Want a proper ADHD diagnosis for my 18yr old

[Ikeasucks]

I’m happy to go private to avoid NHS waiting lists but have heard private can be dodgy in regards to getting a proper assessment and accurate diagnosis. I just want a proper diagnosis but don’t know where to turn to. Anyone been down this path or heard of Dr Stephen Humphries

You may be better asking in the adult section, she won't be under child services anymore.

I haven't heard of him but when I had a private assessment I searched for psychiatrists who also worked within the NHS.

As your dd is over 18 your better putting this in adult MH.

Use psychiatry-uk. They take NHS referrals but also do private. They are legit: https://psychiatry-uk.com/adhd/#anchor5

First Step – Diagnosis

Diagnostic assessments cost £360. You do not need a GP referral if you are not seeking NHS funding.

You do need to be really careful about undertaking a private assessment. Your GP should be able to tell you whether local NHS services recognise a private assessment for providing post diagnostic support. Each area differs.

This is sets out the process seeking a diagnosis
https://adhduk.co.uk/diagnosis-pathways/

If you live in England you have option of Right To Choose pathway which utilises some private providers so can have shorter waiting lists. GP would automatically refer to to you local adult ADHD NHS service though the waiting time can vary a lot by area as some are already directly sending to private providers others keep in house, it's about 2yr+ near me but many are 5+.

The issue with going private is that if want medication the titration to settle on right med/dosage its expensive and then ongoing have private script + actual med cost which prob min £100+ a month.
There is also no guarantee your GP will accept shared care to take over prescribing once dose settled and many are currently refusing, which I think is due to their funding, but its less of an issue as a RTC patient as the private provider will usually just continue to prescribe & do annual reviews, billing NHS.
GP can refer to the local adult ADHD service to take over shared care prescribing instead but can depend on their capacity whether they accept and some have decided that the private diagnosis isn't upto their standard so want to put back on waitlist to do another assessment.
I went with Psychiatry-UK via Right To Choose Pathway if want to know about that. Our CCG didn't bother to fund an adult ADHD service so that wasn't a referral option.

Thanks everyone - I’ll repost in mental health