Oxford CBT / Assessments / Right to Choose ADHD & Autism Assessments

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

NHS approved provider

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:

There are some situations where RTC may not apply, such as if you are:

These are general eligibility points — your GP can help confirm if Right to Choose applies for you.

Grassy lane leading to a rainbow symbolising the Right to Choose pathway

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:

why choose oxford respected

Respected and heard

Not rushed

why choose oxford clinicians

Supported by Clinicians 
with Real Expertise

why choose oxford local

Local and Accessible

Supporting patients across Oxfordshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire and online

why choose oxford transparent

Transparent

Clear about timelines, outcomes and next steps

why choose oxford NHS

NHS Approved

Trusted by the NHS as an approved provider

why choose oxford NICE

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

Download and Complete the Form

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.

right to choose pathway step 1

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.

right to choose pathway step 2

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.

right to choose pathway step 3

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.

right to choose pathway step 4
Download and Complete the Form

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.

right to choose pathway step 1

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.

right to choose pathway step 2

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.

right to choose pathway step 3

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.

right to choose pathway step 4

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:

Parent and child using laptop for ADHD or autism assessment appointment

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:

Or you can contact our team — we’re happy to walk you or your GP through the process.

GP carrying out patient assessment in clinic

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.

Tom from Oxford CBT smiling in clinic office

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:

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.

Sunflower in sunlight representing trusted ICB approved provider

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.

Waiting times are typically shorter than many local NHS services. We’ll always be open about current timelines before proceeding.

Yes. We offer both pathways and clearly explain the differences so you can make an informed choice.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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