Private ADHD Assessments for Children and Adolescents

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can affect a child or adolescent’s attention, behaviour and ability to manage everyday tasks. Symptoms can look different from one child to another and may affect life at home, at school and in social settings.
A private ADHD assessment for a child can help families understand what may be behind these difficulties and identify the right support. At Berkeley Psychiatrists, our specialist clinicians provide thorough assessments for children and adolescents, with personalised recommendations for next steps.

Does My Child Have ADHD?

It is normal for children to occasionally lose focus, forget things or struggle to sit still. These behaviours do not automatically mean your child has ADHD. However, when difficulties are persistent and begin to affect everyday life at home, school or socially, it may be worth considering a professional assessment.

Signs of ADHD in Children

Common symptoms of ADHD in children may include:

Becoming distracted easily or struggling to concentrate

Making frequent mistakes in schoolwork

Losing belongings or forgetting things regularly

Struggling to listen to or follow instructions

Finding organisation and completing tasks difficult

Frequently switching between activities

Fidgeting or finding it difficult to sit still

Talking excessively or interrupting others

Struggling to wait their turn

Acting quickly without thinking through the consequences

This is not a diagnostic checklist, and ADHD can present differently from one child to another. A professional assessment can explore whether these behaviours are consistent with ADHD and help identify the support your child may need.

How Our Private Child and Adolescent ADHD Assessment Works

Getting a private ADHD assessment for your child should feel clear and supportive. Our process brings together information from your child, family and school to build a fuller picture of how their difficulties affect everyday life.

Book Your Child’s Appointment

Choose a secure online video assessment or an in-person appointment with Berkeley Psychiatrists. Our Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists assess children and young people aged 6 to 18.

Complete the Assessment Questionnaires

Before the appointment, parents or carers and the child’s school complete validated questionnaires, such as Conners 4. Your child may also complete an age-appropriate questionnaire, helping the psychiatrist understand their experiences across different settings.

Attend the Assessment

During the 90-minute consultation, your child and family will meet with a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. They will explore current symptoms, how these have developed over time, and your child’s medical, developmental and family history.

Receive the Outcome and Next Steps

The psychiatrist will review all the information gathered, consider ADHD alongside other possible explanations and discuss the outcome with you. You’ll then receive a detailed report outlining the diagnosis and an individual treatment or support plan.

Private Child ADHD Assessment Fees

Children and Adolescents ADHD Assessment - Virtual consultation:

90 minutes
£1,245.00

Children and Adolescents ADHD Assessment - In person:

90 minutes
£1,425

What's included:

The fee includes your child’s full clinical assessment and a detailed report outlining the findings, diagnosis and proposed treatment or support plan. You’ll receive the report within two weeks of the assessment.

Ongoing treatment costs:

Follow-up appointments for children and adolescents last 15–30 minutes and cost £335. If medication is prescribed, this is paid directly to the dispensing pharmacy. Additional costs may apply for repeat private prescriptions or a Shared Care Proposal.

Flexible finance:

You can spread the cost of your child’s assessment through instalments with Payl8r.

How to Get a Child’s ADHD Assessment in the UK

If you’re considering an ADHD assessment for a child in the UK, there are several routes available:

Private assessment

Parents or carers can book directly, without needing a GP referral. We offer online and in-person assessments for children and young people aged 6 to 18, carried out by Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists.

Standard NHS referral

You can speak to your child’s GP or school Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) about a referral to an ADHD service. Referral pathways and waiting times vary depending on where you live.

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NHS Right to Choose

Families in England may be able to ask their GP about NHS-contracted providers with shorter waiting lists. Berkeley Psychiatrists’ Right to Choose ADHD service is currently available to adults aged 18 and over only.

Whichever route you choose, a thorough assessment should consider information from your child, family and school to understand how symptoms affect them across different areas of life.

Why Choose Berkeley Psychiatrists?

Choosing where to have an ADHD assessment for women is an important decision. At Berkeley Psychiatrists, our approach combines specialist clinical expertise with a clear and supportive process from your first assessment through to ongoing care.

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Consultant-led assessments

Assessments are carried out by Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists with experience in neurodevelopmental conditions.

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Evidence from home and school

We gather information from parents or carers and your child’s school to understand how symptoms present across different settings.

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Structured clinical assessment

Validated tools such as Conners 4 are used alongside a detailed clinical evaluation.

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Online or in-person appointments

Choose between a secure video consultation and an in-person assessment.

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Detailed assessment report

You’ll receive a report explaining the outcome, diagnosis and recommended treatment or support plan.

Whole-family support

Recommendations may include medication, behavioural support, educational strategies and practical guidance

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NICE-guided care

Our ADHD assessments follow National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.

