As a GP based in England, under the NHS Right to Choose framework you now able to refer patients to The Owl Centre for Adult ADHD, Child ADHD and Child Autism and Combined assessments.
Right to Choose for GPs
How to refer a patient to The Owl Centre
Just follow these simple few steps if you are referring a patient for an ADHD or Autism assessment.
Step 1 - Complete Screening Tool
Your patient will complete the relevant Screening Tool having ensured they meet our suitability criteria.
Step 2 - Complete Referral Form
Check that your patient meets the suitability criteria for our service. Complete our referral process. Complete and send the referral form to The Owl Centre along with the patient’s screening tool and summary care record.
Step 3 - Referral Confirmation
Once we’ve received your referral, we’ll send you email confirmation.
Step 4 - Patient Enrolment
We will ask your patient to provide some supplemental information by email. Once received, our clinical team will review the information and if accepted your patient will be asked to fill out our pre-assessment forms.
Step 5 - Ready to go
Once all forms have been received your patient will be added to our assessment wait list and we will contact them when we are ready to schedule their assessment appointment.
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
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that significantly impacts many adults, affecting various aspects of their everyday lives. While not a cure, medication plays a crucial role in managing ADHD symptoms, offering transformative benefits. Our expert clinicians offer online consultations to guide you in finding the best medication and dosage through our personalised titration process.
GP FAQ’s
What is the Right to Choose (RTC) pathway?
RTC allows patients to choose any qualified provider, like The Owl Centre, for NHS-funded ADHD assessment and treatment, offering flexibility and faster access compared to local NHS waiting lists.
Who is eligible for an RTC referral to your service?
Patients must:
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Be registered with a GP in England.
- Not be currently on another ADHD waiting list or receiving ADHD treatment elsewhere.
- Provide consent for referral and information sharing.
What documents are required to refer a patient?
Please send the following:
- Completed GP Referral Letter (template available on our website).
- Patient’s screening/self-report form
- Patient’s medical care summary
Where should I send the referral documents?
All documents should be emailed securely to our designated referral email address – rtc.owl@nhs.net. Full details are included in the GP referral template on our website.
What is your suitability criteria for assessment?
We assess suitability based on clinical safety and appropriateness. Full details of our suitability criteria are clearly outlined on our website. Patients with complex mental health needs, unmanaged risk factors, or contraindications to medication may not be appropriate for our service, though we review each case individually.
What happens after I refer a patient?
Once we receive the referral, screening form, and care summary, we will confirm receipt of the referral. We will guide the patient through enrolment, risk screening, and pre-assessment questionnaires. They will then be added to our waiting list and kept informed throughout.
How long is the current waiting time?
Our wait time is approximately 6-10 weeks from completion of referral.
What if I’m unable to accept a shared care agreement for medication?
If your practice cannot enter into a shared care agreement, we can continue providing ADHD medication directly to the patient to ensure continuity of care.
What information will I receive following assessment?
You will receive a comprehensive diagnostic report, treatment recommendations, and, if applicable, a medication initiation plan. We provide all documentation required to support safe prescribing within primary care.
Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Our admin team can assist with referral queries at the designated email address. Clinical enquiries can also be passed to our clinical team for guidance.
Can patients with existing mental health conditions be referred?
Yes, patients with co-existing mental health conditions can be referred. However, please review our suitability criteria(available on our website) to ensure it is clinically appropriate. Patients with unmanaged severe mental health risks may be better suited to local secondary care services.
Are assessments and medication reviews conducted remotely or face-to-face?
All assessments and medication reviews are delivered remotely via secure video consultations, making access flexible and convenient for patients across England.
What happens if the patient does not meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis?
If a patient does not meet diagnostic criteria, we will provide a detailed report outlining the assessment findings and any further recommendations for alternative support or onward referrals, where appropriate.
Can I refer a patient who has previously been assessed for ADHD but disagrees with their outcome?
Yes, you may refer patients who have been previously assessed, provided they are not currently receiving ADHD treatment or on another waiting list. Our team will conduct a fresh, independent assessment, taking into account previous reports and new information.
Can I refer a patient who has been privately diagnosed with ADHD but is seeking NHS-funded medication?
Yes, if the patient has a formal ADHD diagnosis but is not currently receiving treatment through the NHS, they may still be eligible. We will conduct a clinical review to ensure all necessary information is in place, and can initiate or continue medication safely under NHS funding.
Do you offer non-medication support options for patients diagnosed with ADHD?
Yes. Alongside medication, we offer psychoeducation sessions and ADHD coaching to support patients in developing practical strategies to manage their symptoms. These options will be discussed as part of the patient’s personalised treatment plan.
Will I receive updates on the patient’s progress during assessment and treatment?
Yes. We will keep you informed at key stages, including confirmation of referral acceptance, completion of assessment, diagnosis outcome, and once the patient’s medication has been stabilised (if applicable). You’ll receive all relevant reports and care plans promptly.
Can patients decline medication after diagnosis?
Absolutely. Medication is only one option for managing ADHD. If the patient prefers not to start medication, we will still provide them (and you) with recommendations for alternative support, such as coaching or psychoeducation.
How do you ensure clinical safety during remote assessments and medication management?
We follow strict clinical governance protocols, in line with NHS and CQC regulations. Our risk screening process identifies any concerns prior to assessment, and all medication initiation is closely monitored with regular reviews. Patients can easily contact our prescribing team for support between reviews if needed.
What should I do if my patient needs urgent mental health support while awaiting their ADHD assessment?
If a patient requires urgent mental health support while waiting for their assessment, please follow your usual local safeguarding and crisis referral pathways. Our service is not a crisis service, but we will assess clinical risk during enrolment and advise accordingly if any concerns arise. You remain the patient’s primary point of contact for urgent care until assessment is completed.
Are you a Patient?
If you’re a patient looking for information about how to start an assessment through Right to Choose, you’ll find all the information you need here.
