Any person aged six or over can undergo an assessment with RTN Mental Health, provided they pass through our triage process and are deemed suitable for an assessment at that time.
Will my diagnosis with RTN meet the NICE guidelines?
RTN follows NICE guidelines and our clinical psychologists are all HCPC registered. Our clinical psychologists are able to give diagnosis as they follow the ICD-11 and DSM-V criteria which is exactly the same as what the NHS uses to meet diagnostic criteria.
What if I’m unsure what assessment to take?
To help make an informed decision, we can use pre-assessment screening tools to identify symptoms you might experience. Note that this is not a diagnosis, but instead an indication of which traits are currently present in order to help with informing your decision.
Can I change from a single assessment for ADHD or autism to combined?
If you decide to change from a single assessment to a combined assessment (both ASD and ADHD) during the process, then the additional assessment can be added in at any stage. We would charge the same as if you had selected a combined assessment from the start.
Will my RTN diagnosis be recognised by the NHS?
Whilst each medical professional and NHS Trust will be different, the vast majority of our clients have no problems having their report recognised by the NHS. If you struggle with this, then we are happy to assist you by speaking to your medical professional to discuss our assessment methodology (adhering to NICE guidelines) in more detail.
Why do I need to complete a consent form?
To ensure compliance with our Privacy Policy and GDPR requirements, we will be asking you to complete a consent form. We will also ask you for the contact details of all assessment participants. The team will request a summary care record of your medical records as part of our standard data collection process to inform the diagnostic process. For more information on Summary Care Record (SCR), please visit the following: https://digital.nhs.uk/services/summary-care-records-scr
Do you triage customers before proceeding with assessments?
Yes. Once we have received the client’s summary care report, the team will then follow our triage process which consists of assessing previous/current diagnoses, mental health, wellbeing and medical history. Should it be deemed necessary we will contact your primary and/or secondary mental health care provider for further information.
How do I book an assessment?
To book an assessment, follow our instructions through our website to make a reservation. A member of our team will be in touch with you to help you through the initial stages of the assessment process. Should you have any questions you’d like to ask beforehand our team will be on hand to support.
How do I complete the questionnaires?
Questionnaires will be sent to all relevant parties, including informants. For example, your child’s school, parents or significant other. The questionnaires are completed online and immediately uploaded to our system upon submission. We will require responses to all questionnaires, including from any informants, before we can proceed to the diagnostic interview stage. If for any reason you struggle to complete the questionnaires online please call us and we can assist you.
Do I need to provide any supporting information?
Clients are recommended to provide us with any supporting information that they think will be beneficial to their assessment. This can include; official previous/current medical reports from multidisciplinary teams and previous/current school reports. Evidence of traits/behaviours during a client’s developmental period is crucial to aiding the assessment.
What happens at the diagnostic interview?
Our team will contact you, once all questionnaires have been received, and will arrange a time and date to complete the online video diagnostic interview. The interview will take place via a secure online video platform and you will be able to see and hear the clinician for the duration of the diagnostic interview.
Each diagnostic assessment varies in time depending on the assessment type.
What can I expect in the diagnostic report?
The diagnostic report may be up to 15 pages long summarising the information we have collected from you. The report will contain a summary of the diagnostic interview and the output of the questionnaires submitted. The report will also contain the final diagnostic decision with recommendations for aftercare support.
Can I provide you with feedback or make a complaint?
It is important to us to keep improving the quality of our service. If you would like to provide feedback or make a complaint please email us at feedback@rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com.
Is the assessment online?
Most of our assessments take place online using a secure platform. Ahead of the interview you will receive a link to join. If you would liked to have an assessment in person we have offices in Deal, Kent and Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
What can I expect from the diagnostic assessment process?
The process involves five main stages:
1. Pre-Assessment & Documentation:
Private: You complete the online form after purchase.
Right to Choose: Your GP submits your completed documents. We process referrals and will get in touch with you.
2. Triage:
We review your documents against our internal criteria. If anything is missing, we’ll let you know with next steps.
3. Questionnaires:
Additional questionnaires are sent to you and your chosen informants
4. Diagnostic Interview:
Once all forms are returned, we schedule a virtual (or in-person if needed) diagnostic interview.
5. Report & Review:
A detailed report is written based on all collected information. It undergoes clinical review and quality checks, and then will be dispatched to you via a secure link.
Who is eligible for an autism assessment through Right to Choose?
We are accepting adults and children over the age of 6 from anywhere in England for autism assessments under the Right to Choose programme.
There are some eligibility exclusions to Right to Choose, including those who are:
Currently under an urgent or emergency (crisis) care team
In high security psychiatric services
Detained under the Mental Health Act
Detained in a secure setting, such as prison or a secure children’s home
Serving as a member of the armed forces (family members not in active service are eligible)
Who is eligible for an ADHD assessment through Right to Choose?
RTN Medical (our sister company) are currently accepting adults from anywhere in England for ADHD assessments under the Right to Choose programme.
There are some eligibility exclusions to Right to Choose, including those who are:
Currently under an urgent or emergency (crisis) care team
In high security psychiatric services
Detained under the Mental Health Act
Detained in a secure setting, such as prison or a secure children’s home
Serving as a member of the armed forces (family members not in active service are eligible)
How do I access the Right to Choose pathway?
To access the Right to Choose pathway, head to our dedicated Right to Choose webpage where you can follow the simple step-by-step process.
Am I still eligible if I’m on the waiting list with my GP?
Yes, you are still eligible to submit a referral, even if you are already on an NHS waiting list.
How much does a Right to Choose assessment cost?
