Private Neurodiversity Services Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about assessments, referrals, or how the process works? You’re in the right place.
When you are considering a diagnosis there may be questions you have about the process. Click through our frequently asked questions below to find the answers.
- All
- Assessment
- Assessment
- Assessment
- Assessment child
- Follow up care
- Follow up care
- Follow up care child
- Medication
- Medication
- NHS
- NHS
- NHS child
- Pre-assessment
- Pre-assessment
- Pre-assessment
- Pre-assessment child
- Role of an Informant
- Role of an Informant
- Shared Care
Are the assessments in person or remote?
The first part of the ADHD assessment is remote and the second part is in person at our clinic: Bhi Parkside Stourbridge Rd, Bromsgrove, B61 0AZ
Can I book my own appointments?
Yes, you will be able to select your date and time through our booking links.
Can I complete the entire process remotely?
Yes. All parts of the assessment, diagnosis, and follow-up care are delivered remotely via secure video consultations. You can access the service from the comfort of your home.
Can I complete the entire process remotely?
Yes. All parts of the assessment and diagnosis are delivered remotely via secure video consultations. You can access the service from the comfort of your home.
Can I select my own clinician?
Yes, you will be able to select your clinicians by name through our booking links.
Can someone attend my assessment with me?
Yes, you are welcome to have a friend, family member, or supporter attend your assessment with you if this would help you feel more comfortable. They may be able to provide additional background information where appropriate. However, the assessment remains a clinical appointment and there may be times when the clinician needs to speak with you alone to ensure the assessment is thorough and accurate. This will always be explained sensitively during the appointment.
Can you guarantee a diagnosis?
No. We cannot guarantee a diagnosis. All assessments are carried out by appropriately qualified clinicians and are based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation in line with national guidance. A diagnosis is only made where the clinical criteria are met. Some individuals may be assessed and found not to meet the threshold for a formal diagnosis, and this outcome is an important part of ensuring safe and appropriate care.
Can you issue prescriptions remotely?
Yes. Prescriptions can be sent to your local pharmacy or delivered to your home, depending on your location and preference.
Do I need blood tests or an ECG before starting ADHD medication?
Not routinely. Blood tests or ECGs are only required if there are specific concerns, such as:
- A personal or family history of heart problems (e.g. sudden cardiac death, structural heart disease)
- Symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, or fainting
- Abnormal findings during your initial assessment (e.g. irregular pulse or heart murmur)
In these cases, we may recommend further investigations before starting treatment.
Do patients have to pay for medication?
We only issue NHS Prescriptions. Patient will only have to pay the NHS Prescription rate to their pharmacy, if prescription fees are applicable to them.
Do you assess and treat adults, over the age of 18?
Yes, we also have an adult ADHD NHS Right to Choose pathway. For more information, please click here.
Do you assess and treat children?
No. At this time, our service is for adults only (18+). If you are seeking an assessment for a child, we recommend contacting your GP or a service that specialises in CAMHS ADHD care.
Do you assess and treat children?
No. At this time, our service is for adults only (18+). If you are seeking an assessment for a child, we recommend contacting your GP or a service that specialises in CAMHS ASD care.
How do I raise a complaint?
We’re sorry if you’ve experienced an issue with our services. We try our hardest to ensure patient satisfaction; however, despite our best efforts, there may be occasions when patients are unhappy with their care. It is important to let us know so we can improve. You can find more information on making a complaint on our Complaint’s page.
How long on average do the appointments take?
Your appointment time may vary. For Adult ADHD it will be approximately 60 minutes for Part A, and approximately 60 minutes for Part B.
How long will it take you to stabilise my medication dosage?
The time it takes to stabilise medication varies from person to person. It depends on a number of factors, including how you respond to the medication, any side effects, and whether dose adjustments are needed to achieve the best balance between effectiveness and tolerability. For many people, this process takes several weeks, but in some cases it may take longer. Your clinician will review your progress regularly and make adjustments based on clinical need and safety. We cannot guarantee a specific timeframe, but we aim to progress treatment as safely and efficiently as possible.
