Should I Seek a Private ADHD Assessment?
Written by Dr Bradley Powell, Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Co-Founder & Co-CEO at Regal Private Therapy Practice
Many people consider a private ADHD assessment after years of feeling like they are working harder than others just to keep up. You might be doing well on paper, holding down a demanding role, running a household, or achieving academically, yet privately battling overwhelm, procrastination, mental fatigue, or a constant sense of underperformance.
For some, these patterns become more noticeable in adulthood, especially during periods of stress, leadership responsibility, parenting, or burnout. For others, concerns emerge in childhood as academic expectations rise and confidence begins to dip.
A useful starting point is a simple self-check. Do you recognise any of the following?
Do you struggle to focus, even on tasks that matter to you?
Do you procrastinate, then rush at the last minute under pressure?
Do you lose track of time, misplace items, or forget appointments despite trying hard?
Do you feel internally restless, easily overstimulated, or mentally “busy”?
Do you start things with good intentions but struggle to sustain routines?
Do you experience repeated cycles of stress, burnout, anxiety, or low mood?
Did you cope at school mainly through perfectionism or overworking?
For parents: does your child struggle with attention, emotional regulation, confidence, or school-related stress?
If several of these resonate across different settings and have been present since childhood, an ADHD assessment may offer clarity and a practical way forward.
What is an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a structured clinical evaluation that explores whether ADHD is the most accurate explanation for long-standing patterns in attention, impulse control, organisation, emotional regulation, and everyday functioning.
A good assessment does more than confirm or rule out a diagnosis. It should help you understand your profile, recognise strengths, make sense of what has been difficult, and identify the right supports. Many people describe the process as relieving, not because it gives a “label”, but because it provides a coherent explanation that reduces self-blame.
Who typically seeks an ADHD assessment at Regal?
At Regal Private Therapy Practice, we regularly assess:
High-functioning adults: People who appear “fine” externally but feel internally overwhelmed, inconsistent, or exhausted by compensation strategies.
Adults with long-standing anxiety, depression, or burnout: Sometimes these difficulties are primary, sometimes ADHD has been missed, and sometimes both are present. The assessment clarifies what is going on and what will actually help.
Children and teenagers: When attention, confidence, anxiety, or emotional regulation begins to impact learning, friendships, or family life.
Adults who do not relate to stereotypical hyperactivity: Many adults present mainly with inattention, internal restlessness, overthinking, and chronic disorganisation rather than overt hyperactivity.
Private ADHD assessment in London at Regal
ADHD assessments at Regal are led by Dr Bradley Powell, Co-Founder of Regal Private Therapy Practice and Lead for the ADHD and Autism Pathway. Dr Powell is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, BABCP-accredited CBT therapist, and has extensive experience across NHS and private practice.
Regal is based in the Harley Street medical district, and we support clients from London and across the UK, including professionals travelling in for a specialist assessment.
Our approach is neuroaffirmative, strengths-based, and clinically rigorous, and follows NICE guidance. We understand masking and compensatory strategies, which are common in high-achieving adults and in many girls and women.
What you receive after the assessment
A comprehensive report with clear recommendations
You will receive a detailed written report that is clinically robust and readable. It will typically include:
a clear diagnostic conclusion (whether ADHD criteria are met or not)
a formulation explaining how and why difficulties show up for you
practical recommendations for work, education, daily routines, and wellbeing
guidance on reasonable adjustments where relevant
If ADHD is not diagnosed, you will still receive a meaningful clinical formulation and recommendations. The goal is clarity and a plan, not simply a label.
Next steps and support
Some clients simply want clarity and recommendations. Others want ongoing support. Dr Powell also provides evidence-based therapy, including CBT adapted for ADHD, and support for related difficulties such as anxiety, burnout, self-criticism, or low mood.
