As part of the NHS Right to Choose framework, if you are referred for an ADHD or Autism assessment within Essex ICB, you now have the legal right to choose The Owl Centre as your healthcare service provider.
Right To Choose
Children and young people’s referrals paused
Essex ICB has temporarily paused referrals for children and young people under Right to Choose. We only expect the pause to last for a short time but understand that any delay is frustrating.
Please revisit this page for an update. As soon as we’re able to accept referrals again we’ll remove this message. Please note, we can still accept adult referrals.
If a referral for a Right to Choose assessment has already been made by your GP, please note that the current waiting time is approximately 26 – 34 weeks. We will contact you once your referral has been clinically triaged. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide updates before this stage. Therefore, we kindly ask that you refrain from contacting us until at least 34 weeks have passed since your referral was made.
Referral times for an initial appointment may vary depending on your local ICB. For information about waiting times, please visit www.adhduk.co.uk/right-to-choose/right-to-choose-wait-times. We will contact you as soon as we are able to offer you an appointment.
Right to Choose services we provide
The Owl Centre currently provides the following Right to Choose services:
Adult ADHD Assessment
Online ADHD assessments for adults aged 18+
If you receive an ADHD diagnosis, we’ll discuss treatment options with you, including the possibility of starting medication.
If you’d like to try medication, we’ll put you on our medication waiting list. When you reach the top of the list our team will help you start it gradually and safely. We’ll carry out regular reviews to monitor your progress and adjust the dosage to find the amount that works best for you.
Child ADHD Assessment
Online ADHD assessments for children and young people aged 7 – 17 years
If your child receives an ADHD diagnosis, we’ll discuss treatment options with you, including the possibility of starting medication.
In line with NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines and the requirements of Essex ICB, we’ll also invite you to attend post-diagnosis sessions.
These sessions will help you learn more about your child’s diagnosis and answer any questions you have. If you’d like your child to try ADHD medication, you must attend three post-diagnosis sessions. All sessions are held online.
We recommend that if your child is aged 13 – 17 they also attend three separate post-diagnosis sessions. These sessions are also held online.
When you’ve completed three post-diagnosis sessions, we can add your child to our medication waiting list. When they reach the top of the list our team will help them start the treatment gradually and safely. We’ll carry out regular reviews to monitor their progress and adjust the dosage to find the amount that works best for them.
Adult Autism Assessment
Online autism assessments for adults aged 18+.
If you receive an autism diagnosis, we’ll talk to you about the support you can get. Whatever the outcome of your assessment, we work closely with services in your area and can signpost you to the best available support.
Child Autism Assessment
Online autism assessments for children and young people aged 6 – 17 years
If your child receives an autism diagnosis, we’ll talk to you about the support you can get. Whatever the outcome of your assessment, we work closely with services in your and can signpost you to the best available support.
In line with NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines and the requirements of Essex ICB, we’ll also invite you to attend post-diagnosis sessions. These sessions will help you learn more about your child’s diagnosis and answer any questions you have. All sessions are held online.
We recommend that if your child is aged 13 – 17 they also attend three separate post-diagnosis sessions. These sessions are also held online.
How does Right to Choose work?
There’s just a few simple steps to follow if you or your child is requiring an ADHD or Autism assessment through Right to Choose via The Owl Centre.
Step 1 - Download Screening Tool
To start the Right to Choose process, the patient firstly downloads the relevant Screening Tool, completes it and gets it ready to send to their GP. All clients will need to ensure that they meet our Suitability Criteria, which you can read below.
Step 2 - If you're a Parent or Carer
- Parents/carers should complete pages 1-11 for the child or young person.
- Please arrange for the child’s School/Education Setting to complete pages 12-18.
- Once completed, return all pages in this form to the GP practice.
They will use this information to make the referral. - Please note – only referrals made by the GP practice will be accepted.
Step 2 - If you're an Adult
- Once completed, return all pages in the required forms below to your GP practice. They will use this information to make the referral.
- Please note: only referrals made by the GP practice will be accepted.
Step 3 - Instructions for GP's
If the patient’s GP thinks a referral is necessary, they will complete and send a referral form to The Owl Centre with the patient’s Screening Tool and a copy of the patient’s medical summary care record via SystmOne or by email to owl.midessex@nhs.net
Important: Please ensure if this patient is on a current waiting list that you inform the provider of this referral to remove them from their waiting list.
Step 4 - Referral Confirmation
The Owl Centre will send the patient’s GP an email to confirm that we have received the referral.
Step 5 - Referral Review
Our clinical team will review each referral and if accepted, the client/parent or carer will be asked to fill out our pre-assessment forms once they are close to the top of our Right to Choose waiting list.
Step 6 - Ready to go
We’ve got you!, please be reassured that once we receive your referral and initial checks are completed, you/your child are safely on our waiting list and we will get in touch when we are ready to schedule your assessment.
Right to Choose FAQ’s
What is a Right to Choose (RTC) assessment?
The RTC pathway allows you to choose an NHS-approved provider, like us, for your ND (autism/ADHD) assessment and support. It gives you the flexibility to bypass local NHS waiting lists and access care more quickly, all still funded by the NHS.
Am I eligible for an RTC assessment?
To be eligible, you must be registered with a GP in England and your GP must agree to refer you. You must not already be on another ADHD waiting list for the same assessment. Please note that some clients are not suitable for online assessments (see suitability criteria).
How do I get referred to your RTC service?
Speak to your GP and request a referral to our service under the Right to Choose pathway. We provide a template letter to make this process as easy as possible for you and your GP. Your GP can make an online referral to us directly via our website for the Right to Choose pathway.
Is there a cost to me?
No, the assessment and any available follow-on support are fully funded by the NHS under the RTC scheme. There are no costs to you.
Do I need to prepare anything before the assessment?
It’s helpful to think about your experiences both in childhood and adulthood. We’ll also send you some questionnaires to complete in advance, and we will gather information from someone who knows you well (knew you as a child, or knows you well currently).
What if I already have a mental health diagnosis? Can I still be assessed?
Absolutely. Many people with ADHD and autism also experience other mental health conditions. Our team is experienced in recognising and differentiating ADHD and autism alongside other diagnoses, ensuring a comprehensive and accurate assessment. However, if you are currently experiencing mental health crisis, or instability, we may advise you that now is not the right time to have a neurodevelopmental assessment. This is to ensure the assessment is accurate and a true reflection o9f you when you are functioning at your best.
Is your service confidential?
Yes, your privacy is very important to us. All information shared during your assessment and treatment is handled confidentially and in line with NHS and data protection guidelines.