How much do my assessments cost?
Whether you already know exactly which assessment you need, or are simply looking for advice, our friendly team is available 7 days a week on 0121 368 0698 or minds@healthharmonie.co.uk to support/offer a suitable appointment with an experienced clinician. For more information on our assessment costs, please visit our ADHD Assessment and Treatment Fees page.
If a BP reading is required where can I go to have this done?
You can get a Blood Pressure reading done for free at your local NHS Pharmacy, where you can simply walk in and they will do this. Your GP can also do this but a Pharmacy is likely to be a quicker and more accessible route.
If ECG is needed how does this get requested with my GP?
If you require an ECG before starting medication, we will request this from your GP. If your GP refuses to do this we will undertake this at one of our in person clinics, as these have to be physically done and cannot be done virtually.
Is your service covered by the NHS?
We are contracted by the NHS through ‘Right to Choose’ (RTC), so yes any referral to our service is covered by the NHS and therefore free. We can also support shared care arrangements with your NHS GP if they agree to prescribe ADHD medication based on our specialist recommendations.
Is your service covered by the NHS?
We are contracted by the NHS through ‘Right to Choose’ (RTC), so yes any referral to our service is covered by the NHS and therefore free.
Is your service covered by the NHS?
We are contracted by the NHS through ‘Right to Choose’ (RTC), so yes any referral to our service is covered by the NHS and therefore free.
Sharing Information with Informants
If you consent, we may use their contact information to:
- Send appointment reminders
- Share structured questionnaires (e.g., about childhood behaviours)
- Clarify follow-up needs
We use secure platforms such as Hero Health to manage this information confidentially and in line with GDPR standards.
What collateral information is required?
Pre-assessment, we routinely request collateral information from education. The school report will need to be completed prior to moving forward with the referral. Parents or carers are encouraged to action this asap and prior to any planned school holidays, as this can extend the processing times. During and following assessment, as well as involving parents and carers, we may request further collateral information to help reach a diagnostic conclusion.
What does the ADHD assessment involve?
Our assessments include a detailed review of the child or young person’s medical history, current symptoms, and any relevant background information. There will be standardised questionnaires for children and young people, parents and teachers to complete, followed by a structured clinical interview with one of our experienced clinicians, and finally a diagnostic face-to-face assessment. The assessment process follows NICE guidelines to ensure a thorough and accurate diagnosis.
What does your ADHD assessment involve?
Our assessments include a detailed review of your medical history, current symptoms, and any relevant background information. You’ll complete standardised questionnaires, followed by a structured clinical interview with one of our experienced clinicians. All assessments follow NICE guidelines to ensure a thorough and accurate diagnosis.
What does your Autism assessment involve?
Our assessments include a detailed review of your medical history, current symptoms, and any relevant background information. You’ll complete standardised questionnaires, followed by a structured clinical interview with one of our experienced clinicians. All assessments follow NICE guidelines to ensure a thorough and accurate diagnosis.
What follow-up care do you provide?
We offer regular follow-up appointments to:
- Monitor your response to medication
- Adjust dosages if needed
- Provide support around side effects and symptom management
We also liaise with your GP if shared care is appropriate for ongoing prescriptions.
What follow-up care do you provide?
Currently we are commissioned as an assessment only service. Any treatment that is indicated following an assessment, will be incorporated as recommendations in the report, and shared with the relevant local providers. This may include, psycho education, parenting training, medication treatment, and psychological therapies.
What happens if shared care agreement is not accepted by the GP?
If your GP refuses shared care, we will continue to see you and issue NHS Prescriptions just as the GP would.
What Happens if the Informant Cannot Attend?
While informant participation is strongly encouraged, we understand that it may not always be feasible. If your informant is unable to attend the appointment:
- We may arrange to collect information through a structured questionnaire or follow-up call
- The clinician may advise rescheduling the appointment if their input is critical
- If no informant is available at all, this will be discussed at clinical team level, and a decision made about how best to proceed
What if I disagree with the outcome?
