As part of the NHS Right to Choose framework, if you are referred for an ADHD or Autism Assessment you now have the legal right to choose The Owl Centre as your healthcare service provider.
Right to Choose for Patients
How do I get referred?
Just follow these simple few steps.
Step 1 - Download Screening Tool
To start the Right to Choose process, first download the relevant Screening which you can download below, complete it and get it ready to send to your GP. Please ensure that you meet our Suitability Criteria.
Step 2 - Referral Request Letter
Once you have completed the Screening, you will need to complete the relevant Referral Request Letter. You will need to provide copies of these to your GP who will discuss your referral with you.
Step 3 - GP Referral
If your GP thinks a referral is necessary, they will complete and send a referral to us with your Screening and a copy of your medical summary care record.
Step 4 - Referral Confirmation
We will send your GP an email to confirm that we have received your referral.
Step 5 - Referral Review
Once we have received your referral, we will ask you to provide some supplementary information by email. Once received, our clinical team will review your referral and if accepted, you will be asked to fill out our pre-assessment forms.
Step 6 - Ready to go
When you have completed your pre-assessment forms, you will be added to our assessment wait list. We will get in touch with you when we are ready to schedule your assessment appointment.
What does your assessment look like?
Pre-Assessment Forms
Our secure system will send you some different questionnaires to complete about your history, strengths and challenges. We will also ask you for details of someone who knows you well such as a relative, partner or close friend to provide some information too. Information gathered from questionnaires is reviewed and analysed by our clinical team before your assessment.
Appointment Confirmation
When you have reached the top of our wait list, our administration team will arrange a convenient time and day for a secure online video session using Microsoft Teams with you and your clinician. You are welcome to have somebody with you for this appointment. This appointment usually takes around 2 hours.
We complete our appointments online. There are many benefits to online assessments, including reduced change of routine, being in a familiar and comfortable environment, reduced communication demand with an online call, and no travel required. We can provide support and strategies to help you access the appointment online if this is something you think you will find difficult. We understand that you might find it difficult to engage in the session, so you are welcome to take regular movement breaks throughout the session.
Assessment Session
Your assessment session consists of two components.
- The first part of your session will systematically cover your developmental history but will also cover your medical, psychiatric and educational history. Some individuals may feel comfortable with having a familiar person with them who knew them during early childhood such as a parent/carer or sibling to provide more information on their early life.
- In the second component, the clinician will ask you questions relating to various daily living elements and focus on ADHD characteristics. The clinician will also ask you about additional topics such as your sleep, mental health and behaviour. In addition to gathering information from you, the clinician will make observations on how you present during the session.
Assessment Outcome
After the assessment session, the clinician will agree on an appropriate outcome based on all the information and evidence from all components of the assessment as well as the diagnostic criteria from the DSM-V-TR. Often, we can discuss the assessment feedback and outcome at the end of your assessment session, which will include the diagnostic outcome, a summary of the overall assessment and suggestions for appropriate strategies or interventions that may be beneficial; however, on occasion, we may request additional information from you to help with formulating an outcome.
If this is the case, the clinician will arrange a phone appointment with you at a convenient time. You are welcome to have somebody with you for this appointment.
Assessment Report
Following the outcome of your assessment, you and your GP will receive a comprehensive and detailed report within approximately 4-6 weeks.
Post-diagnostic Care
If you are diagnosed, we will signpost you to relevant resources and support. Where clinically appropriate, we are also able to offer ADHD medication services. If medication is deemed suitable, we can prescribe medication and are able to offer shared care. If a shared care agreement is not accepted by the patient’s GP, we can continue to prescribe medication.
Suitability Criteria
The Owl Centre provides high-quality online assessments that offer a convenient and accessible option for many individuals. However, online assessments may not be suitable for everyone. If any of the following apply to your patient, we advise that an in-person assessment with an alternative healthcare provider would be more appropriate.
ADHD Medication
We are unable to accept referrals under the Right to Choose pathway for ADHD medication if a patient has previously accessed this route with another provider, whether for an ADHD assessment or for medication. This has been based on guidance from multiple Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), who have also sought legal advice, it has been confirmed that clients can only use Right to Choose once for ADHD services.
If you have already used this option, you may still be able to access ADHD medication through your local NHS pathway, although please note that there may be a waiting list.
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.
Information for GPs
If you’re a GP looking for information about Right to Choose and how to refer a patient, you’ll find it here.