NICE Guidelines

At Berkeley Psychiatrists, we adhere to the guidelines set forth by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) during our ADHD and Autism assessments.

Mental Health Assessments

NHS Shared Care Agreements

Berkeley Psychiatrists is currently working with over 1,600 GP practices that have accepted our shared care plans for ADHD, enabling more than 5,500 of our patients to receive medication through the NHS.

Most GPs accept our shared care plans; however, some may refuse. In the event of a refusal, our team can provide you with a list of practices that have accepted shared care in your area.

In addition to supporting self-funded patients, Berkeley Psychiatrists provides NHS Right to Choose ADHD assessments and titration services and Adult Autism assessments. Click here for further information.

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Meet Our Child and Adolescent ADHD Specialists

Your child’s assessment will be carried out by an experienced Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Our specialists take the time to understand your child as an individual, considering their experiences at home, at school and socially to provide a thorough and personalised assessment.
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Dr Samantha Child
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Specialist interest in neurodiversity and neurodevelopmental presentations
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Dr Hollie Hearfield
Consultant Psychiatrist
Special interest in ADHD and ASD in Women
Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Dr Claudia Aymerich
Consultant Psychiatrist
Wide experience in diagnosing and managing neurodevelopmental disorders in children and adults, including ASD and ADHD
Fully bilingual in providing care in English and Spanish
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Dr Alice Debelle
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Specialist Register of the General Medical Council (No. 7265664)
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Dr Georgina Chan
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
Specialist Register of the General Medical Council (No. 6029473)
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Professor Dennis Ougrin
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Global Mental Health at Queen Mary University of London
Visiting professor at King's College London
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Dr Karolina Szumanska-Ryt
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Approved Clinician Status and approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act (2022)
Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Dr Katalin Ress
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Holds expertise in psychopharmacological therapies
Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Dr Taner Guvenir
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Approved under Section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act (2022)
Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists

What Our Patients and Families Say

I decided to go private for an ADHD diagnosis as the NHS waiting times for my area were at nearly 3 years. Dr de Waal was amazing and made the whole assessment process a breeze. It was worth every penny going private and I can fully recommend Dr de Waal to anyone!
Laury Coenen
Thank you once again Dr Fatteri and Berkeley Psychiatrists for providing me with an easy to process approach to the diagnosis and also to the steps I'm now taking to changing my life for the better.
Antony O'Sullivan
Adult with ADHD here. Dr Attard helped me understand my symptoms and I’m now waiting for treatment, I’m sure that Berkeley Psychiatrists is a step in the right direction for me, which hopefully can help me finally live life to its full capacity!
Alexander Gilburg
Fantastic service with a straightforward and friendly staff. I have received an excellent service that focuses on the strategies and therapies available. Genuinely happy with my experience so far.
Gareth Leech
I really cannot recommend Berkeley Psychiatrists enough, Dr Singh was absolutely amazing and made me feel very comfortable while delivering an expert level of knowledge. It was well worth paying the money to avoid the years long NHS referral waitlist.
Francesca Lynch
Absolutely changed my life after seeing Dr de Waal. He understood how I think and manage my condition. I am slowly making progress in my career, social and personal life! Totally recommend!
Amanda Abbot

About ADHD in Children and Adolescents

What Is Childhood ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with difficulties with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. For children and young people, these challenges can affect areas such as learning, friendships, family life and everyday routines.

ADHD can present as predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive and impulsive, or a combination of both. How it looks in everyday life can vary considerably from one child to another.

Symptoms of ADHD in Children

The symptoms of ADHD in children tend to be persistent rather than occasional and may become particularly noticeable during activities that require concentration, organisation or self-control.

Signs of inattentiveness can include:

  • Becoming easily distracted or struggling to maintain attention
  • Making frequent mistakes in schoolwork
  • Forgetting things or regularly losing belongings
  • Finding it difficult to listen to or follow instructions
  • Struggling to organise, start or complete tasks

Signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity can include:

  • Frequently fidgeting or finding it difficult to sit still
  • Being very physically active or talking excessively
  • Finding it difficult to wait for their turn
  • Interrupting conversations or activities
  • Acting quickly without thinking through the consequences

Not every child with ADHD will experience these difficulties in the same way or to the same degree. Their age, environment and individual circumstances can all influence how symptoms appear.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed in Children?

A child ADHD diagnosis is based on a structured clinical assessment that considers your child’s symptoms, development, medical and family history, and how any difficulties affect everyday life.

Information is also gathered from parents or carers and your child’s school to understand how symptoms present across different settings. Validated questionnaires, such as Conners 4, may support this process. The psychiatrist will consider ADHD alongside other possible explanations before reaching a diagnostic outcome.

