NHS Right to Choose.
Oakdale delivers ADHD & autism assessments under direct contracts with the NHS and the Right to Choose NHS Patient Choice framework. We work closely with commissioners to ensure smooth referral pathways and seamless service delivery.
GP referring a patient? Start here.
All the information you need to refer a patient for an ADHD or autism assessment.
Your right, your choice.
In England, NHS patients have a legal right to choose who provides their healthcare, including ADHD, autism or combined neurodevelopmental assessments for people of all ages.
If your GP agrees a referral is clinically appropriate, you can ask to be referred to Oakdale under NHS Right to Choose.
Eligibility & key requirements.
Right to Choose applies when:
A GP agrees that an autism and/or ADHD assessment/treatment is clinically appropriate.
The provider is NHS-approved and holds a contract with an ICB or NHS England for the same service.
The person is registered with a GP in England.
Your Right to Choose is a legal right, but there are some exceptions.
For more information visit our FAQs.
What this means for you.
If you or your child is waiting for an autism or ADHD assessment, Right to Choose gives you the freedom to select an alternative NHS-approved provider, often with shorter waiting times than your local NHS Trust.
Your assessment/treatment is fully funded by your local NHS or Integrated Care Board (ICB).
You’ll receive a high-quality, NICE-compliant assessment from our expert clinical team.
Choosing Oakdale does not affect your NHS care, it’s simply another route to access support sooner.
Why choose O Oakdale.
Trusted NHS partner
Oakdale is an NHS-approved provider of ADHD and autism assessments for children, young people, and adults. We hold multiple Integrated Care Board (ICB) contracts across England and have extensive experience delivering high-quality services in partnership with the NHS.
A team of expert clinicians.
Our assessments follow NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidance and meet recognised ‘gold standard’ benchmarks. With a multi-disciplinary team of over 60 clinicians, we provide thorough, person-centred assessments and clear, actionable recommendations.
Right to Choose waiting times.
At Oakdale, we aim to be as transparent as possible with our Right to Choose waiting times.
Please note that current waiting times depend on how many referrals your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) allows Oakdale to carry out in a given year. This is called an activity management plan.
Please use the postcode of your GP surgery to locate your ICB below.
How to use your Right to Choose.
Accessing Oakdale through NHS Right to Choose is simple.
Follow these 4 simple steps:
Step 1
Book an appointment with your GP.
Step 2
Discuss your concerns and why you feel an ADHD assessment / medication and/or an autism assessment may be helpful.
Step 3
Agree together that an assessment and/or medication is appropriate.
Step 4
Ask your GP to refer you to Oakdale under the NHS Right to Choose scheme.
Important: You cannot self-refer for an NHS-funded assessment - the referral must come from your GP.
Things to consider.
We want you to feel informed and confident as you move forward, so here are a few important points to be aware of before getting started.
Understanding your rights
Right to Choose in mental health services was introduced in 2018, but not all GPs or patients are familiar with how it works.
Supporting your referral
If your GP is unsure, direct them to NHS guidance on patient choice or contact us for support, we can even provide a GP support letter to make the referral process easier.
Checking local guidance
Your GP will need to check any local guidance from your Integrated Care Board (ICB) before referring.
Assessment outcomes
Booking and attending an assessment does not guarantee a diagnosis. Our clinicians assess the information provided and will only diagnose where diagnostic criteria are met.
Medication suitability
Referring to our ADHD medication service doesn’t guarantee medication will be prescribed; suitability and safety always come first.
Managing waiting lists
If you are referred to Oakdale under Right to Choose, you must be removed from any other NHS or RTC waiting lists for the same assessment.
Find out more.
For more information on NHS Right to Choose and how it works, visit:
NHS: Patient Choice in Mental Health
Or contact our team if you’d like help discussing a referral with your GP.
Private assessments & treatment.
- No GP referral.
- No waiting.
- Children, young people and adults.
- Online or at one of our clinics.
- Just expert care, ready when you are.
Ready to begin?
Take the first steps towards clarity and support.
Right to Choose FAQs.
Commonly asked questions.
Nothing from you directly; you don't need to complete anything with Oakdale before seeing your GP. We simply need the referral form completed by your GP for Right to Choose.
Most assessments use a blended model, with some parts remote and others face-to-face where needed for accuracy or support. If an in-person appointment is required, we'll invite you to one of our clinics.
Yes. Your GP decides whether a Right to Choose referral is clinically appropriate. Some groups aren't eligible, including serving or recently discharged Armed Forces personnel (where military healthcare provides an alternative), and people who are detained or in secure settings such as prisons or immigration centres. If a referral falls into one of these categories, we'll let your GP know and explain why.
Usually within 2 weeks, although this can take a little longer during busy periods.
Every assessment at Oakdale is tailored to the individual. Once we receive your Right to Choose referral, our team gathers detailed background information to plan the appointments that are right for you. Sometimes early screening shows a full assessment isn't needed for every condition referred, but all findings are reviewed with you and reflected in your final report, so the process stays focused and thorough.