Specialists

Private Psychiatrist UK: Access, Referral and Costs

Checked: July 2026

Private Health Compass explains how to see a private psychiatrist in the UK. Most people self-refer directly for an assessment, most commonly for ADHD, anxiety, or low mood, then pay per session or per assessment stage, check whether NHS Right to Choose applies to their situation, or claim through private medical insurance where the policy covers it.

A note on this topic. Mental health assessment and diagnosis is personal and sometimes urgent. This page is a general access and cost guide, not medical or mental health advice, and cannot tell you whether private assessment is right for you. If you are in crisis or at risk of harming yourself, call 999, go to A&E, or call the Samaritans free on 116 123.

How to see a private psychiatrist

Most private psychiatrists and mental health assessment clinics accept direct self-referral, so you do not usually need a GP letter to book. For ADHD specifically, NHS Right to Choose lets you ask your GP to refer you to an NHS-funded provider of your choice, which can include some independent providers, at no cost, provided the provider holds an NHS contract for that service; ask your GP practice whether this applies where you live. For anxiety or low mood, NHS Talking Therapies (formerly known as IAPT) usually accepts self-referral without needing to see your GP first. If you want any private diagnosis or prescription to transfer into NHS ongoing care afterwards, called shared care, your GP will need to agree to that separately, and not all GPs accept every shared care request.

Common reasons people see a private psychiatrist

People typically book a private psychiatric assessment for suspected ADHD in adulthood, anxiety or low mood that needs specialist input beyond what a GP can offer, medication review or a second opinion on an existing diagnosis, and combined ADHD and autism assessment. Private psychiatry ranges from a single consultation to a structured, multi-appointment diagnostic assessment with a written report, and what you need depends entirely on your situation, so an initial call with the clinic to explain what is included is worth doing before you commit.

What a private psychiatrist costs

Cost depends heavily on what is being assessed. A third-party UK cost tracker, dated May 2026, reported a full private ADHD assessment typically costing £500 to £1,500 in total, broken down as roughly £300 to £900 for the initial diagnostic appointment and £150 to £400 for a follow-up review, with a combined ADHD and autism assessment reported at around £900 to £2,500. Ongoing private prescribing after diagnosis, if not moved to NHS shared care, was reported at roughly £1,000 to £3,000 a year. General psychiatric consultations for anxiety, low mood, or medication review outside a formal ADHD pathway are usually charged per session. These are third-party market figures, not a quote, so confirm current pricing directly with any clinic before booking.

How to check a psychiatrist's qualifications

Before booking, search the psychiatrist's name on the GMC's public register. Confirm they hold a licence to practise and look for Specialist Register entry under psychiatry, which is required for a substantive UK consultant post. You can also check whether they hold MRCPsych or FRCPsych, showing current membership or fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and verify that through the College's Public Online Membership List rather than taking a website's word for it.

Route Access Typical wait Who pays
NHS referral or self-referral GP refers you to a community mental health team, or for ADHD specifically, you can often use NHS Right to Choose to select a suitable NHS-funded provider. For anxiety and low mood, NHS Talking Therapies usually accepts self-referral without a GP. Varies widely by area and pathway; ADHD assessment waits are commonly reported as long in many parts of the UK. NHS. Free at the point of use.
Self-pay private Most private psychiatrists and assessment clinics accept direct self-referral, though sharing GP records speeds up an accurate assessment. Often one to six weeks depending on the clinic and type of assessment. You. Assessment, any report, and follow-up reviews are usually billed as separate stages.
Via private medical insurance Cover for psychiatric assessment and ongoing mental health treatment varies a lot between insurers and policies; some exclude ADHD assessment specifically, so check first. Similar to self-pay once authorised, if the policy covers it at all. Insurer, up to policy limits, where the specific assessment or condition is covered.

Always verify a psychiatrist's registration and College membership before you book or pay.

Check GMC registration How we checked this

If you are checking what your cover includes, see our guide to health insurance. If you would rather start with a GP conversation, see same-day GP options.

Evidence

Sources checked

Sources checked: July 2026. ADHD assessment cost figures are cited from a third-party tracker dated May 2026, not an official provider price list.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral to see a private psychiatrist?

Usually not. Most private psychiatrists and ADHD or mental health assessment clinics accept direct self-referral without a GP letter. That said, sharing relevant history from your GP record helps the psychiatrist reach an accurate assessment, and if you want any diagnosis or medication to continue under NHS shared care afterwards, your GP will need to be involved at that stage regardless.

How much does a private psychiatrist cost?

It depends heavily on what you are being assessed for. As of May 2026, a third-party UK cost tracker reported a full private ADHD assessment typically costing £500 to £1,500, with the initial diagnostic appointment around £300 to £900 and a follow-up review around £150 to £400; a combined ADHD and autism assessment was reported at roughly £900 to £2,500. General psychiatric consultations for anxiety, low mood, or medication review are usually charged per session rather than as a fixed package. Always ask for a written quote before booking.

How do I check a psychiatrist is properly qualified?

Search the doctor’s name on the GMC’s public register to confirm they hold a licence to practise and check whether they appear on the Specialist Register under psychiatry. You can also check whether they hold MRCPsych or FRCPsych after their name, meaning they are a member or fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and verify that through the College’s Public Online Membership List.

Does NHS Right to Choose cover private ADHD assessment?

NHS Right to Choose lets you ask your GP to refer you to an NHS-funded provider of your choice for ADHD assessment, including some independent providers, at no cost to you, provided that provider has an NHS contract for the service. This is different from paying privately yourself. Ask your GP practice whether Right to Choose applies in your area and which providers are available, since this can change and not all GP practices handle these referrals the same way.

This guide is independent and informational only. It is not medical or mental health advice. If you are in crisis, call 999 or the Samaritans free on 116 123. See our disclaimer and editorial policy for how we research and how we handle affiliate links.