Why Early Assessment Matters

When ADHD is affecting a child’s learning, relationships or family life, identifying it earlier can help families understand what is happening and access appropriate support. An assessment can highlight your child’s individual needs and provide practical recommendations for home and school. Where ADHD is diagnosed, it also creates a clearer path towards treatment and ongoing support as your child grows.

Treatment and Support for Children with ADHD

Treatment for ADHD in children is personalised to the child and their family. Depending on their age, symptoms and individual needs, recommendations may include medication, behavioural or psychological support, educational strategies and guidance for parents or carers.

Schools can also play an important role. Your child’s assessment report may help inform discussions with teachers or their Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) about appropriate adjustments and additional support.

Medication

Where medication is appropriate, the clinician will discuss the available options with you and explain the potential benefits and considerations. Your child will then be monitored through follow-up appointments to review how well the medication is working and make adjustments where necessary.

Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural therapy can help children recognise and manage unhelpful behaviours while developing more positive skills and habits. Approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can also help children understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Depending on the child’s individual needs, therapy may focus on improving attention, organisation, time management and social interactions.

Benefits of behavioural therapy may include:

  • Improved focus and attention
  • Stronger organisational and time-management skills
  • Better social skills and relationships

Support for Families 

ADHD can affect routines and relationships across the whole family, so support does not have to focus solely on the child. Parents and carers may benefit from practical guidance or parent-training programmes that provide strategies for managing behaviour, creating helpful routines and supporting their child’s development.

Working together with clinicians and, where appropriate, your child’s school can help create a more consistent approach across different parts of their life.

School Support

Children with ADHD may find certain aspects of school more challenging, from maintaining concentration in lessons to staying organised and completing work. The right support can help make the school environment more manageable and allow children to work to their strengths.

Depending on the child’s needs, schools may introduce adjustments such as extra time for assessments, movement breaks, additional help with organisation or more structured instructions. Support from teachers, peers and extracurricular activities can also help children build confidence, develop social skills and feel more connected at school.

Child ADHD Assessment FAQs

Can I Get My Child Diagnosed with ADHD Privately?

Yes. If you’re considering a private ADHD diagnosis for your child, parents or carers can book an assessment directly with Berkeley Psychiatrists for children and young people aged 6 to 18.

Who Carries Out the ADHD Assessment?

Child and adolescent ADHD assessments are carried out by our Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists. Our consultants are fully registered with the GMC and included on the GMC Specialist Register, with experience in assessing ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions in children and young people.

What Age Can a Child Have an ADHD Assessment?

Berkeley Psychiatrists assesses children and young people between the ages of 6 and 18. Anyone aged over 18 can access an assessment through our adult ADHD service.

What Happens in a Child ADHD Assessment and How Long Does It Take?

The child and their family meet with a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist for a structured 90-minute assessment. The psychiatrist will explore your child’s symptoms, development, medical and family history, alongside information gathered from parents or carers and their school.

How Do I Get an ADHD Assessment for My Child in the UK?

If you are looking for an ADHD assessment for a child in the UK, you can book privately or speak to your child’s GP or school SENCO about an NHS referral. NHS pathways and waiting times vary by area. Families in England can also ask their GP whether an appropriate child ADHD provider is available through Right to Choose.

Does the NHS Accept Private ADHD Assessments?

A private ADHD assessment report can support conversations with your child’s GP, school or NHS service. However, ongoing NHS prescribing or a Shared Care Agreement is not guaranteed and is ultimately at the discretion of the individual GP practice. It can therefore be helpful to discuss this with your child’s GP before beginning private treatment.

What Happens After My Child’s ADHD Assessment?

Following the assessment, the psychiatrist will discuss the outcome and recommended next steps with you. Depending on your child’s needs, these may include behavioural strategies, school support, therapy or medication. You will also receive a detailed report outlining the assessment findings and recommendations. If medication is recommended, your child will be monitored through follow-up appointments to assess how they respond and make any necessary adjustments. Some ADHD medications are Controlled Drugs and are therefore subject to specific prescribing requirements, which you can find on our general information pages.

Will My Child's School or GP Accept a Private Assessment from Berkeley Psychiatrists?

As Berkeley Psychiatrists is an independent clinic, we recommend checking whether your child’s school and GP are happy to work with a private clinician both during and after the assessment process. Your child’s assessment report, provided within two weeks, can also help inform discussions with their school about appropriate support or adjustments. Where relevant, the findings may be used to help develop an individual education or support plan tailored to your child’s needs.

Book Your ADHD Assessment

Ready to take the next step? Book a private ADHD assessment for your child online or in person, or call us on 020 3970 0335 with any questions about appointments, fees or the assessment process.