ADHD Assessments
Private ADHD Assessments in Thatcham, Newbury and West Berkshire Book Your ADHD AssessmentClarity, Understanding, and Practical Support for Every Stage of Life
At Total Health West Berkshire, we provide specialist ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) assessments for children and adults. ADHD isn’t just about being “hyper” or “distracted”- it’s a complex neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, organisation, emotional regulation, and day-to-day life.
Whether you’re a parent looking for answers or an adult navigating lifelong challenges, an assessment can be the first step toward meaningful change.
“Around 2.6 million people in the UK are estimated to have ADHD, but many remain undiagnosed.”
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition that affects a person’s ability to focus, manage tasks, control impulses, and regulate energy levels. It can look very different from person to person—and may go unrecognised for years, especially in girls or in adults who’ve developed coping strategies.
Our Children's Assessment Service Starts in Autumn 2025.
To join our wait list fill out this form:
Children With ADHD
What Can Children with ADHD Struggle With?
- Short attention spans or being easily distracted
- Constant fidgeting or restlessness
- Difficulty waiting their turn or sitting still
- Frequent daydreaming or “zoning out”
- Trouble starting or completing tasks
- Big emotional reactions to small frustrations
- Difficulty with organisation and forgetfulness
What Can The Challenges of ADHD Lead To?
- Underachievement at school
- Struggles with friendships or social rules
- Frustration at home or in group settings
- Low self-esteem or anxiety
Why Seek an ADHD Assessment for Your Child?
- Helps your child access support at school
- Gives parents and teachers strategies to manage behaviours
- Reduces stress and improves family relationships
- Supports your child’s mental health and confidence
Adults With ADHD
Could I Have Undiagnosed ADHD as an Adult?
Or wondering why certain things—like time management or staying focused—feel harder than they should.
You might have ADHD if you:
- Struggle to focus or switch tasks frequently
- Feel overwhelmed by routine organisation or admin
- Are forgetful, frequently misplacing items or missing appointments
- Start new projects enthusiastically, but struggle to finish them
- Act impulsively or find it hard to regulate emotions
- Often feel restless, mentally or physically
- Experience burnout, especially in high-pressure settings
Why Seek an Adult ADHD Assessment?
This typically includes:
- Initial consultation to explore your concerns
- Standardised screening questionnaires
- A full clinical interview (including developmental history)
- Optional input from teachers, partners, or family members
- A detailed report with personalised recommendations
Start Your ADHD Assessment Here
Our ADHD Assessment - £1,100
Our ADHD Assessment is very thorough and takes place in two parts.
The pre-assessment and the main assessment.
ADHD Assessments Step 2
Once we have that information we will send you out your pre assessment forms.
The pre assessment forms are a very important part of your assessment and we need them returned before we can book your ADHD assessment.
Some of these forms need to be completed by you - others need to be completed by a relative or friend who knew you when your were a child.
We also need you to ask your GP form your Summary Care Record or SCR.
ADHD Assessments Step 3
Once we have received your pre assessment forms and your SCR we will make sure we have all the information we need for your assessment.
ADHD Assessments Step 4
We will contact you to book your ADHD assessment.
We take payment at least 48 hours BEFORE your assessment.
ADHD Assessments Step 5
Your assessment can be done online or in person at Total Health West Berkshire.
Assessments take up to 4 hours to complete.
You can take breaks throught this time and you are welcome to bring someone with you if you like.
ADHD Assessments Step 6
At the end of your assessment you will be given the outcome of your assessment.
If you have a complex cases then your assessor may need to consult another clinician before giving you your diagnosis.
If you are given a diagnosis of ADHD your assessor will discuss treatment options including medication with you.
Medication can be prescribed in this appointment if appropriate. Sometimes further health tests or information are needed before medication can be prescribed.
ADHD Assessments Step 7 - Final Step
Finally, we will send you your assessment report and findings.
If medication is appropriate we will advise you on this.
Your Experienced ADHD Assessor
Gerard Alexander
Independent Nurse Prescriber
I am an experienced Independent Nurse Prescriber with over 15 years of expertise in Adult Psychiatry, ADHD and Substance Misuse Services, across community and
prison settings.
My ADHD awakening journey began in 1996 when working as a Mental Health Specialist & Commissioning for Public Health, at a time when the DSM IV introduced
changes to its guidance.
I formalized my ADHD learning & training with ADHD360 under Dr Caroline Bleakley and updated it in 2025 with The Academy/Psych Scene.
I’ve completed over 700 assessments and 1,500 follow-ups, using evidence-based tools like ASRS, Barkley’s, & DIVA-5, and managing treatment transitions to GP care.
I’m experienced in prescribing stimulants (e.g.,
methylphenidate, amphetamines), non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine), and a broad range of psychotropics, including antidepressants, antipsychotics (including depot preparations), and addiction treatments (i.e. for licit and illicit substance use)
As a Clinical Lead, I’ve conducted comprehensive assessments, developed personalized care plans, and led mental health and substance misuse teams. I’m
registered for Private Controlled Drug prescribing and proficient in using diverse psychological assessment tools to deliver evidence-based, patient-centred care.
