Right to Choose (England)
Welcome to Right to Choose
If you/your child are referred by your GP for specialist treatment, such as an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism assessment, you/your child have the legal right to choose which provider oversees your care, as long as you/your child are a registered NHS patient in England.
.webp)
I want an online assessment
Check your/your child's suitability and complete the self-report form(s)
I'm a GP
Refer your patient to our service using our digital process
Wait time information
Current wait time
We understand that waiting for an assessment can be challenging, and we are working hard to process referrals as efficiently as possible.
Our wait time for new referrals is currently between 30-44 weeks (7-11 months).
This is for new referrals and referrals received after 22/11/24. If your GP submitted your referral before this date, we will contact you in due course.
Our customer service team cannot tell you where you are on the waitlist, so we kindly ask that you wait to be contacted.
Joining the waitlist
Please remember you will only be added to our waitlist once all of the following steps have been completed:
ProblemShared receives your GP referral.
You/your child completes intake information and risk screening questions before uploading ID and proof of address.
You/your child (and informant/school) completes all pre-assessment questionnaires.
You/your child receives a notification on your dashboard letting you know that you are ‘assessment-ready’ and are added to our waitlist.
Further support
The UK has seen a dramatic rise in the number of people seeking ADHD and autism assessments under the NHS Right to Choose scheme, which has led to growing waitlists. As a result, patients are having to wait longer than we would like for assessments (and ADHD medication if applicable).
We are actively recruiting year-round to onboard new ADHD and autism assessors, medication prescribers and non-clinical employees, and we are introducing new technology to speed up processes to help reduce our wait time.
We are working tirelessly to bring down our wait time to our ambition of 12-24 weeks. Thank you for considering us as a partner to support your/your family’s journey, and for your continued patience.
Please visit our FAQs page to help address common queries.
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.
This means you/your child can decide which organisation will oversee your care, as long as this organisation is located in England and fully qualified. Right to Choose allows the NHS to better manage its wait lists and for you/your child to access support faster.
What Right to Choose services do ProblemShared provide?
Autism service
Aged 7+
Aged 18+
Online autism assessments for adults and children facilitated by our expert clinicians.
If you receive a positive diagnosis, you can access our psychoeducation sessions to deepen your understanding of it.
For clients under the age of 17 who receive an autism diagnosis, your parent or guardian will be invited to attend our psychoeducation sessions.
Adult's ADHD service
Aged 18+
Online ADHD assessments facilitated by our expert clinicians.
If you receive a positive diagnosis, you can access our psychoeducation sessions to deepen your understanding of it.
We can prescribe ADHD medication where appropriate (only available following a Right to Choose ADHD assessment through us).
Children's ADHD service
Aged 7-17
Coming soon
Online ADHD assessments facilitated by our expert clinicians.
If you receive a positive diagnosis, you can access our psychoeducation sessions to deepen your understanding of it.
We can prescribe ADHD medication where appropriate (only available following a Right to Choose ADHD assessment through us).
How Right to Choose works
Understanding the Right to Choose journey from start to finish
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.
%20(1).webp)
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.
%20(3).webp)
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 group 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
.webp)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Anything you’d like to ask?
We’re here to help you find the right support for you and your family.
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.
Is ProblemShared an eligible Right to Choose provider?
Yes. ProblemShared holds NHS standard contracts to provide NHS Right to Choose assessments for ADHD and autism for adults, and autism for children aged of 7 and over. Additionally, we offer post-diagnostic support, which includes ADHD medication for adults where appropriate, as well as psychoeducation workshops.
How long is your Right to Choose waitlist?
Our current wait time for ADHD and autism assessments is approximately 30-44 weeks.
Please be aware that you/your child will not be added to the waitlist until you have completed the following:
- Been referred by your GP
- Enrolled into our system and completed all pre-assessment questionnaires
- Received an email confirming that you/your child are 'assessment ready'
How will I know if ProblemShared have received my/my child's referral and if the application has been successful?