The NHS will cover the cost of the assessment, meaning that there is no cost incurred to you.
What is the progress of my Right to Choose referral?
After submitting a Right to Choose referral, please allow up to 16 weeks to hear from us. If it has been longer than 16 weeks and you haven’t received an update, feel free to contact us, we’ll be happy to check on the progress of your referral.
Will my GP receive the final assessment report?
Yes, if you have had an assessment via Right to Choose, you will receive a copy of your report, and your GP will also be sent a copy for their records.
Why was my Right to Choose referral rejected?
Your referral may not have been accepted because we must follow specific triage guidelines set by the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) that commissions our service. Based on the information provided, it appears that our service is not the most suitable pathway for your assessment. We recommend contacting your GP for further guidance or to discuss alternative options.
What is Shared Care?
Shared Care means RTN works together with the NHS to support your ongoing treatment. Our clinicians and NHS teams collaborate to make sure your care is smooth, coordinated, and consistent throughout your journey.
Do you offer Shared Care?
Yes! We’re happy to offer Shared Care through the Right to Choose pathway, making it easier for you to access ongoing support.
What if my GP doesn’t accept Shared Care?
If your GP isn’t able to accept Shared Care, don’t worry, you can still stay on our pathway and continue receiving your prescriptions directly from us.
How can I contact you?
If our FAQ’s or Virtual Assistant can’t answer your question, you can easily reach us by email, phone, or through the contact form on our website. We are always happy to help!
How long does an assessment take?
The length of your assessment depends on the type. Here’s a quick guide:
ADHD child assessment: around 1.5 hours
ADHD adult assessment: around 1.5 hours
Autism adult assessment: around 2 hours
Combined adult assessment: around 3 hours
Autism child assessment: around 4 hours (split across 2 sessions)
We’ll make sure each session gives you the time and support you need.
What if my child is homeschooled?
If your child is homeschooled, they can still be assessed. We’ll just need an informant, someone who knows your child outside the home to complete a short questionnaire. This could be, for example, a tutor or a staff member from an extracurricular activity.
Where is my final report?
If your assessment took place less than 12 weeks ago, we’re still preparing your report. After your assessment, it takes a few weeks to compile and review everything carefully. Each report goes through thorough quality and clinical checks to ensure it’s fully accurate. If you haven’t received any updates after 12 weeks, please get in touch with us.
Can I access medication?
Yes, we can provide medication after a private or Right to Choose adult ADHD diagnosis through our sister company, RTN Medical.
What is an informant?
An informant is someone who knows you or your child well, such as a family member, teacher, or tutor and can share insights about traits, symptoms, and behaviours outside the home. They’ll be asked to complete a short questionnaire to help us build a full picture during the assessment.
What if I don’t have an informant for my child?
If your child is home educated and there isn’t an educational representative available, we can ask someone else who knows your child outside the home such as a tutor, activity leader, relative, or family friend. Having input from an informant is really important, as it gives us valuable insight and evidence to support an accurate diagnosis.
What if I don’t have an informant for an adult assessment?
Information from an informant is really helpful in supporting an accurate diagnosis. Your informant could be a family member, partner, or even a work colleague, anyone who knows you well. If the assessment is for autism, we may still be able to proceed without one. However, for ADHD assessments, it can be very difficult to continue without input from an informant.
What support do you offer after a diagnosis?
After your diagnosis, you’ll receive a detailed report with personalised recommendations to help you move forward. If you’d like to discuss your next steps, you can book an appointment with one of our team members once your report has been sent. For adults, we also offer private talking therapies and ADHD medication options.
How can I check the progress of my assessment?
You can check the status of your assessment anytime by logging into your online portal, where updates on your progress will be posted.
How can I cancel my appointment?
To cancel or reschedule your appointment, simply go back to your original booking email. You’ll find a link there that lets you easily cancel or rebook your session.
How much does an assessment cost?
You can find all the details about our pricing on our Fees page. It outlines the costs for each type of assessment and any additional services available.
I am having difficulty completing the forms, what should I do?
As we are a mostly remote service, it is important that all required forms are completed so we can carry out your assessment. If you find this difficult, we recommend asking someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, or support worker to help you complete them.
What if my informant hasn’t received their questionnaire?
If your informant hasn’t received their questionnaire, please first check your portal to make sure their details were entered correctly. It is also a good idea to ask them to check their junk or spam folder, as the email can sometimes be found in these folders.
Have you received my pre-assessment form?
To check whether we have received your form or to see the progress of your assessment, simply log in to your portal for the latest updates.
I am unable to access my portal, what should I do?
If you are having trouble accessing your portal, please contact us directly and our team will assist you.
What should I do if my assessor has not arrived to my appointment?
If your assessor has not joined your appointment, please call us right away so we can look into it and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
I have special requirements for my assessment, what should I do?
If you have any special requirements or accessibility needs, please contact us directly. We will do our best to make sure your assessment experience is comfortable and fully supported.
Can I get my report sooner?
Unfortunately, we are unable to prioritise or fast-track individual reports. Our clinical team carefully review each one to make sure it is thorough, accurate, and high quality. Reports are usually completed within 8–12 weeks from your final appointment.
How can I request a prescription?
If you are on a titration pathway you will need to attend a titration appointment before receiving a prescription. We recommend giving at least two weeks’ notice if you need a new prescription. To request a repeat prescription, please complete the form. Click here.
I haven’t received my prescription, what should I do?
If your prescription hasn’t arrived, please contact us directly and our team will look into it right away.
Contact Us
We help create a world where every unique mind is understood, so everyone can thrive.
