FAQs.

We offer autism assessments from 2 years old, when developmental patterns become clearer, and ADHD assessments from 6 years old, when attention and activity differences can be reliably identified in school and home settings.

Every Oakdale assessment is tailored to the individual—there's no one-size-fits-all process. When referred for a combined autism and ADHD assessment, our team first gathers detailed background information to plan the most appropriate appointments. Sometimes, early screening may show that a full assessment for one condition isn't needed, but all findings are reviewed, discussed with you, and reflected in your final report. This ensures your assessment is focused, thorough, and truly personalised.

Self-funded: Usually within about 1 week. NHS-funded: Usually within 2 weeks, although it can take a little longer during busy periods.

Most assessments follow a blended model, meaning some parts can be completed remotely, while others may be face-to-face if needed for accuracy or support. If an in-person appointment is required, we'll invite you to one of our clinics across Yorkshire (Harrogate, Halifax and Leeds), depending on where you live, and discuss this with you in advance.

Absolutely. It is not unusual for us to assess children and young people who are not attending an education setting. We can gather insights from other professionals who know your child, such as tutors, coaches, or therapists, to fully understand their strengths, challenges, and behaviour.

No. Our clinicians are highly experienced in recognising masking and use a range of tools and information sources to build a full picture. Assessments are carried out by qualified specialists who combine structured tools, observation, and collateral information to ensure the process is fair and accurate.

We assess an equal split of male-to-female clients each year. Our clinicians regularly assess the different ways autism and ADHD present in females and males. All clinicians are registered with statutory professional bodies and undertake continued professional development to remain up to date with current research.

Beforehand, we can share visual guides and social stories to explain what to expect. Assessments are designed to feel more like conversations or activities than tests. Children can take breaks or bring a favourite comfort item. Our clinicians are experienced in helping children feel safe, understood and involved.

An Observer is someone who knows you well, such as a partner, close friend, relative or colleague, who can describe how you think, communicate and manage daily life. Their perspective helps clinicians build a fuller picture of your experiences.

Your nominated observer may complete a questionnaire or provide examples of your strengths and challenges. Their information is combined with your own to ensure the assessment is balanced and accurate.

Following the feedback appointment, you'll receive a detailed written report with findings, recommendations and next steps. If autism or ADHD is diagnosed, we'll explain what this means and discuss appropriate support, including post-diagnostic services such as therapy, coaching and, where appropriate, ADHD medication management.

Yes. The report can provide valuable evidence for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) application or review by outlining strengths, challenges and developmental needs to support decision-making.

If you're 16 and have the capacity to make decisions independently, we may be able to proceed without direct parental involvement. However, we encourage involving parents wherever possible, and background developmental information is usually needed from someone who knew you as a child. Medication discussions generally require parental involvement.

Gillick competence refers to whether a young person under 16 has sufficient understanding and maturity to make decisions about their own healthcare without parental involvement.

Yes. Assessments may not begin where there is significant ongoing risk, unresolved trauma, active eating disorders affecting medical stability, or active substance/alcohol misuse. Please contact Oakdale for advice before referring.

You don't need to complete any Oakdale forms before seeing your GP. Oakdale only requires the GP referral form for Right to Choose referrals.

Yes. Eligibility is determined by the GP. Some groups, including certain Armed Forces personnel and people in secure settings, are not eligible under Right to Choose guidance.

In most cases, yes. Your GP will need to refer you. You cannot self-refer to the NHS ADHD Medication Service.

Yes. A formal ADHD diagnosis is required before medication can be prescribed in line with NICE guidance.

Self-funded referrals can be made using Oakdale's referral form with a copy of the ADHD diagnostic report. NHS referrals require your GP to complete the referral form and include the diagnostic report.

In most cases, yes, although eligibility depends on local Integrated Care Board (ICB) arrangements and additional funding checks may increase waiting times.

Yes. Self-funded clients can refer directly for private medication. NHS medication requires a GP referral and eligibility depends on local NHS/ICB criteria.

Identification must be verified. Children should bring their full birth or adoption certificate, and the accompanying parent or guardian should bring photographic ID such as a passport or driving licence.

Yes, if eligible, but you'll join the NHS waiting list and be subject to standard NHS waiting times.

To ensure it meets NICE standards before medication is prescribed. Self-funded clients are not charged until the report has been reviewed.

ADHD medication can significantly improve focus and daily functioning for many people, although results vary. Treatment is tailored through careful titration.

No. Oakdale only prescribes ADHD-specific medications.

Titration is the process of gradually adjusting medication to find the safest and most effective dose.

Typically between 6 and 12 weeks, depending on individual response.

Yes. Medical history and other factors are carefully assessed to ensure medication is safe and appropriate.

Regular monitoring helps ensure ADHD medication remains safe and effective throughout treatment.

Care moves into the maintenance phase. Prescribing may transfer to your GP under Shared Care while Oakdale continues specialist reviews.

Shared Care is a collaborative arrangement where your GP manages routine prescribing while Oakdale continues specialist oversight and reviews.