Once your GP has referred you/your child and this has been accepted by our clinical team, you will receive an email to the email address you provided inviting you/your child to register through our online portal.
What happens after my/my child's assessment?
We aim to provide you with the result of your assessment on the same day as your online assessment. If the outcome is a non-diagnosis, we will discharge you or your child back to your GP.
If you are an adult and receive an ADHD diagnosis, we will discuss medication options with you. We are currently unable to offer ADHD assessments or medication to children.
All adults and the parents of children that receive a diagnosis will be invited to take part in our psychoeducation sessions.
Does Right to Choose cover other issues, such as support with eating disorders or depression?
Not currently. For issues that aren’t related to ADHD or autism you will need to speak to your GP for further advice.
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.
What if I/my child do not receive a diagnosis from ProblemShared, what are the next steps? Will I have to pay?
If you/your child do not receive a diagnosis, your clinician will send their findings and recommendations to you and your GP, and you/your child will be discharged from our service back into the care of your GP. The cost of your/your child's assessment is still covered by the NHS.
I am having problems downloading my/my child's forms, what should I do?
Please contact our customer service team at: help@problemshared.net
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.
Do I have to wait for my/my child's Integrated Care Board (ICB) to agree to have a Right to Choose assessment?
No. Your GP, based on clinical need, decides on where best to refer you.
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.
How do I access ADHD medication through Right to Choose?
If you and your clinician decide medication is appropriate in the management of your ADHD, you will have monthly reviews with our team of expert ADHD nurses, who will tailor their care and prescribing to your specific needs.
Please note, our ADHD assessment and medication services are currently available for adults only. To access our medication service, you must have had an ADHD assessment with us through Right to Choose and received a positive diagnosis.
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.
Can I/my child access post-diagnostic support under Right to Choose if I/my child have an existing diagnosis from elsewhere?
Patients cannot be referred to us for post-diagnostic support only under Right to Choose. To be eligible for this service, you/your child must have been assessed by us under Right to Choose.
Can I/my child receive psychoeducation or talk therapy with ProblemShared through Right to Choose?
At ProblemShared, we believe in supporting patients beyond their diagnosis. For this reason, we offer psychoeducation group sessions as part of our Right to Choose service. These sessions are facilitated by ProblemShared clinicians and offer a safe and structured environment in which to process your/your child's diagnosis. Additional talk therapy sessions are available to patients referred through Right to Choose on a self-pay basis only. Please note that to be eligible to access our Right to Choose psychoeducation group sessions, you/your child must have been assessed by us under Right to Choose.
Can I/my child come to you just for psychoeducation under Right to Choose?
No. To be eligible for this service, you/your child must have been assessed by us under Right to Choose first.
What happens in the psychoeducation group sessions?
There are 4 weekly 90-minute sessions which aim to provide a safe, structured environment to allow opportunity for reflection, discussion and collaboration. We want to provide the tools to those with ADHD and autism to understand their own identity, and be able to process their emotional response to their diagnosis.The sessions are grouped, with 8-10 people per group, and cover a variety of topics each and are supplemented with other materials, such as webinars, reading materials and signposting.
I have another question about Right to Choose. How can I speak to someone?
Please contact help@problemshared.net
Have you received my/my child's referral from my GP yet?
Once we receive your/your child's referral from your GP, and our clinical team have assessed your/your child's case, then we will contact you via the email address that you provided. You can contact your GP for updates on your/your child's referral before this stage.
I am 16 years old. Do my parents have to be present, or part of my assessment process?
If you are 16 years old and do not wish for your parent or caregiver to be present or play a part in your assessment process, we would need to assess your capacity to make decisions regarding your care for yourself. If you are deemed to be Gillick competent and have the understanding and maturity to fully understand what is involved, then we could proceed without your parent or caregiver's involvement.
However, we would always encourage you to discuss your healthcare and education with your parent or caregiver and involve them where possible.
