MHWS NHS ADHD Service Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum age for an ADHD assessment with your service?

Yes. We are commissioned by the NHS to provide ADHD assessments and medication support for adults aged 18 and over. If you are under 18, please speak to your GP or local child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) for the most appropriate support.

What geographic areas do you cover?

Our NHS ADHD service is currently available to people registered with a GP within the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICB area. This includes towns such as: Shrewsbury, Telford, Market Drayton, Ludlow, Oswestry and Church Stretton. If you are outside this area, please check with your local NHS services.

Can I choose which provider I am referred to?

Yes, under the NHS Right to Choose / Patient Choice initiative you may request referral to any NHS commissioned provider that delivers ADHD services, including us, if eligible. Please see our Right to Choose page for more information.

Once referred, how long until I'm seen? / How long is your ADHD waiting list?

Across the NHS, ADHD services are experiencing very high demand, and waiting times change frequently. For this reason, it isn't possible to give a figure that will stay accurate for long. We know this can be difficult to hear, but we would rather be open and transparent about the uncertainty than give expectations that may not reflect your actual experience.

How much does an ADHD assessment cost?

For patients referred to our service via their GP through an NHS pathway, ADHD assessments and follow-up appointments are free of charge. You may, however, need to pay prescription charges for any medication, unless you are exempt.

Will my ADHD assessment be online or face-to-face?

We offer both. You can attend your assessment in-person at our Shrewsbury clinic or online via a secure video platform. We will confirm the available options when arranging your appointment.

What happens if I move out of Shropshire?

If you move and your new GP is not within our commissioned service area, you will need to speak to your new GP. They may be able to refer you to an ADHD service local to your new address. You can also check our website for updates, as the areas we are commissioned to cover may expand in the future.

When would I start medication if it is agreed as appropriate?

For patients who are eligible and choose medication, we begin this process from the point of assessment. In some services, diagnosis and treatment are managed separately with additional waiting lists. At MHWS, we aim to avoid unnecessary delays. We know that for many people medication can make a significant difference, which is why we provide timely access as soon as it is safe and appropriate. Please see our NHS ADHD Treatment We Provide page for more information.

What if I decide not to take medication?

Medication is only one form of support. While we are commissioned by the NHS specifically for pharmacological treatment, we also provide signposting to other services and resources, and are piloting psychoeducational workshops. Choosing whether to start medication is always your decision.

Do you assess for other conditions?

Not within our current NHS service. We are commissioned specifically for adult ADHD assessments and medication support. If you have concerns about other conditions, please discuss these with your GP.

Can I request a medical letter, and is there a cost?

Some medical letters are not covered by the NHS and may incur an administration fee if requested through us. Therefore, we recommend that you contact your GP first, as they are usually responsible for issuing medical letters, and may have a different fee structure.

For further details, please see our Requesting a Medical Letter page.