booking patients referred in early 2021, representing a wait of approximately 4 years 8 months. Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL), covering Westminster, Brent, Ealing and surrounding boroughs, states a wait of over 36 months. Other boroughs vary, and several trusts do not publish specific figures.
London is served by multiple NHS mental health trusts with distinct catchment areas and different waiting times. Borough of residence determines which trust is responsible for your care. A private assessment conducted by video call is available to anyone in London regardless of borough.
From 3 November 2025, South East London ICB introduced a mandatory Adult ADHD Referrals Triage Service. All adult ADHD referrals in Bromley, Bexley, Greenwich, Lewisham, Lambeth and Southwark must now be triaged through NHS e-RS before reaching either NHS or Right to Choose providers. This is a significant process change that may affect referral timelines in these boroughs.
Your options in London
There are currently several routes to an adult ADHD assessment for people in London.
Between 3 and 5 years depending on borough
Referrals accepted subject to GP assessment and local capacity.
Approximately 15 to 44 weeks through Right to Choose providers, varying by London region
Right to Choose wait times vary considerably across London. South West London ICB providers average around 15 weeks; South East London around 18 weeks; North East and West London closer to 44 weeks.
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 London 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 London, 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 London 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 London reflects publicly available information from Multiple NHS trusts across London boroughs 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.