A Guide to Understand Costs in the UK, US, India, and Canada

ADHD assessment costs vary dramatically across countries — sometimes by a factor of ten for comparable clinical services. For people deciding where to seek evaluation, or comparing their options across a move or within a large country, understanding the real numbers matters. Here is a comparative breakdown across the UK, US, India, and Canada.

United Kingdom

NHS (free at point of care): Adults who qualify for NHS assessment pay nothing, but wait times are the trade-off. As of 2023–2024, waits across England range from 18 months to 7 years depending on the NHS trust. Adults in England can use the Right to Choose policy to access NHSE-commissioned providers (Psychiatry UK, ADHD 360, Healios) with shorter waits — typically 3–12 months — still at no cost.

Private assessment: A private adult psychiatric ADHD evaluation in the UK costs £500–£1,500. Some providers offer assessment-only packages starting around £400; others include a full psychological assessment for up to £2,000. Children's assessments through private paediatricians cost £600–£2,000. After private diagnosis, prescription medication costs £80–£200/month if the GP does not accept a shared care arrangement — a significant ongoing cost.

United States

With insurance: When covered, ADHD evaluation copayments typically range from $50–$250 depending on deductible and plan structure. However, full neuropsychological testing is frequently excluded or heavily limited. Call your insurer and ask specifically about coverage for CPT codes 96130 and 96131 (psychological testing administration and scoring) before scheduling.

Without insurance: A psychiatric clinical evaluation (interview + rating scales + diagnosis) costs $800–$1,800. A full neuropsychological battery adds to this, bringing totals to $2,500–$5,000 at private specialist rates. University training clinic assessments can reduce this to $200–$800. Community Mental Health Centre sliding-scale fees can be as low as $5–$50 per session.

India

India presents the widest internal variation of any country, with costs differing substantially between metro cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru) and smaller cities or rural areas, and between government hospitals and private clinics.

Government hospital / public sector: ADHD assessment through government psychiatry outpatient departments at institutions like NIMHANS (Bengaluru), AIIMS (Delhi), or state medical colleges costs ₹200–₹1,000 (approximately $2–$12 USD) for the consultation, though waiting times are long and access to comprehensive neuropsychological testing may be limited.

Private sector: A private psychiatrist's consultation for ADHD evaluation in a metro city costs ₹1,500–₹5,000 ($18–$60 USD). A comprehensive private evaluation including psychological testing by a neuropsychologist costs ₹8,000–₹25,000 ($95–$300 USD) — reflecting both lower professional fees and purchasing power parity. Medication costs are substantially lower than in Western markets: methylphenidate (Ritalin) and atomoxetine (Strattera) are available at approximately ₹200–₹800/month ($2.50–$10 USD) through licensed pharmacists, though in many states ADHD medications require a psychiatrist's prescription and red-line prescription compliance.

Canada

Provincial health insurance (free at point of care): ADHD assessment by a physician or psychiatrist is covered by provincial health cards. Access to psychiatry varies by province — urban centres in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia have specialist access within months; rural and Northern communities may wait 1–2 years or more. Family physicians increasingly manage adult ADHD directly in many provinces, reducing the referral bottleneck.

Private psychological assessment: Assessment by a registered psychologist is not covered by provincial health insurance but is sometimes covered by employer extended benefit plans. Costs range from $2,000–$3,500 in Ontario and BC; somewhat lower in Atlantic provinces and Quebec. Medication is covered under provincial drug plans for children in most provinces; adult coverage varies by province and income level. Those without coverage pay approximately $80–$250/month depending on the medication and dose.

A Note on Telehealth Costs

Telehealth ADHD platforms have emerged in all four countries, typically offering lower headline costs ($100–$300 for an initial assessment). As noted throughout this site, the clinical quality of these evaluations varies considerably and should be scrutinised carefully — cost alone is not a reliable guide to assessment rigour.

For guidance on navigating low-cost options in the US, see our article on ADHD testing without insurance. For UK-specific pathway information, see our UK ADHD assessment guide.

ADHDtest's team comprises experts in counseling, data mining, AI, and ADHD, uniquely blending cutting-edge technology with deep psychological insights to explore and address the complexities of ADHD.