NHS waiting times in Southampton for ADHD
Local NHS provision describes "extremely long waits" but does not publish a specific figure. Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB re-commissioned adult ADHD assessment services in April 2024 and has since managed most adult ADHD assessment activity through Right to Choose providers. The ICB increased Right to Choose capacity by 167% in 2025, but most providers have hit their activity caps.
Southampton and the wider Hampshire area re-commissioned its adult ADHD services in April 2024 and has been primarily managing demand through Right to Choose, but prioritisation criteria introduced for 2026/27 mean access even through that route is not guaranteed. The area exemplifies the wider national trend of ICBs moving toward demand management rather than open access.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB has introduced prioritisation criteria for Right to Choose ADHD assessments in 2026/27, meaning not all patients on the Right to Choose waiting list will be seen in the current financial year. The ICB is also launching new Children's Neurodiversity Multi-Disciplinary Teams from 2026/27, but these are not relevant to adults.
Your options in Southampton
There are currently several routes to an adult ADHD assessment for people in Southampton.
Extremely long; specific figure not published. Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB is managing demand primarily through Right to Choose.
Referrals accepted subject to GP assessment and local capacity.
Approximately 44 weeks through Right to Choose providers in Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB, subject to capacity caps
HIOW ICB has stated that under its 2026/27 budget, Right to Choose patients waiting for assessment will only be seen if they meet prioritisation criteria: effectively a deferred-access policy for lower-priority patients.
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 Southampton 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 Southampton, 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 Southampton 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 Southampton reflects publicly available information from Solent NHS Trust / Southern Health 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.