We’re sorry if you’ve experienced an issue with our services. We try our hardest to ensure patient satisfaction; however, despite our best efforts, there may be occasions when patients are unhappy with their care. It is important to let us know so we can improve. You can find more information on making a complaint on our Complaint’s page.
What if I feel unwell while on medication?
Healthharmonie Minds is not an emergency or crisis mental health service. We are a community/online based mental health service provider, who are not commissioned to or provide crisis or out of hours mental health emergency support.
Medication related side effects: In cases of any acute side effects to medications like chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, severe increase in heart rate, feeling of impending doom, please stop taking the medication and visit your nearest Accidental and Emergency Department or call 111.
Once the medical emergency has been dealt with, please do give us a call to notify and we will book you in with one of our clinicians, however since we are not a crisis service, we might not be able to do this within a few hours and hence would advise holding off on medications till you have a conversation with one of the prescribers.
Mental Health Emergencies: In cases of mental health emergencies, we do not have the resources to visit your home or perform a wellbeing check. This will have to be supported by a local Mental health crisis team. Hence please consider visiting your local mental health crisis centre or calling 111 in case of any acute mental health emergency.
What is an Informant?
The Role of an Informant in Your ASD Assessment
As part of your ASD diagnostic process with HH Minds, it would be beneficial to have an informant attend the assessment with you. This supports a well-rounded and accurate understanding of your experiences and symptoms across different stages of life.
What is an Informant?
An informant is someone who knows you well — ideally over a long period of time — and can offer useful observations about your behaviour, attention, and functioning. Their role is to help provide a more complete picture of your developmental history and day-to-day experiences.
What is an Informant?
The Role of an Informant in Your ADHD Assessment
As part of your ADHD diagnostic process with HH Minds, it would be beneficial to have an informant attend the assessment with you. This supports a well-rounded and accurate understanding of your experiences and symptoms across different stages of life.
What is an Informant?
An informant is someone who knows you well — ideally over a long period of time — and can offer useful observations about your behaviour, attention, and functioning. Their role is to help provide a more complete picture of your developmental history and day-to-day experiences.
What is the importance of pre-assessment questionnaires?
We send 4 questionnaires on receipt of a referral. These are the Baseline, GAD7, PHQ9 & ASRS. These must be filled in before we can clinically review a patient as they build up clinical information required to undertake assessment.
What is the importance of pre-assessment questionnaires?
We send 4 questionnaires on receipt of a referral. These are the Baseline, GAD7, PHQ9 & AQ10. These must be filled in before we can clinically review a patient as they build up clinical information required to undertake assessment.
What is the importance of pre-assessment questionnaires?
We request that you complete the following questionnaires:
- Baseline Physical & Mental Health Questionnaire
- Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS)
- Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)
- Conners Child/Young Person, Parent and Teacher Questionnaire
- ADHD School Reporting Form (with consent sent to child’s/young person’s) school
These must be filled in before we can clinically review a child or young person, as they build up clinical information required to undertake the assessment.
What should I do if I have not received assessment confirmation or assessment link?
If you have not received one or either of these from us please contact us on either 0121 368 0698 or ADHD@healthharmonie.co.uk
What should I do if I have not received assessment confirmation or assessment link?
If you have not received one or either of these from us please contact us on either 0121 368 0698 or ASD@healthharmonie.co.uk
What support is available after I receive a diagnosis?
To get an ADHD assessment with HealthHarmonie Minds, you don’t need to get a referral from your GP. However, we do ask for a copy of your care records. Click here to explore the adult ADHD private services pathway.
What technology will I need to undergo an assessment?
For an assessment, all you will need is a device with an internet connection, microphone and camera.
What to do if I want to transfer to private services, while waiting for an NHS appointment?
If you choose to explore private services while waiting for an NHS appointment, this is entirely your decision. You can contact us to discuss private assessment or treatment options and we will provide clear information about what is available, including fees and what this would involve. Choosing to access private care does not affect your right to continue with NHS services, and you are under no obligation to transfer. We aim to ensure you have the information you need to make an informed choice that is right for you.
