Right to Choose ADHD & Autism Assessments
Clarity Starts Here.
Faster access to NHS‑funded ADHD and Autism assessments for adults and children — delivered with care, clarity and clinical integrity.
If you or your child have been waiting for answers, you’re not alone. Long NHS waiting times for ADHD and Autism assessments can feel frustrating, confusing and overwhelming. Right to Choose (RTC) gives you a way forward — and at Oxford CBT, we’re here to guide you through it, step by step.
Trusted Partner of
What is Right to Choose?
Right to Choose is an NHS pathway that allows patients in England to choose their assessment provider, rather than waiting for a local NHS service.
If your GP agrees a referral is appropriate, you can ask to be referred to Oxford CBT for an ADHD or Autism assessment — with no cost to you.
We know the process can feel unclear. Our role is to make it simple, supportive and transparent from the very first conversation.
Am I Elligible?
You may be eligible for Right to Choose if:
- You’re registered with a GP in England.
- Your GP agrees that an ADHD or Autism assessment is clinically appropriate.
- This is your first request for this type of specialist assessment.
There are some situations where RTC may not apply, such as if you are:
- Currently in emergency or crisis mental health care.
- Being treated under the Mental Health Act or in secure care.
- Already receiving specialist care for the same condition.
- Serving as an active member of the armed forces (this does not apply to family members)
These are general eligibility points — your GP can help confirm if Right to Choose applies for you.
Who we Help
Oxford CBT provides NHS Right to Choose assessments for:
ADHD – Adults
ADHD – Children & young people (6–17 years)
Autism – Adults
Autism – Children & young people (6–17 years)
Learn More
Why choose Oxford CBT?
At Oxford CBT, we know this process can feel overwhelming. Many people only come because they’ve faced long waits elsewhere — and that’s frustrating. What matters most is that you feel:
Respected and heard
Not rushed
Supported by Clinicians with Real Expertise
Local and Accessible
Supporting patients across Oxfordshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire and online
Transparent
Clear about timelines, outcomes and next steps
NHS Approved
Trusted by the NHS as an approved provider
Adheres to NICE guidelines
Gold standard approach adheres to NICE guidelines.
We focus on quality and clarity, not volume — and we make it easy for your GP to help you access the pathway you’re entitled to.
We keep things as straightforward as possible.
How the Right to
Choose pathway works
Start by downloading the GP referral form and complete the patient sections as fully as you can. This information helps your GP submit a Right to Choose referral with the correct details and gives our clinicians helpful background ahead of assessment.
Talk to your GP
Send or take the completed form to your GP surgery and request a referral to Oxford CBT under the NHS Right to Choose pathway. Your GP will complete their section and send the referral to us.
We confirm and arrange your assessment
Once we receive your referral, we will send you a booking confirmation and a separate email with next steps, including details about the information we’ll need from you. We’ll also explain the assessment format — in person or online where available — and what to expect.
Some assessments may include an in-person element to meet clinical guidance, and we’ll always talk this through with you in advance.
Receive your outcome and report
After your assessment, you’ll receive a clear diagnostic outcome, a full clinical report, and guidance on what happens next. This step-by-step approach is designed to be predictable, supportive and clear so you always know where you are in the process.
Start by downloading the GP referral form and complete the patient sections as fully as you can. This information helps your GP submit a Right to Choose referral with the correct details and gives our clinicians helpful background ahead of assessment.
Talk to your GP
Send or take the completed form to your GP surgery and request a referral to Oxford CBT under the NHS Right to Choose pathway. Your GP will complete their section and send the referral to us.
We confirm and arrange your assessment
Once we receive your referral, we will send you a booking confirmation and a separate email with next steps, including details about the information we’ll need from you. We’ll also explain the assessment format — in person or online where available — and what to expect.
Some assessments may include an in-person element to meet clinical guidance, and we’ll always talk this through with you in advance.
Receive your outcome and report
After your assessment, you’ll receive a clear diagnostic outcome, a full clinical report, and guidance on what happens next. This step-by-step approach is designed to be predictable, supportive and clear so you always know where you are in the process.
