Help & FAQs

GPs can only refer to services:

• that are covered by an active NHS contract
• that sit within their local Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissioning arrangements (unless it is under Right to Choose)

If a service is listed as coming soon, referrals cannot be accepted until the NHS confirms the pathway is live.

This protects patients, GPs, and the NHS from:

• rejected referrals
• long delays
• confusion about eligibility

• Commissioned by a specific Integrated Care Board (ICB)
• Only available to patients who live in and are registered with a GP in that area

• A national NHS legal right
• Only applies when a provider holds a qualifying NHS contract
• May allow referrals outside your local area

All NHS services are delivered within agreed capacity, funding, and waiting time arrangements.

These are known as Indicative Activity Plans (IAPs) and help ensure services are delivered safely and sustainably.

Depending on the pathway, IAPs may include:

• waiting time limits
• limits on how much activity can be delivered within a set period

This can affect how referrals are managed or when services are temporarily paused.

How NHS Activity Limits Work (Indicative Activity Plans)

Yes.

We can only proceed once all required questionnaires and forms have been completed and received in full 

These are an essential part of the assessment and help clinical teams to:

• understand needs and history
• determine the most appropriate assessment pathway
• ensure assessments meet NHS and NICE standards

Please note:

• any forms that need to be taken to your GP for referral will be available to download from our website

Incomplete information may delay or prevent the assessment from going ahead.

No.

For ADHD:

• medication is not automatic
• if the assessment was under the NHS, a Psychoeducation programme and non-medication approaches must be completed first. This is not a requirement if the assessment was completed via a self-pay route’
• medication is only considered where:
  • it is clinically appropriate, and
  • the pathway includes medication support

Autism assessments do not involve medication.

If a diagnosis is not made:

• the clinical team will explain why
• guidance will be offered about other possible explanations
• signposting to appropriate services or resources will be provided

Support and advice are still offered, even without a diagnosis.

Yes.

Self-pay assessments are optional and available if you:

• are not eligible for an NHS pathway
• prefer not to wait
• want to arrange an assessment privately

Choosing self-pay does not affect the clinical quality of the assessment.

Self-Pay Assessments
Pricing & Fees

Our reports:

• follow NICE guidance
• use recognised diagnostic standards
• are written in clear, accessible language

With your consent, reports can be shared with:

• GPs
• schools, colleges, or universities
• other professionals

Schools and local authorities make their own decisions, but our reports are suitable for supporting discussions about adjustments and support.

No.

An assessment:

• does not automatically lead to an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
• can be used as supporting evidence if an EHCP is requested

EHCP decisions are made by the local authority.

Waiting times depend on:

• the pathway used
• NHS funding and capacity
• clinical prioritisation

Our team can advise on current waiting times once a referral is accepted.

After an assessment, you will receive:

• clear feedback about the outcome
• a written diagnostic report
• post-assessment advice and signposting

More detail is available here:
What Happens After an Assessment

Your access to NHS pathways depends on where you live and where your GP is registered. Please notify us if you move address.

If you change GP or move to a different ICB area:

• your eligibility for certain NHS pathways may change
• your GP can advise on local options

Self-pay assessments are not affected by GP location.

If you need general guidance or have questions about accessing services, you can contact our team:

• Phone: 0300 303 9966
• Email: provide.wellbeing@nhs.net

Please note that we cannot accept NHS referrals directly from families, referrals must come from GPs where required.