Right to Choose
For healthcare professionals
We know how valuable your time is. That’s why we’ve designed our referral process to be as efficient and straightforward as possible – so you can focus on what matters most: your patients.
A Trusted Partner Since 2013
In partnership with
How Does It Work?
Step 1
Fill in our simple online referral form
Step 2
Submit the referral form directly to Healios
We’ll take it from here.
Healios will contact the patient directly to begin their assessment journey and keep you updated throughout.
Why refer to Healios?
As a trusted NHS partner since 2013, Healios provides specialist ADHD and autism assessments that align with NICE guidelines. Our experienced clinical team ensures that every referral is handled with the highest standards of care, making it easy for you to confidently refer your patients through the NHS Right to Choose scheme.
- Trusted NHS Partner – Over a decade of experience delivering neurodevelopmental care services in partnership with the NHS since 2013.
- NICE-Compliant Assessments – Meeting the highest clinical standards.
- Specialist Team – ADHD & autism clinicians dedicated to personalised care.
- Convenient & Accessible – Online assessments from the comfort of home.
Referral Resources & Support
We’ve created a range of resources to make the referral process as clear and simple as possible.
FAQs
How long is the Right to Choose waiting list?
Our waiting time for new referrals is 30 weeks (seven months). This is for new referrals and those received after 1st January 2024. If your GP submitted your referral before then, we will contact you soon. We kindly ask that you wait to be contacted by a member of our team.
Are you an eligible Right to Choose provider?
Yes, we hold NHS standard contracts across England to provide NHS Right to Choose autism assessments to adults, children, and young people, and ADHD assessments to adults.
I'm already on a waiting list for an NHS assessment. Can I change it to Right to Choose so I can be seen sooner?
Yes, as long as your GP agrees to change the referral to a Right to Choose ADHD assessment or Right to Choose autism assessment. If you would like to do this, please get in touch with us on …
Who is eligible under Right to Choose?
If your GP surgery is registered in England and your GP needs to refer you to a consultant or specialist in mental health, you have the legal right to choose your mental health service provider.
However, you do not have the right to choose if:
- You require emergency treatment
- You are currently serving a prison sentence, or if you’re on temporary release
- You are detained in prescribed accommodation
- You serve in the armed forces
- You have already received care and treatment for the condition
- You are detained in a secure hospital environment
- You are detained in a hospital under the Mental Health Act of 1983
We currently offer Right to Choose autism assessments for adults, children, and young people, and ADHD assessments to adults.
Why didn't my GP offer me a Right to Choose assessment?
Many GPs are not aware of Right to Choose yet. The NHS has published a helpful framework that explains everything they need to know. Try sharing this link with them so they are fully informed: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-nhs-choice-framework
Right to Choose is a legal right. If you’re not offered a choice at the point of referral, ask your doctor why and say you wish to go explore your options.
What happens after my assessment?
You will have a feedback appointment where your clinician will discuss the assessment outcome and their clinical decisions. You will then receive your clinical report, which can also be sent to your GP.
Where can I find more information about Right to Choose?
For more detailed information about your rights and choices within the NHS, please visit the NHS website: Your Choices in the NHS.
If you have further questions or need additional information about your Right to Choose, you can email the Your Choice Team at [email protected]. They are available to help you understand your options and guide you through the process.
Your local ICB can also provide further information and assistance. They oversee the planning and commissioning of healthcare services in your area and can help ensure you receive the care you need. Click here to find the contact details for your local ICB.
Have you received my Right to Choose referral?
As soon as your GP submits your Right to Choose referral to Healios, we’ll receive it and send you an email with your next steps. This will include how to activate your account and complete any required forms. If you haven’t seen this email within a few days, please check your junk or spam folder just in case.
I have another question about Right to Choose. How can I speak to someone?
If you have any questions about the Right to Choose process, our team is here to help. You can reach us by email at [email protected] or by phone on xxxx, Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. We’ll be happy to support you.
What happens if my referral is not suitable?
If we’re not able to proceed with your referral, either because it’s not suitable for assessment or our online service, we’ll let both you and your GP know, along with the reason why and recommend next steps you may wish to take.
Helpful Resources
GP Starter Pack
A downloadable guide to Right to Choose referrals.
Case Study: Helping Rise increase capacity and improve outcomes
“By partnering with Healios over the last five years, we have been able to increase and enhance our clinical offering.”