Please be aware that we ask for an informant to provide additional information as part of the assessment process, and this is usually a parent or caregiver with specific knowledge of your early years and development. Not having this information may mean that it is not possible to conclude your assessment.
Furthermore, if you were to require medication following an ADHD assessment, we would request that your parent or caregiver are part of any discussion about the medication and would be reluctant to initiate medication without their prior knowledge.
I want to file a complaint about the Right to Choose service, what is your complaints process?
We hope that you will have a smooth experience with us, however if you feel that the service you have received has fallen below our high standard of care, then please contact us at complaints@problemshared.net. We will acknowledge your email within 3 working days and conduct an investigation. We seek to resolve concerns quickly and will stay in contact with you throughout the investigation. It's often helpful for us to speak to you by phone to fully understand the nature of your concern, and so we may arrange a convenient time to speak with you. We aim to resolve all matters within 28 working days and if you would like a written report, we can provide this for you.
I have seen the word 'informant' used on your website, what does this mean?
An informant is someone who can tell us about any potential signs of a neurodevelopmental condition that you/your child displayed during your/your child's early years and development, or that you/your child display currently, and how this impacts your/your child's functioning. An informant preferably should be someone who has known you/your child since your/their early childhood, such as a parent/caregiver or sibling. If this is not possible, a long-term partner or close friend or colleague can be an informant. In the absence of any of these options, please let us know as soon as possible that you do not have a suitable informant by emailing help@problemshared.net. A member of our team will be able to discuss alternative options with you.
Can I/my child come to you just for medication under Right to Choose?
We do not accept medication-only referrals through Right to Choose. Please note that our ADHD assessment and medication services are currently only available for patients over the age of 18.
While waiting for an assessment I/my child have changed GP. My/their new GP accepts shared care. If medication was recommended after a positive diagnosis, would I/my child then be able to have this amended on my/their records and referral too?
If you are changing your GP, you will need your new GP to refer you to our service to ensure that ProblemShared will be funded for this assessment. Your new GP can include medication in your referral if this was not previously part of the original referral.
Please note that our Right to Choose ADHD assessment and medication service is only currently available for adults.
Where do I send my completed self-report form?
Once you have filled in your/your child's self-report form, you should email it to your GP. You can find the email address of your GP surgery by searching online. In the body of the email, ask your GP to refer you/your child to ProblemShared. You can download our pre-written GP Letter and attach it to the email if you prefer.
I don't want my/my child's assessment report to be sent to my GP. Is this an option?
Unfortunately, this is not an option if you are a Right to Choose patient. We are obliged to send a copy of your/your child's assessment report to your GP.
If I/my child have changed GP since receiving a diagnosis, do I/my child need a new referral before starting post-diagnostic support (including psychoeducation sessions and/or ADHD medication, where appropriate)?
No. You/your child will only need a new referral:
* If you/your child move to a new area (a different Integrated Care Board (ICB) or sub-ICB) before having had an assessment with us.
* In the case of adult ADHD medication, if you move to a new GP prior to (or during) titration, as this may impact shared care. Please note that our ADHD medication services are currently available only for adults.
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.
Do you consider how co-occurring conditions and masking can affect the way autism presents in a person, hence ensuring that your autism assessments are accurate?
As part of our assessment process, we look at any pre-existing conditions you/your child might have, and consider whether these would limit our ability to assess for autism in an online environment. Further, if after the assessment, your clinician(s) feels further discussion with our other experts is warranted, they will convene a multi-disciplinary meeting to discuss your case and whether further assessment is required before a diagnosis is given.
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.
Why aren't ProblemShared offering ADHD assessments for children and young people through Right to Choose?
We do not currently have an agreement with the NHS to do so under Right to Choose.
Why don't you accept referrals by email to your Right to Choose service?
We are an online healthcare provider and are only able to accept referrals through the digital referral process on our website, or by the completion of a GP manual referral form in full. This is in line with company policy, ensuring that we prioritise patients and their safety all times.
Further reading
Right to Choose resources
Explore a range of supportive resources and guides to help you on your mind health journey.
