Please use the link below to access the various services that are available within Hampshire to support our mental health. 

Mental Health Links

As a practice, we are committed to supporting patients with neurodevelopmental conditions, both children and adults.

This page is for patients who are concerned they may have ADHD or Autism and are considering a referral. It explains:

• The NHS referral process
• The Right to Choose pathway
• What happens if you use a private provider
• How prescribing and shared care agreements work

⚠️ Please note: NHS resources are limited and waiting times for assessments are very long.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can affect many aspects of life including education, work, and relationships.

• GPs cannot diagnose ADHD. A referral to a specialist service is needed.
• If diagnosed, a specialist may offer medication. These medicines are tightly regulated and require careful monitoring.
• GPs can only prescribe ADHD medication when there is a valid Shared Care Agreement in place with an NHS specialist team.

ADHD Referrals for Children

• Pre-school children: Referral is discussed with the child’s Health Visitor or Early Years Setting. Services for Young Children – Hampshire County Council
• School-age children: Referral is made by the school.
• Home-schooled children: Referral can be made by the GP.

Supporting evidence is required for all referrals.

If the NHS Mental Health Team confirms a diagnosis, they may start treatment and, when stable, request a Shared Care Agreement so that your GP can continue prescribing safely.

ADHD Referrals for Adults (18+)

Demand for adult ADHD services is very high.

• The Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB has commissioned several providers who hold an NHS Standard Contract.
• If diagnosed, treatment may be started by the provider and, once stable, transferred to your GP only if an NHS Shared Care Agreement is in place.
• We ask that patients complete a questionnaire when they first contact us. This helps us to prepare your referral.

Right to Choose (RTC)

Under NHS legislation, patients can choose to be referred to any provider in England that holds an NHS Standard Contract.

👉 See available providers here: ADHD UK – Right to Choose

Important considerations:

• Many RTC services offer diagnosis but not medication prescribing. If you choose a provider that includes medication initiation and titration and wish for it to be shared through your GP, a request will be sent and at the GP discretion this will either be accepted/rejected.
• Some local NHS services may not accept assessments carried out by RTC providers, which could mean repeating the assessment.
• If the provider chosen does not hold an NHS contract with Hampshire & IOW ICB, due diligence checks will need to be completed first — this may delay your referral.

Private Providers

You may choose to pay privately for an ADHD/Autism assessment and any medication that is initiated by a specialist in that service.

• Prescribing and monitoring of medication must remain with the private provider.
• We do not accept shared care agreements with private providers.
• If you later wish to transfer to NHS care, you will need a new NHS referral and assessment before treatment can be considered.

⚠️ Please note: GPs are under no obligation to enter into a shared care agreement, even if requested.

Next Steps if You Want a Referral

1. Decide your pathway:
• NHS referral
• Right to Choose
• Private assessment (all care remains private)
2. Let us know:
• Contact us via online consultation, phone, or at reception to request an ADHD/Autism referral.
3. Review your options:
• Visit the ADHD UK Right to Choose page for current providers.
4. Complete the paperwork:
• We will send you a questionnaire which will include several screening questions. Alternatively you can complete the questionnaire via this link ADHD Autism Qs Website
5. Confirm your choice:
• Tell us which pathway/provider you want to pursue and provide any forms that come with that provider. We will not continue a referral through a provider without the necessary forms being completed by the patient/carer.
• We will then submit your referral.

Key Points to Remember

• NHS ADHD and Autism referrals have very long waiting lists. We understand you will be keen to progress with any referral quickly once you have contacted us. We ask that you provide us with all the necessary information at the start to prevent delays.
• Choosing RTC does not guarantee shared care or prescribing by your GP.
• Private assessments remain private unless re-validated by the NHS.
• GPs can only prescribe under a Shared Care Agreement with an NHS specialist.
• ⚠️ Important Notice about Referrals

We understand that seeking an ADHD or Autism referral can feel urgent and frustrating. While patients do have a legal right to request a referral under NHS legislation, this does not mean an instant referral can be made.

• Referrals take time to process. At our practice, this currently takes around 60 days due to the very high volume of requests (over 40 each month).
• We must ensure that all referrals are completed safely, with the right forms and supporting evidence.
• The Right to Choose pathway still involves long waiting times once the referral has been sent.

👉 Please be assured: once your request is logged, you will not lose your place. We will process referrals as quickly as we can, but we cannot provide same-day or immediate turnaround and we ask that you only contact us to chase the referral once we have hit the 60 day period since your request.

✅ This page aims to save you time and help you make an informed decision about the best referral option for you or your child.