Oakdale can continue prescribing and monitoring directly. Whether this is NHS-funded or self-funded depends on how your treatment was initiated.

ADHD medication must be initiated and adjusted by a specialist because close clinical monitoring is required.

Usually within two weeks, although it may take slightly longer during busy periods.

In most cases, yes. Your GP must make the referral, as self-referral to the NHS medication service is not possible.

We provide therapy for children, young people and adults, including individuals, couples and families, supporting a wide range of emotional, psychological and behavioural needs.

Yes. Research shows therapy can improve mental health, wellbeing, coping skills and resilience. Treatment is tailored to each individual's goals and needs.

Oakdale offers CBT, EMDR, counselling, psychotherapy, ACT, DBT, CFT, CAT, TA, systemic family therapy, Gestalt therapy, IPT, coaching, mindfulness-based therapies, creative therapies, and couples counselling.

We don't provide private medical or allied health services, including psychiatry, paediatrics, occupational therapy, educational psychology, or speech and language therapy.

We support children from early childhood through adolescence, as well as adults of all ages. Parents or caregivers are often involved when working with younger children.

All Oakdale therapists are fully qualified, DBS-checked and highly experienced. Our Triage Team carefully matches each client with the therapist whose expertise best suits their needs.

Complete our online Self-Referral Form and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your needs. We also accept referrals from healthcare professionals, employers and family members.

No. You can self-refer directly to Oakdale at any time.

Fees vary depending on the type of therapy and the practitioner's experience. Reduced-fee sessions may be available, and some health insurers or employers may contribute towards costs.

Yes. Some of our therapists are recognised by major private health insurers. Please check with your insurer before booking.

Yes. Face-to-face, online and telephone appointments are available, depending on what works best for you.

Your first session is an opportunity to meet your therapist, discuss your goals, understand how therapy works and ask questions. For children and young people, parents or caregivers may also attend the first session.

Therapy length varies depending on your needs. Some people benefit from short-term work, while others choose longer-term support.

Yes. Sessions are confidential unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or a legal requirement to share information.

Gillick competence refers to whether a young person under 16 has sufficient understanding and maturity to make decisions about their own healthcare without parental involvement.

No. Oakdale provides psychological therapy and assessments only. For psychiatric or medical treatment, we recommend contacting your GP or a consultant psychiatrist.

Our service provides specialist assessment and therapeutic intervention for adopted children, children under Special Guardianship, fostered and looked-after children, and their families. We focus on the effects of trauma and attachment disruption and are an Ofsted-registered provider supporting Regional Adoption Agencies across Yorkshire and Humber and beyond.

The service is available to adopted children and young people, children under Special Guardianship, children in foster care, care-experienced young people, and professionals supporting these families.

The ASGSF can fund therapeutic support for eligible children. Applications are made alongside your Local Authority adoption support team, and Oakdale provides ASGSF-approved assessments, therapies and family support.

We offer multidisciplinary assessments, attachment-based psychotherapy, CBT, DDP, EMDR, systemic family therapy, creative therapies, Therapeutic Life Story Work, Theraplay, therapeutic parenting, Non-Violent Resistance, sensory processing support and more.

We provide personalised care, work with the whole family and professional network, use evidence-based interventions and offer flexible delivery, including face-to-face, online and outreach sessions where possible.

Assessments may include an initial consultation, background information review, parent and child assessments, school liaison, play-based assessments, cognitive assessment, outcome measures and outreach visits where appropriate.

Adoption Support and ASGSF referrals are made through Adoption or Special Guardianship Social Workers. Local Authorities can refer other eligible groups, and some private referrals can be made directly through Oakdale's enquiry form.

Yes. All therapists hold appropriate qualifications, professional registrations, professional indemnity insurance and enhanced DBS checks.

Sessions can take place at Oakdale centres, online, by telephone or, where possible, at schools, homes or other outreach locations. Limited evening and Saturday appointments are also available.

Children affected by trauma, neglect, loss or disrupted attachment, their families and carers, and professionals working in adoption and fostering.

We work collaboratively with parents, carers, schools and professionals, offering guidance, therapeutic parenting support and interventions to strengthen family relationships.

Yes. Services are structured around measurable goals and outcomes to ensure effective, tailored support.

Children struggling with learning, young people with uneven learning profiles, adults experiencing cognitive challenges, or anyone exploring possible neurodevelopmental differences may benefit.

A cognitive assessment contributes to diagnosing an intellectual disability alongside adaptive behaviour assessment. It cannot diagnose ADHD or autism but may indicate that further assessment is appropriate.

It does not diagnose mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, or directly assess emotional wellbeing, sensory differences or social communication.

Adaptive behaviour shows how someone applies their thinking skills in daily life. Assessing both cognition and adaptive functioning is required for diagnosing an intellectual disability.

The assessment typically lasts 2–4 hours, with the full process from referral to report usually taking 3–4 weeks.

You'll meet a psychologist and complete structured one-to-one tasks assessing areas such as memory, reasoning and problem-solving. Breaks are provided as needed.

We may ask for background information, school reports or previous assessments. No studying is needed—just arrive well-rested and comfortable.