What types of ADHD medication do you prescribe?
We offer a range of evidence-based treatment options for adult ADHD, including:
- Stimulant medications (e.g. methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine)
- Non-stimulant medications (e.g. atomoxetine)
Your clinician will work with you to choose the most appropriate treatment based on your needs and medical history.
Who is this service for / who isn’t it for?
This service may be suitable for individuals who:
- Are seeking comprehensive ADHD assessment with a qualified specialist
- Want to better understand their symptoms and whether they may be related to ADHD
- Are looking for a professional diagnosis and personalised treatment recommendations
- Understand that diagnosis is based on clinical assessment and established diagnostic criteria
- Are open to discussing treatment options, which may include medication, psychological support, or both
- Are seeking structured, specialist support to help manage ADHD symptoms
- Have an existing ADHD diagnosis and are seeking medication titration or psychological support, subject to clinical review
This service may not be appropriate for individuals who:
- Require urgent mental health or emergency support
- Are seeking medication without undergoing a clinical assessment
- Are expecting a diagnosis to be guaranteed
- Are unable to provide the information required for a safe and thorough assessment
Who Makes a Good Informant?
A suitable informant is someone who:
- Has known you since childhood, or for a significant portion of your life
- Is familiar with your attention, behaviour, and daily functioning
- Can provide honest and supportive feedback
- Is comfortable participating in a clinical conversation (in person or remotely)
Common examples include a parent, sibling, long-term partner, close friend, or teacher/caregiver.
Why do patients need to provide photo ID?
A photo ID is required for us to remain compliant with the CQC regulations. It ensures we are verifying a patient ID, helps prevent any mix ups, identity fraud and data breaches.
Why do you need a copy of my care records?
We request access to relevant care records to ensure your assessment and any subsequent treatment are safe, accurate, and clinically appropriate. Your care records help our clinicians understand your medical history, current and past treatments, and any existing health conditions that may be important when making clinical decisions. This information reduces the risk of duplication, omissions, or unsafe treatment. We only request and review information that is relevant to your care, and all records are handled securely and in accordance with data protection legislation.
Why do you need consent to contact my GP?
We request your consent to contact your GP to ensure your care is safe, coordinated, and clinically appropriate. Your GP holds important information about your medical history, current medications, and any ongoing health concerns, which helps our clinicians make informed decisions and reduce the risk of harm. With your consent, we can also share relevant outcomes from your assessment so your GP is aware of any diagnoses, treatment plans, or recommendations. We will only contact your GP for purposes directly related to your care and in line with data protection legislation.
Why Is an Informant Important?
According to national guidelines (e.g. NICE NG87), a diagnosis of ASD requires evidence that symptoms were present before the age of 12 and have persisted over time. An informant helps:
- Fill in developmental history, particularly where memory or self-report may be limited
- Provide a second perspective to complement your own reflections
Support accurate diagnosis and safe treatment planning
Why Is an Informant Important?
According to national guidelines (e.g. NICE NG87), a diagnosis of ADHD requires evidence that symptoms were present before the age of 12 and have persisted over time. An informant helps:
- Fill in developmental history, particularly where memory or self-report may be limited
- Provide a second perspective to complement your own reflections
Support accurate diagnosis and safe treatment planning
Will I receive a refund if I am not suitable for the ADHD assessment?
Yes. Once you have submitted your referral form and completed payment, our clinical team will review your information during the pre-assessment triage stage. If it is determined that the ADHD assessment is not clinically appropriate for your needs, you will receive a full refund. Our triage process ensures that the service is safe, appropriate, and in your best clinical interests before proceeding to the full assessment stage.
Will you communicate with my GP?
Yes. With your consent, we will send a summary of your assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plan to your GP. This ensures continuity of care and enables shared care arrangements where appropriate.
Will you communicate with my GP?
Yes. With your consent, we will send a summary of your assessment and diagnosis to your GP. This ensures continuity of care and enables shared care arrangements where appropriate.
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