If your child has already been assessed but still can’t get medication started, titrated or reviewed, you don’t need another waiting list. You need a psychiatrist. These are the medical doctors who can diagnose, prescribe and manage treatment for ADHD, anxiety and related conditions.
Many parents reach a private clinic, get a thorough assessment, and then hit a wall when it comes to medication. That wall is usually the gap between two professions that sound similar but do different jobs.
A medical doctor, registered with the GMC. Diagnoses, prescribes medication, and manages dose changes and reviews over time. This is who you need for ADHD medication.
Assesses, formulates and delivers therapy such as CBT. Cannot prescribe medication. The right choice for understanding and talking-based support. Browse psychologists
In short: a psychologist helps you understand and work through difficulties; a psychiatrist can add medical treatment, including medication, when that is part of the plan.
In England, you have a legal right to choose which provider carries out many NHS referrals, including for ADHD and autism. That means an assessment, and where appropriate medication, at no cost, often far faster than your local NHS service.
Private child and adolescent psychiatrists work with families on ADHD diagnosis and medication management, autism assessment where they are part of the clinical team, anxiety and low mood, tics, and the day-to-day questions that come with starting or changing treatment. A good psychiatrist explains the options clearly, sets out the risks and benefits, and gives you wording you can take to school and your GP.
Yes. A GMC-registered child and adolescent psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD and prescribe and manage medication. Many will also set up shared care with your GP so repeat prescriptions can move to the NHS over time, though GPs are not obliged to accept shared care.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe; a psychologist provides assessment and therapy but cannot prescribe. For medication, you need a psychiatrist.
Usually no. Most private psychiatrists accept self-referrals from parents. Bringing any previous reports, school information and your GP’s details will help the first appointment.
In England, NHS Right to Choose lets you pick your provider for many referrals, which can mean a much shorter wait at no cost. Our Right to Choose guide explains how to ask your GP.
Every listing shows current availability, so you can see who can actually take your child now, not in two years.