Parents are usually welcome at the start of the appointment, but assessment tasks are generally completed one-to-one with the psychologist to help the child focus.

Feedback and the written report are usually provided within 2–3 weeks after the assessment.

You'll receive a detailed report describing cognitive strengths, areas for development and, where appropriate, adaptive behaviour findings, together with recommendations.

Reports can be shared with schools, employers, healthcare providers and local authorities to support educational plans, workplace adjustments and referrals.

Yes. The report can provide valuable evidence for EHCPs, workplace reasonable adjustments and other support frameworks.

Yes. Cognitive assessments can be combined with ADHD, autism or learning difficulty assessments where appropriate.

We'll discuss the findings, explain available support, recommend next steps and signpost relevant education, healthcare and community services.

The fee includes the initial consultation, assessment, scoring, interpretation, clinical review, detailed written report and personalised feedback session.

A dyslexia assessment is a thorough, evidence-based evaluation designed to understand how your brain processes information, particularly reading, spelling and written language. It identifies your unique cognitive profile, highlighting both strengths and areas where you may experience challenges.

Assessments are conducted remotely via Zoom. The process includes pre-assessment questionnaires, a two-hour online assessment with a specialist clinician, and a comprehensive written report with findings and recommendations.

You'll need a quiet space free from distractions, a reliable internet connection, and a laptop or tablet with a minimum 10-inch screen. You'll also receive assessment materials by post before your appointment.

Your detailed written report is usually provided within three weeks of your assessment.

Assessment packages start from £795. Flexible 0% interest payment plans are available through Klarna.

Yes. Your report includes personalised recommendations to support educational applications, workplace adjustments, assistive technology and learning strategies, together with guidance on your next steps.

NHS Talking Therapies provide free, evidence-based psychological support for adults experiencing common mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression and stress. Oakdale delivers these services on behalf of the NHS.

The service is available to adults registered with a GP in areas where Oakdale provides NHS Talking Therapies. It supports people experiencing low mood, anxiety and other common mental health difficulties.

The service is not suitable for people experiencing active suicidal intent or crisis, severe or complex mental illness (such as psychosis, bipolar disorder or personality disorder), or substance dependency. Individuals requiring urgent help should contact their GP, NHS 111, Samaritans or emergency services.

Talking therapies can help with depression, anxiety, stress, panic, anger, phobias, trauma, PTSD, bereavement, loss, and relationship or family difficulties.

Before therapy begins, you'll have a telephone assessment with a clinician to discuss your needs, experiences and goals. This helps determine the most appropriate therapy and treatment plan.

Oakdale offers NICE-recommended therapies including CBT, EMDR, counselling, Guided Self-Help, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and group work.

Sessions are available face-to-face, online or by telephone, with flexible appointment times including evenings and weekends.

You must be registered with a GP. Depending on your area, you can be referred by your GP or self-refer directly to Oakdale's NHS Talking Therapies service.

Yes. Information is kept confidential unless there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.

You don't need to decide yourself. Following your assessment, the clinician will recommend the therapy best suited to your needs.

Oakdale's therapists are highly qualified and experienced, delivering evidence-based psychological care in line with NHS standards.

Oakdale's Workplace Wellbeing services help organisations promote positive mental health, build resilience and support staff through tailored psychological support, training and wellbeing initiatives.

An Employee Assistance Programme provides confidential psychological support for employees experiencing personal or work-related difficulties, helping them access timely support before issues escalate.

Services may include trauma-informed CBT, EMDR, psychological consultation for leaders, wellbeing workshops, resilience training, stress management and mental health awareness sessions.

Access arrangements vary by organisation but are typically available to all employees through self-referral or management referral.

Information shared during therapy or consultations remains confidential and is not shared with employers unless there is a serious risk of harm.

Yes. Oakdale designs bespoke wellbeing packages based on your organisation's size, structure, culture and objectives.

Oakdale combines extensive clinical expertise with a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach, focusing on early intervention, resilience and long-term wellbeing.

Yes. Training is available on topics including stress management, resilience, trauma awareness and psychologically informed leadership.

Contact Oakdale to arrange an initial discussion. The team will work with you to develop a tailored workplace wellbeing package.

Our Adult Eating Difficulties Service supports adults with eating disorders or complex relationships with food, such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, over eating or orthorexia.

No. You can self-refer directly using Oakdale's online form. If you're already under another service, Oakdale can work alongside your existing healthcare providers.

No. The service is privately funded, although NHS patients can choose to self-fund treatment.

Yes. Your clinician will discuss your goals carefully and recommend the safest approach. In some cases, stabilising your relationship with food will take priority over weight loss.

The Adult Eating Difficulties Service is available both online and in person at the Harrogate clinic.

Yes. Oakdale provides therapeutic support regardless of where your medication is prescribed.

Visit the Work With Us page to view current vacancies and learn more about working at Oakdale.

Visit the website for service information, submit an enquiry using the online form, or call 0333 323 7773.

Visit the Partner With Us page to learn about partnership opportunities and how Oakdale works with organisations.

Feedback can be submitted through the website using the Give Feedback form.