I am committed to advancing ADHD, mental health, and substance misuse services, improving outcomes, and making a meaningful difference to those I serve.
My supervisor is Dr Alan Ogilvie, Consultant Psychiatrist.
Gerard Alexander's Major Qualifications:
- Registered Mental Health Nurse 1986 (NMC Registration: 83D1572E)
- BSc (Hons) Mental Health Studies 2013; Derby University
- Independent Nurse Prescriber 2010 (NMC Registered) Level 7, Southampton University
- Prescribing in Psychopharmacology and the Therapeutics of Mental Illness 2009
- Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 2009 (Institute of Counselling)
- RCGP Mental Health Management in Primary Care 1998
- RCGP Certificate in Substance Misuse Management (Forensic) Part 1, 2015
- RCGP Certificate in Substance Misuse Management Part 2, 2016
- English National Board 956 Coping with Violence 1993
- English National Board 998 Teaching and Assessment in Clinical Practice 1987
- Counselling Certificate (two-year course) 1989 (affiliated with the Pastoral Foundation)
- Advanced Primary Care Nurse Practitioners Course 2016
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Part 1, 2 + 3 (2022)
- ADHD Awareness, Open University 2023
- ADHD Advanced Practitioner Training, ADHD360, 2023
- A Comprehensive Guide to Adult ADHD in Clinical Practice, The Academy/Psych Scene, Endorsed
by RANZCP (2025) - Clinical Excellence In Adult ADHD: A Comprehensive Curriculum. The Academy/Psych Scene, Endorsed by RANZCP (2025)
- Advanced Psychopharmacology of ADHD. The Academy/Psych Scene, Endorsed by RANZCP
(2025) - ADHD Masterclass – The Diagnosis and Management of
- ADHD Simplified. The Academy/Psych Scene, Endorsed by RANZCP (2025).
- Principles and Strategies for Switching Stimulants in ADHD. The Academy/Psych Scene, Endorsed by RANZCP (2025)
- ADHD in Pregnancy and the Post-Partum Period. The Academy/Psych Scene, Endorsed by RANZCP (2025)
- Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders – A Comprehensive Guide to Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis. The Academy/Psych Scene, Endorsed by RANZCP (2025)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – A Practical Guide for Clinicians. The Academy/Psych Scen
How Does ADHD Medication and Titration Work?
If you are diagnosed with ADHD then the option of medication will be discussesd with you.
If you decided that you would like to start medication then you will need to go through a process called titration.
Medication can be prescribed at the time of your assessment as appropriate.
This a process of adjusting the dose of a medication you are receiving to make sure that you get the maximum benefit with as little side effects as possible.
Titration for ADHD medication generally takes about 12 weeks and you would have 3 appointments in this time.
The appointments can be remote or in person.
Once you are stable on your medication then you can approach your GP to ‘share care’ for your prescription.
This means that your GP will prescribe it but we would need to carry out periodic recview – usually once a year.
Things to consider:
If you start medication you will be required to send us regular blood pressure readings – this helps our clinicians assess how well your body is reacting to the medication.
You may need an ECG before starting the medication.
Prescriptions in the intial titration process will be private prescriptions and will therefore be payable at the private prescription rate NOT the NHS rate.
Not all GP practices will accept share care – If this is the case we will continue to presribe at the cost of £50 per prescription.
If your GP practice takes over the share care you will still need a review appointment with us annually charged at £140
Our Titration Packages
12 Week Titration Support - £499
Please note that we can not supply medication directly to you so there will be additional charge when you purchase the prescription.
12 Week Titration Support Plus ECG - £549
3 Appointments over 12 weeks includes cost of prescription writing and support as needed during this time.
An ECG at Total Health West Berkshire
Please note that we can not supply medication directly to you so there will be additional charge when you purchase the prescription.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD
Do I have to complete the pre assessment forms?
The pre-assessment forms are a vital part of your assessment, so we do need them completed. If you are having any problems completing them, then do get in touch with us on 01635 791 301 or hello@totalhealthwestberks.co.uk.
Do I need to get my Summary Care Record (SCR)?
Your summary care record gives our assessors important information about your medical history. Without it, we may not be able to assess you fully.
How long does a ADHD assessment take?
The assessment takes around 4 hours.
You can take breaks throughout the assessment, and you can have someone with you during the assessment if you wish.
Is the assessment face to face or online?
You can choose to have the assessment online through our secure appointment system or face-to-face at our Clinic in Thatcham.
What is the cost of an ADHD Assessment?
Can I access these assessments via the NHS Right to Choose?
No, these assessments are entirely self funded.
Will the assessments be accepted by the NHS ?
The assessments we offer follow NICE Guidelines as best we can. It is up to your individual GP or NHS clinician whether they accept the assessment and diagnosis from it.
Can I have ADHD Medication following an ADHD diagnosis?
One of our clinicians is a Mental Health Nurse prescriber and can prescribe ADHD medication and titration if this is appropriate.
Can my NHS GP take over prescribing?
Once the titration dose has been completed, you can ask your NHS GP to take over your prescribing, and we will do everything we can to make that an easy process for you. But your NHS GP is not obliged to take over prescribing. Once you start down the private medication route, you may need to stay on it. Please consider this before starting an assessment process.