If you live in Bristol and want an NHS adult ADHD assessment, the first step has changed. Since 13 July 2026, adults with no previous ADHD diagnosis complete an online screening process before any referral. This applies whether you are heading to the local NHS service or a Right to Choose provider. Bristol is covered by NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (BNSSG ICB). The local NHS service is run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP). It says waits for a new assessment are "currently measured in multiple years". Right to Choose is open, but providers work to yearly activity limits. A private assessment is faster, but NHS prescribing afterwards depends on shared care with your GP.
BNSSG ICB plans and pays for NHS services across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. For adults, it directly commissions:
You can also use Right to Choose to pick other providers that hold an NHS contract elsewhere in England. Under-18s are assessed by a separate service, Sirona care and health.
The screening step is now the start of every adult ADHD referral in BNSSG for people without a previous diagnosis. AWP runs it:
AWP stresses that a recommendation for assessment is not a diagnosis. If the report says ADHD is not indicated and you disagree, you can send more information. The ICB says your GP can override the screening result if they judge a full assessment is warranted.
AWP's assessment is usually by video call and lasts two to three hours. Face-to-face appointments, if needed, are in Bristol. You'll be asked to involve someone who knows you well, ideally someone who knew you as a child. School reports and earlier assessments help too.
If you are diagnosed, medication options are discussed. You may then join a separate prescribing waiting list. AWP says prescribing waits are generally shorter than assessment waits, "but may still involve a substantial wait".
Some GP practices also run the primary care assessment service. It is only for non-complex referrals, decided through screening. Participating practices are starting with their own patients already on the AWP waiting list. Ask your practice whether it takes part.
In England, you have a legal right in most cases to choose the mental health provider and team for your first appointment. It applies at the point of referral, and only to providers with an NHS contract for that service. BNSSG ICB puts it plainly: it is a right to choose a provider, "NOT a right to referral". For more, see our guide to NHS Right to Choose and shared care.
What BNSSG ICB's October 2026 guide adds:
The ICB says it holds no waiting times for individual Right to Choose providers. Ask the provider directly before you choose.
The ICB does not hold waiting numbers for providers it has no direct contract with, so there is no complete Bristol total. For the national picture, see adult ADHD in the UK: what the wait actually looks like.
ADHD medicine must be started by a specialist. The ICB says the specialist monitors you for at least three months, until your dose is stable. NICE then recommends prescribing moves to primary care under shared care. NICE also says medication should be reviewed at least once a year by someone with ADHD expertise.
BNSSG ICB describes two options once you are stable:
The ICB warns that if neither applies, "you may be left without access to medication". Some Right to Choose providers are contracted to adjust your dose, but not to prescribe long term. Check before referral.
The ICB says it has asked Right to Choose providers to plan their activity so patients they assess can start medication. That should mean you don't wait for the yearly limit to reset.
Paying privately is usually faster. But BNSSG ICB is clear: private care, including ongoing medication, is paid for by you. The NHS does not reimburse private services. Before you pay, ask what the price includes, and what happens if your GP declines shared care.
If you are struggling right now: call 111 and choose the mental health option, 24 hours a day. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time. If someone's life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E.
Yes, if you're an adult without a previous ADHD diagnosis. BNSSG ICB says screening applies whichever provider you choose.
No. Referrals to NHS-funded ADHD services, including Right to Choose, must be made by your GP.
The provider has reached its yearly activity plan. You can stay on its list until the plan resets. If your assessment hasn't started, you can ask your GP to move you to a provider with capacity.
Not necessarily. Shared care is at your GP's discretion, whoever diagnosed you.
Proco is preparing a clinician-led adult ADHD assessment service. It is not open yet; you can read about our assessments.
This page is general information, not medical advice. It cannot assess your situation. If you're concerned about ADHD, speak to your GP.
Reviewed by: Proco Team
Last updated: November 2026