How do I get an ADHD assessment in the UK?

Assessment usually starts with your GP, who can refer you to an NHS ADHD service. In England you may also be able to use Right to Choose to pick a provider. Private assessment is another route. ADHD Pathways is not involved in any of these.

Where can I get free ADHD information and support?

ADHD UK, the ADHD Foundation, AADD-UK and Mind all publish free information, and many areas have free peer support groups. The links on this page are a starting point.

Does Ryan give free advice by email or Facebook?

Ryan can't offer personal advice or support outside of paid sessions — it wouldn't be safe or fair to work that way. This page exists so there is always somewhere useful to point people in the meantime.

Free help

ADHD help & resources

I wish I could help everyone who reaches out — I can't give personal advice or support outside of sessions, and I'm not taking clients until August 2026. But you shouldn't leave empty-handed: these are the places I'd genuinely point a friend to, and they're all free.

A note from Ryan

"If you've found your way here, there's a good chance things feel hard right now — maybe they've felt hard for a while. I want you to know that's nothing to be ashamed of, and you're not the only one."
"I can't diagnose or prescribe, and I won't pretend otherwise. But I'll always be honest with you — and if I'm not the right person to help, I'll do my best to point you towards someone who is."

— Ryan Kilbride, ADHD Pathways

Urgent help

ADHD Pathways is not a crisis service. If you need help now, please use these.

Samaritans — 116 123
Free, 24/7, whatever you're going through.
NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health)
Urgent NHS advice when it isn't a 999 emergency.
Shout — text SHOUT to 85258
Free 24/7 text support if talking feels too much.

Assessment and diagnosis

Information only — I don't assess, diagnose, or advise on medication.

NHS — ADHD overview
Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment explained plainly.
NHS Right to Choose
In England you may be able to choose your assessment provider via your GP.
ADHD UK — getting assessed
Practical guides on NHS and private assessment routes.

National ADHD support

Free information, communities and helplines.

ADHD Foundation
The neurodiversity charity — resources for adults, families and schools.
AADD-UK
By and for adults with ADHD, including a local support group directory.
Mind
Mental health information and an infoline for wider wellbeing.

Parents, school and education

For education rights and appeals, these are the right people — not me.

IPSEA
Free legal advice on SEN support, EHCPs and appeals.
Lancashire SEND Information Advice & Support
Free, impartial local advice for Lancashire families.
Young Minds — parents helpline
Support for parents worried about a child's mental health.

My own free writing

I share practical, ADHD-friendly articles that are free to read — no sign-up, no cost.

Read the insights

These links are provided for information only. ADHD Pathways isn't responsible for the content of external sites, and listing them isn't a recommendation of any specific treatment. Read what I can and can't help with.