Ready to Start?
NHS Right to Choose vs Private assessments
We believe transparency matters. Here’s how the two pathways differ:
| NHS Right to Choose (RTC) | Private Assessment | |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | NHS-funded | Self-funded |
| Cost to patient | No cost | Fees apply |
| How to access | GP referral required | Self-referral |
| Eligibility | Subject to RTC criteria | Open to all |
| Who can refer | NHS GP | Patient / Parent / Guardian |
| Waiting times | Variable, demand‑dependent | Typically shorter |
| Assessment standards | NICE guidelines | NICE guidelines |
| Diagnostic frameworks | DSM‑5 / ICD‑11 | DSM‑5 / ICD‑11 |
| Clinicians | Appropriately qualified | Appropriately qualified |
| Reports provided | Full clinical report | Full clinical report |
What Our Patients Have To Say
For parents and carers
Waiting for assessments can be especially difficult for families. We work closely with parents and carers to make the process as clear and supportive as possible.
You can expect:
- Clear explanations at every stage
- Sensitive, age‑appropriate assessments
- Awareness of school and transition needs
- Practical recommendations following assessment
Information for GPs and referrers
We aim to make Right to Choose referrals simple and low‑burden for GP practices.
If you need support with the referral process, we offer tools like:
- Downloadable referral template
- Clear eligibility checklists
- Direct contact details for referral queries
Or you can contact our team — we’re happy to walk you or your GP through the process.
Take the next step
If you think Right to Choose could help you or your child, we’re here to support you.
Referral Forms
Helpful Resources
Online and In-Person Assessments
We offer online assessments where clinically appropriate, making it easier for many people to access support in a way that fits around their lives. Adult ADHD assessments are often well suited to an online format and can be carried out remotely.
Other assessments may include an in-person element to ensure they meet clinical guidance. These sessions are offered across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
ICB-approved provider
We’re an ICB-approved provider for NHS Right to Choose assessments and currently work in partnership with several local NHS areas.
This means we can offer:
- Adult ADHD assessments
- Child ADHD assessments (ages 6+)
- Adult Autism assessments
- Child Autism assessments (ages 6+)
Our current NHS contracts cover Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We’re continuing to work with additional areas, so availability may expand over time.
If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, our team is always happy to help guide you.
Frequently asked questions
Is Right to Choose really free?
Yes. If you access your assessment through the NHS Right to Choose pathway, it is funded by the NHS.
How long will I wait?
Waiting times are typically shorter than many local NHS services. We’ll always be open about current timelines before proceeding.
Can I choose private assessment instead?
Yes. We offer both pathways and clearly explain the differences so you can make an informed choice.
Can I be referred if I’ve already had an NHS-funded assessment?
If you’ve previously had an NHS or Right to Choose-funded assessment, we’re unable to accept a new referral. For re-assessments, we recommend contacting your original provider or local NHS service for advice.
Where do assessments take place?
Adult ADHD assessments are usually carried out online. Other assessments may include an in-person appointment to ensure they meet clinical guidance. These sessions are offered across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
I’m having trouble completing the paperwork, what should I do?
If you need help with the forms or require them in a different format, please get in touch with us. You can reach us on 01865 920077 or email rtc@oxfordcbt.co.uk
What does the ADHD medication (titration) pathway involve?
If medication is recommended following an ADHD assessment, we’ll explain the options clearly and talk you through what happens next.
For children and young people, medication is usually managed by the local NHS trust.
For adults, medication may be started through our specialist psychiatry service where appropriate. Longer-term prescribing is typically supported through a shared care agreement with your GP, in line with NHS guidance.
We’ll guide you through each step and help ensure the right information is shared with the relevant services, so the process feels clear and well supported.
Where can I find out more about my Right to Choose?
You can read the official NHS guidance on Right to Choose on the NHS website here. If you have questions about how Right to Choose works in practice, you’re also welcome to contact our team for guidance.