Psychiatric referral and medication: what to expect
If medication is being considered, we can refer to trusted ADHD psychiatrists. The typical pathway includes:
an initial psychiatric assessment
discussion of medication options and risks/benefits
a trial of medication where clinically indicated
follow-up appointments to monitor effectiveness and side effects
It is important to understand the practicalities:
psychiatric assessments and follow-ups have additional costs
medication costs vary depending on the prescription and pharmacy
shared care agreements with GPs are not guaranteed and can differ by region and practice
We will always explain these considerations so you can make an informed decision.
Should I choose the NHS or a private ADHD assessment?
NHS assessment (including Right to Choose)
In England, some people access assessment via the NHS, including via the Right to Choose pathway. This usually involves speaking with your GP and requesting referral through an appropriate provider.
This route may be better if:
finances are a key constraint
you are willing to wait longer for assessment and follow-up
The main limitation is that waiting lists can be significant, which can delay clarity and support.
Private ADHD assessment
Some people choose the private route because they want:
shorter waiting times
a premium, calm environment
continuity with your clinician
At Regal, Dr Powell brings together NHS-level clinical standards with the time, depth, and personalisation of private care, offering ADHD assessments that are evidence-based, compassionate, and genuinely transformative.
Our ADHD assessments are £950, priced competitively for the Harley Street district, while maintaining a thorough NICE-aligned approach using gold-standard and cutting-edge tools.
What clients say
Clients often describe the process as thorough, clear, and emotionally containing:
“I had a very positive experience with my ADHD assessment. Bradley was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and professional throughout the entire process. He explained everything clearly, made me feel at ease, and ensured the assessment was thorough, precise, and well-organised. I felt listened to and supported at every stage.”
“I’ve been seeing Dr Powell for a few months, playing a crucial role in managing lifelong depression and anxiety. He also delivered a comprehensive ADHD assessment, a very insightful report, and helped me uncover patterns in my behaviour which were trapping me in bad moves. I couldn’t recommend Dr Powell enough.”
“We had a really positive experience with Dr Powell. He focuses so much on strengths and positive attributes that the whole process feels empowering. All of my children really liked the ADHD assessment pathway and found it kind, relaxed, and non-judgemental.”
Reviews on Top Doctors frequently note the premium setting, personalised care, and confidence in the assessment process.
Considering a private ADHD assessment?
If you are considering a private ADHD assessment in London and want a thorough, neuroaffirmative, NICE-aligned approach with clear recommendations and a calm, premium experience, Regal Private Therapy Practice can help.
Understanding your neurodevelopmental profile can be a turning point. Clarity is often the first step towards self-compassion, better strategies, and lasting change.
About Dr Bradley Powell
Dr Bradley Powell is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, BABCP-accredited CBT therapist, and Co-Founder of Regal Private Therapy Practice. He leads the ADHD and autism assessment pathway at Regal and is also the Neurodevelopmental Pathway Lead for ADHD and Autism Assessments at a private clinic in Chelsea.
Dr Powell has extensive experience delivering neurodevelopmental assessments across both the NHS and private sector, working with children, adolescents, and high-functioning adults. He is particularly known for his thoughtful, neuroaffirmative approach, and for recognising masking, compensatory strategies, and subtle presentations that are often missed in standard assessments.
He has been featured internationally discussing ADHD on the Doctify Podcast, where he speaks on adult ADHD, late diagnosis, and the emotional impact of living undiagnosed. His work bridges clinical rigour with real-world understanding, particularly for professionals navigating high-pressure environments.
Dr Powell is part of the Global ADHD Clinicians Network, contributing to ongoing professional dialogue around best practice, assessment quality, and ethical neurodevelopmental care. His assessments are consistently described by patients as thorough, validating, and empowering, with clear recommendations that translate into meaningful change.
At Regal, Dr Powell brings together NHS-level clinical standards with the time, depth, and personalisation of private care, offering ADHD assessments that are evidence-based, compassionate, and genuinely transformative.
