Private ADHD Clinics are Essential to Tackle NHS Waiting Lists

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in the UK, yet thousands of people are waiting years for an assessment or treatment. The NHS, while providing vital services, is currently overwhelmed, especially when it comes to mental health services. At Beyond Clinics, we believe that private ADHD clinics are not just a helpful alternative but a necessary part of the solution to the growing crisis.

The Human Cost of Long NHS Waits.

It’s not unusual to hear of families waiting two, three, even six years for an NHS ADHD assessment. In a recent article, one mother described how her son was referred to CAMHS in 2021 but wasn't diagnosed until 2024. Even now, they face another 24-month wait for treatment. That’s almost half of a child’s school life lost to uncertainty, distress, and academic and emotional struggles. Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, called the delays ‘staggering’, reminding us that ‘these are not numbers, these are real children’. Every delay is a missed opportunity for a young person to thrive, socially, emotionally and educationally.

Why Are NHS Waiting Lists So Long?

There are multiple factors contributing to the backlog. Referrals have risen dramatically, with over 400,000 children and young people in contact with mental health services in England at the end of 2023 – up 29% from the previous year. Meanwhile, funding and staffing levels have struggled to keep pace with this demand, particularly in CAMHS. ADHD assessments require time-intensive, specialist input. NHS services are often stretched thin and navigating the system can be incredibly difficult for families already under pressure.

The Role of Private Clinics in Easing the Burden.

Private ADHD clinics are not a replacement for the NHS, but they are a vital complement. By providing timely assessments and evidence-based treatment, they can take pressure off public services and offer families a route to support that doesn't involve years of waiting. Many families, especially those whose children are already struggling in school or with their mental health, simply can’t afford to wait. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve academic performance, relationships, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing. For some, a private assessment is a lifeline that allows their child to access appropriate support at school or get started on treatment sooner.

We understand that private care isn’t accessible to everyone. The current situation where those who can afford to go private leapfrog over those who can’t is deeply unjust. But this isn’t a problem caused by private clinics; it’s a symptom of an overstretched NHS. What’s needed is a more collaborative approach. NHS and private providers can work together more seamlessly, ensuring those who begin care privately can still be supported by public services later on. Streamlining processes, sharing information more effectively, and increasing capacity across the board will help everyone.

Looking Ahead: Supporting Families Now.

We must acknowledge that ADHD is not an illness – it’s a neurological difference that can bring creativity, energy, and innovation. But without support, people with ADHD are at increased risk of academic underachievement, social difficulties, low self-esteem, and mental health challenges. At Beyond Clinics, we’re committed to offering compassionate, comprehensive ADHD assessments for those who can’t wait. Our clinicians are experienced, our services are evidence-based, and our goal is always to empower individuals to understand themselves better and reach their full potential. No child should spend their formative years ‘falling through the cracks’. No parent should have to cry in front of a doctor just to be heard. Tackling the ADHD care crisis requires investment, reform, and support from private clinics ready to step up where they’re needed most.