NHS Talking Therapies
You don’t have to face these challenges alone – let us be a part of your journey towards a healthier mind.
Local Mental Health and Wellbeing Support in Islington
We have fantastic local organisations that provide mental health support and resources for mental wellness in Islington. For additional information or support, please explore these helpful resources. Find more information and support for your mental health.
Self-Referral Services
If you ever feel like hurting yourself or things are too overwhelming, or if it’s an emergency, please call the Islington Crisis Team anytime at 0800 917 3333 or the Samaritans at 116 123.
ADHD Assessment and Prescribing
We understand that accessing timely support for ADHD can be challenging, and we want to ensure you have clear information about the options available at our practice and how prescribing works in general practice.
Not everyone who has suspicions of having ADHD needs to be seen by an ADHD service. Please read the information below to understand your options if you would like to be referred to an ADHD specialist. GPs are unable to make a diagnosis of ADHD or start any ADHD medications. In view of the extremely high demand for Adult ADHD services, please be aware that the waiting times for services can vary.
For Children and Young People
If you need an ADHD assessment for your child under 18:
GPs do not make ADHD referrals for children – you can find out more here (Neurodevelopmental Team (NDT))
- Contact their school first – schools can refer directly to North Central London’s Children’s ADHD Service
- Please note there is a parent support group for ADHD – click here to find out more (Find Your Islington | ADHD Islington, parent support group)
Getting an assessment for Adults
You can access an ADHD assessment through:
- NHS Services – via referral to a locally commissioned specialist service. Waiting times can be lengthy, but assessment, titration, and follow-up are provided free of charge.
- Right to Choose – you may be eligible to choose an alternative NHS-commissioned provider offering ADHD assessment under NHS funding.
- Private Assessment – you may also choose to self-fund an ADHD assessment with a private provider. However, for us to enter a shared care agreement and continue prescribing, your chosen provider must meet specific governance standards (see below) and this is not always guaranteed. This means you may need to pay for ongoing medication and monitoring by yourself.
Complete a request for referral
How to Start
Complete our online form with detailed information about your ADHD concerns. We’ll then send you the ADHD screening questionnaire (this will likely come via a text or email).
What Information to Include
Be as detailed as possible – this strengthens your referral:
- Your symptoms:
- Specific ADHD symptoms you experience
- When you first noticed them
- How long you’ve had them
2. Impact on your life:
- How symptoms affect work/education
- Impact on relationships and family life
- Daily living challenges
- Social difficulties
4. What you’ve tried:
- Self-help strategies
- Previous treatments or support
- Coping mechanisms
5. Your goals:
- What you hope to gain from diagnosis
- How treatment might help you
Poor referrals get rejected – take time to provide comprehensive information.
The Referral Process
- You submit the online form and screening questionnaire
2. We review your information for completeness
3. A GP assesses whether you meet referral criteria (may involve a phone consultation)
4. We send the referral to your chosen provider
5. Your provider contacts you directly with next steps
Prescribing and Shared Care Agreements
If your ADHD diagnosis requires medication, please be aware that Barnsbury Medical Practice may not always be able to provide these prescriptions. We can only consider ADHD prescribing under a Shared Care Agreement when your Right to Choose provider or private provider meets our clinical and governance criteria. These safeguards are essential to protect both patient safety and the prescribing clinician.
It is important that you understand these requirements before choosing a provider, so you can make an informed and safe decision.
Please note the following:
- We cannot accept assessments or referrals from outside the UK.
- We are unable to continue prescribing if you have been discharged from your specialist ADHD provider.
- We do not offer bridging prescriptions while you are awaiting an assessment, titration, or transfer of care.
If you have any questions about shared care eligibility or referral routes, please contact the practice team for guidance