Frequently asked questions

We use the same standardised tools as NHS services (DIVA-5, ADI-R and ADOS-2), plus other validated tools where appropriate, in line with NICE guidance. Formal diagnosis is made by our CQC-registered clinical partner. The main difference is how you get in: you pay a fixed fee and don't need to wait for NHS funding.

No. You can contact us directly. We're an independent, self-funded service, so no referral is needed.

In Kent and Medway, routine Right to Choose autism and ADHD assessments are currently on hold after the local budget ran out. They're not expected to restart before April 2027, and then there's a backlog. Read the full Right to Choose update. If you're already on an NHS list, you can stay on it while you consider other options. We're not a Right to Choose provider ourselves. We're a private, self-funded service.

Not yet. We currently assess adults (18+) only. Children's pathways are planned for 2027, subject to working with a clinical partner who has children's expertise. Register your interest and we'll let you know when bookings open.

Yes. The 15-minute call is free and there's no commitment. It's a chance to check the assessment is a good fit before anything is booked or paid for. It can be by phone, video or WhatsApp.

Your Lead Assessor carries out your screening, developmental history and structured interviews, and writes a detailed readiness report. Your clinical partner, a CQC-registered consultant psychiatrist or clinic, then reviews your assessment, meets you and makes the formal diagnostic decision. More about us

We carry out the assessment work. Our CQC-registered clinical partner makes the formal diagnosis. This keeps clinical responsibility for diagnosis with a registered clinician, and helps keep our service affordable. We'll name our partner here before bookings open.

Our assessment, therapy and coaching services are not activities we currently need to register with the CQC for. Formal diagnosis is provided by our clinical partner, who is registered with the CQC. We keep this under review as the regulations change.

The DIVA-5 for ADHD. For autism, the ADI-R for developmental history and the ADOS-2 for the live assessment. We may also use other validated tools where appropriate.

For the autism assessment, the ADI-R normally needs an interview with someone who knew you as a young child, usually a parent. If nobody is available, mention this on your free initial call. We'll talk through whether the assessment can still go ahead and what that would involve. For ADHD, informant input is helpful but not essential.

No. It's a structured, interactive session of conversation and activities that helps your assessor understand how you communicate and interact. There's nothing to prepare and no "right" way to respond.

Interviews are usually by video. The ADOS-2 can be in person in Whitstable where possible, or online. You can take sensory or comfort breaks whenever you need.

Your diagnostic report comes from our CQC-registered clinical partner. Our assessment report uses recognised criteria and standardised tools. Both are written to be shared with your GP, employer or place of study, and can support requests for reasonable adjustments or an Access to Work application (the DWP decides Access to Work eligibility and funding). Most GPs accept private diagnoses made in line with NICE guidance. But decisions about NHS shared care for ADHD medication are made locally by your GP and can vary, so it's worth asking your GP practice before you start.

No. We don't prescribe or manage medication, carry out titration or arrange shared care. If medication may help, your partner clinician or GP can advise on next steps.

Yes. Our neuro-affirming counselling, CBT and executive function coaching are open now, whatever the outcome of your assessment (£75 per session). We can also support you with an Access to Work application. Access to Work is run by the DWP, which decides eligibility and funding. Your feedback session also includes recommendations and signposting. Counselling & coaching

That's a valid outcome. Your partner clinician makes their own independent decision, which may be no diagnosis or a recommendation for further assessment. Either way, you'll have a detailed profile of your strengths and challenges, and our counselling and coaching are open to everyone. Your feedback session explains the reasoning behind your results, with any recommendations. An outcome you didn't expect doesn't mean the process wasn't worthwhile. Understanding what's going on for you is the goal, whatever the conclusion.

Adult ADHD assessment is £450, adult autism assessment is £895, and the combined assessment is £1,150. Each covers the full pathway, from your free initial call to your feedback session, including review and diagnosis by our clinical partner. These are pilot fees and may change once the partner fee is agreed. See what's included

We'll explain payment and booking at your free initial call, before you commit to anything.

Assessment bookings open once our clinical partnership is confirmed. Until then, you can join our pilot waitlist and we'll contact you first. Counselling, CBT and coaching are open now. Get in touch

We're a community interest company (CIC), so we exist to benefit the community rather than shareholders. Any surplus goes back into the service, which lets us keep fees as low as we can.