OUR AUTISM & ADHD SERVICES
Self Pay ADHD Treatment & Medication
Medication is one of many effective tools available to help manage ADHD. Our approach is governed by strict clinical safety standards and NICE guidelines. Every treatment plan is carefully considered, closely monitored, and tailored to the individual’s health, needs and wellbeing.
Medication is not an automatic outcome of an ADHD diagnosis.
When medication may be considered
Medication may be discussed when:
- An ADHD diagnosis has been made
- Medication is clinically appropriate
- Non-medication strategies have been explored
An ADHD diagnosis allows the opportunity to consider medication if appropriate — it does not mean medication will automatically follow.
How to Start the Medication Pathway
If the ADHD Diagnosis Was Completed with Provide Wellbeing
Following an ADHD or combined assessment, our clinical team will advise whether you/your child or young person are suitable to begin a medication pathway.
When ADHD has been confirmed, after careful consideration, you wish to explore medication please contact our admin team to begin the process.
If the ADHD Diagnosis Was Completed Elsewhere (NHS or Private)
We may still be able to offer a medication pathway.
To proceed, we will require:
- A copy of the full ADHD report
- Any other clinical letters/reports relevant to the ADHD diagnosis.
Once received, our clinical team will review the information and confirm whether you/your child or young person is suitable to commence treatment with us.
Choosing Not to Start Medication
If ADHD has been diagnosed with us and medication is clinically appropriate, but you/your child or young person decide not to begin medication at this time, you will be discharged from our service.
If medication is reconsidered in the future, you are welcome to return. Please note that fees may vary depending on how much time has passed since the original assessment. You can find further information here.
Medication Pathway
- Initial follow-up/medication appointment – face-to-face at our Colchester clinic (30-45 minutes).
- Baseline observations will be taken (height, weight, blood pressure, etc)
- If appropriate, a written prescription will be provided for you to take to the pharmacy
- 3-week medication review – telephone/virtual via Microsoft Teams (15 minutes)
- Progress and any side effects will be reviewed
o If appropriate, a further prescription will be provided - The prescription can either be collected from our clinic or posted to your home address (additional fee applies)
- Progress and any side effects will be reviewed
- Repeat prescriptions
- Available for collection from the clinic
- Postal option available (additional fee applies)
- If any changes are required (dose adjustments or medication changes), a medication review appointment will need to be booked and charged accordingly.
- 3-month review – telephone/virtual via Microsoft Teams (15 minutes)
- At this stage, we assess whether medication is stable and whether we can request transfer of prescribing to your GP under a Shared Care Agreement.
- Stability is typically reached after approximately 3 months, although this may take longer.
- Following stabilisation, a Shared Care Agreement (SCA) is a formal partnership where our specialists provide the clinical expertise, and your GP handles the ongoing monthly prescriptions. Please note, it is at your GP surgery’s discretion if they choose to take over the prescribing.
- If ongoing prescribing is transferred to the GP, you/your child or young person will be required to attend an annual review with our consultant to check in.
- If ongoing prescribing is not transferred to the GP, we can continue to provide private prescriptions. Ongoing reviews will be arranged as clinically required
Important Information About Prescriptions
ADHD medication is a controlled drug, meaning prescriptions can only be issued for 30 days at a time.
Private prescription charges apply monthly.
Pharmacies charge separately for dispensing private prescriptions. We are unable to advise on pharmacy costs — please contact your local pharmacy for pricing.
Additional medication reviews (telephone or face-to-face) may be required at the consultant’s discretion.
For the pricing of each appointment, please refer to our pricing and payment page.
Where this fits in the wider journey
You may find it helpful to also read:
What Happens After an Assessment
These pages explain the full pathway and how decisions are made step by step.
TALK TO US TODAY ABOUT
Neurodevelopmental Services
Call 0300 303 9966, email
provide.wellbeing@nhs.net
or complete the form below…
Support you can trust
Our team provides actionable insights, no matter where you are on your journey, and offers expert advice to help you or a family member on your road to a diagnosis. Our ASD and ADHD services are suitable for children and adults, meaning it is never too late to be assessed.
