The questions people ask.

Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?

Yes. In the UK, Clinical Psychologists with specialist ADHD training are fully qualified to assess and diagnose ADHD, just as a psychiatrist is. I am registered with the HCPC, I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and I carry UKAAN certification in ADHD assessment on top of that, with several hundred assessments completed since 2014.

What a psychologist does not do is prescribe. If medication becomes part of your plan, I refer you to a trusted prescriber, and I do not profit from that choice, which keeps the assessment unbiased.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

No. There is no referral and no waiting list. You get in touch, and we take it from there.

How much does it cost?

£975 for an in person assessment in York, or £875 online. Everything is included: the interview, the QbCheck, the questionnaires, the report, the feedback meeting and the letter to your GP. There is nothing further to pay at any stage, and payment options are available.

How soon can I be seen?

There is no waiting list, so you can start straight away. First appointments are usually available within weeks, and the whole process typically finishes in weeks rather than the years many people face elsewhere.

What happens in the free consultation call?

Fifteen minutes with me, not a salesperson. You can ask anything, tell me a little about what is going on, and work out whether an assessment is the right step. There is no pressure and no obligation, and you do not need to have anything prepared.

How long does the assessment take?

The clinical interview itself is around 90 minutes, though it varies from person to person. The whole process, from first contact to finished report, is typically completed within weeks.

Is an online assessment as thorough as in person?

Yes. It is the same assessment, with the same clinician, the same interview, the same questionnaires and the same report. The QbCheck is validated for use at home, so nothing is cut down for the online route. Choose whichever suits you, and the fee is £100 less online because there is no room involved.

What is the QbCheck?

A short computer based task, completed at home, that measures attention, impulsivity and activity objectively. It adds measured data alongside everything you tell me, which strengthens the conclusions either way. It is included as standard, where many providers sell it as a paid extra.

The QbCheck has a page of its own

Do I need to prepare anything?

Not before we speak. Once you decide to go ahead, you complete a symptom form in your own time, do the QbCheck at home, and think about someone who knows you well who could add their perspective. Everything is explained as we go, step by step.

How does it work for children and young people?

I assess from age six upwards, and the shape of the process is the same. The main difference is that I contact their school or college, because education is a big part of a young person's life and staff often notice patterns that are easy to miss at home. Parents are involved throughout, and the feedback is shared in a way the whole family can use.

Will I definitely be diagnosed with ADHD?

No, and that is the point of an unbiased assessment. Not everyone assessed receives an ADHD diagnosis. If ADHD is not the right explanation, I will say so clearly and point you towards what might help instead.

What if it turns out not to be ADHD?

Then you will know that, and you will know why. The assessment screens for the conditions that overlap with ADHD, so you leave with an explanation of what is actually going on and a direction to move in, whichever way the answer falls.

Do you also assess autism?

The assessment screens for overlapping conditions, including autism, anxiety and mood. A full autism assessment is a separate piece of work, but if the picture points that way I will tell you honestly and direct you to the right next step.

Do I have to take medication if I am diagnosed?

Not at all. Medication is never mandatory. Some people find it helpful, and others prefer therapy, coaching or lifestyle changes. We talk through every option so you can choose what is right for you, and depending on shared care arrangements your GP may be able to continue any prescribing that is started.

When will I receive the report?

Typically within a couple of weeks of your assessment. You hear the findings at the feedback meeting first, so nothing in the report arrives as a surprise.

Will my GP accept the report?

The report is written to the standard GPs, schools and employers recognise, and a letter to your GP is prepared and sent as part of the service. Individual practices set their own policies, particularly around prescribing, and I am happy to speak to a GP directly where that helps.

Is this part of NHS Right to Choose?

No. This is an independent private service, entirely separate from the NHS. That is exactly why there is no waiting list: you choose to be assessed, and it begins.

What happens after the assessment?

You leave with the report, the letter to your GP, and a clear sense of direction. I talk you through the options, point you towards medication support if that is a route you want to explore, and the door stays open: if questions surface months later, get back in touch and we will pick it up.

Is my information confidential?

Yes. Your information is handled confidentially, in line with HCPC professional standards and UK data protection law. The report and the GP letter are shared with your consent, and the terms and conditions you receive at the start set out exactly how your information is looked after.

Who do you assess?

Children and young people from age six, and adults. In person in York, or online across the UK.

Read about assessment for adults