NHS Funding
NHS Funding and Right to Choose: Important Information
NHS services in your area are commissioned and funded by your local Integrated Care Board (ICB), which is responsible for deciding how healthcare resources are allocated.
Due to the high demand for autism and ADHD assessments across England, some ICBs are currently working within limited budgets. Under NHS guidance, some ICBs may ask providers to temporarily pause Right to Choose assessments until further funding is available, which may affect your GP’s ability to refer you to our service.
We know that this news may be concerning, and we are working with our partners across every NHS ICB to ensure that Right to Choose remains a stable model for assessment, care, and support.
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Find your local ICB
Enter your postcode to find your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) and see any specific guidance that may apply to your area.
About our service
What is Right to Choose?
If you/your child are a registered NHS patient in England and are referred by your GP for specialist treatment, such as a neurodevelopmental assessment, you/your child have the legal right to choose an appropriate healthcare provider. This is known as your Right to Choose.
We've created a short video to explain what you can expect from our Right to Choose service, guiding you through your journey from referral to assessment.
Get started with Right to Choose
Starting your journey with us
If you/your child are seeking an autism or ADHD assessment with us through Right to Choose, follow these steps:
Complete self-report form(s)
Complete the self-report form(s) for your/your child’s suspected condition.
Send the self-report form(s) to your GP
Email your/your child’s completed self-report form(s) to your GP.
In the email, ask your GP to refer you/your child to ProblemShared. You can attach our pre-written GP letter to the email if you prefer.
Wait for your GP to make the referral
Your GP will refer you/your child to our service through our digital process.
You’ll get an email to notify you once the referral has been made.
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Provide your/your child’s enrolment information
We'll ask you for some important enrolment information.
Your/your child's referral will be reviewed by our clinical team.
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Look out for a confirmation email
If your online service is suitable for your situation, your/your child's referral will be approved.
You will receive an email informing you of next steps, and asking that you complete some pre-assessment forms.
You are deemed “assessment ready” and added to our waitlist
Only after completing each of these steps will you/your child be added to our waitlist for an assessment.
This ensures that, by the time you join the waitlist, we have all the necessary information to proceed with a thorough and effective assessment.
Who are ProblemShared?
Mind health support you can trust
ProblemShared was founded to provide better access to mind health services over a convenient and secure online platform. We offer a completely digital service that allows anyone in the UK with an internet connection to access exceptional mind health support.
Leading the way in mind health
Our assessments are strength-based and person-centred.
We’re the only provider to offer a neurodevelopmental service that includes tailored post-diagnostic care.
Our unique psychoeducation sessions are a space for you and your family to better understand your diagnosis and receive ongoing support.
Our highly trained, accredited clinicians can prescribe medication where appropriate.
We’re fully online, meaning you can access our service from the comfort of your home.
Trusted partners
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We’re regulated
ProblemShared is registered with the
Care Quality Commission (CQC), which means our neurodevelopmental service is regularly monitored, inspected, and held to high standards.
The CQC ensures that healthcare providers like us are delivering safe, effective services, so you can feel confident you're in good hands.
Certified practitioners
Our clinical teams are experienced, registered professionals who belong to professional regulatory bodies. They follow best practice guidelines and a strict code of conduct to ensure you receive high quality support.
Who are ProblemShared?
What our clients say
We are proud to have supported thousands of people on their mind health journey.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question?
You can find answers below to the things we get asked the most.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you can find more in our FAQ section.
How can I/my child be referred under Right to Choose?
If your GP agrees that you or your child would benefit from a neurodevelopmental assessment, you have the legal right to request a referral to the provider of your choice. Currently, adults can be referred to ProblemShared for both ADHD and autism assessments. If you would like an Autism referral for your child, please contact your GP and they will be able to refer you to ProblemShared.
Who is eligible under Right to Choose?
Adults aged 18 and over. Children and young people aged 7 and over. Please note that some patients are not suitable for online assessments (see eligibility criteria).
What should I do if my GP will not refer me/my child under Right to Choose?
If your GP is refusing to make a referral for a non-clinical reason (for example, due to funding concerns), you can ask them to read the NHS information governing patient choice.
Currently, Right to Choose only covers England.
Does Right to Choose cover Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
Unfortunately not. Currently, Right to Choose only covers England, and you need to be registered with a GP in England to be eligible.
Following a diagnosis of ADHD, are you able to prescribe medication through Right to Choose?
Patients diagnosed with ADHD by ProblemShared will be able to access the ProblemShared medication service where appropriate. This service is run by a team of highly qualified clinicians who will look after your individual prescribing needs.
Can I self-refer under Right to Choose?
No. All referrals must come directly from your GP.
If I/my child are already on a waitlist for an NHS assessment, can I/my child request a Right to Choose referral and be seen sooner?
Yes, so long as your GP agrees to make the referral through Right to Choose. Please note that we currently only offer adult ADHD and autism assessments, and autism assessments for children aged 7 and over.
Can I/my child access an assessment through Right to Choose if I/my child have already been assessed for the same neurodevelopmental condition? (For example, if I/my child want a second opinion?)
If you/your child have been assessed by a private service for a neurodevelopmental condition, you/your child can be referred to ProblemShared under Right to Choose for the same neurodevelopmental condition. If you/your child have already been assessed by an NHS service for a neurodevelopmental condition, you/your child cannot be referred to ProblemShared under Right to Choose for assessment of that same condition.
I/my child have an existing neurodevelopmental diagnosis. Can I/my child access an assessment through Right to Choose for a different neurodevelopmental condition?
Yes. Neurodevelopmental conditions are frequently co-occurring.
Will Right to Choose cover the cost of the medication?
Yes. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD by ProblemShared through Right to Choose and decide to enter our medication pathway, the cost of the medication will be met by the NHS. You may still need to pay the standard NHS prescription charge of £9.65 unless you are exempt.
I have another question about Right to Choose. How can I speak to someone?
Please contact help@problemshared.net
How can my/my child's GP be assured that your Right to Choose digital referral process is safe and secure to use?
We provide a gold-standard digital platform, are fully GDPR-compliant, committed to data protection, and our IT systems are fully Cyber Essentials accredited (cert. c8c44ea1-273c-48e8-8906-13e3a63fde84). ProblemShared is also registered with the ICO, number: ZB567803.
ProblemShared meets the standards of the NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit (“DSPT”) at: https://www.dsptoolkit.nhs.uk/OrganisationSearch/P6O4T.
Data is uploaded to our online Right to Choose referral portal using an encrypted connection from your computer to our servers, ensuring that your information is securely transmitted. Once received, your data is securely stored using advanced security measures and industry best practices. In addition to adhering to industry best practices in all our development processes, we conduct thorough security tests twice a year. These tests are complemented by automatic daily testing to identify and mitigate any potential vulnerabilities promptly.
I am a GP. Can I refer my patient for an assessment through Right to Choose if they have an existing NHS diagnosis for the same neurodevelopmental condition?
No. As a responsible healthcare provider, ProblemShared has a duty to protect NHS money and therefore we cannot assess individuals under Right to Choose for a condition for which they have an existing NHS diagnosis.
However, ProblemShared can assess individuals under Right to Choose who have an existing private diagnosis.
Further reading
Right to Choose resources
Explore a range of supportive resources and guides to help you on your mind health journey.
