ADHD Shared Care with Your GP
Understand your options for continuing ADHD medication through an NHS shared care arrangement.
If you receive private ADHD treatment, you may be able to ask your NHS GP to take over prescribing once your medication is stable. MyPsych can explain the shared care process, the information your GP may need, and the steps involved in planning your ongoing treatment.
Shared care is subject to your GP’s agreement and cannot be guaranteed.
What Is an ADHD Shared Care Agreement?
A Shared Care Agreement (SCA) is an arrangement in which a specialist service and a GP share responsibilities for prescribing and monitoring medication.
For eligible patients, an agreed arrangement may reduce the need for ongoing private prescriptions. However, your GP must be satisfied that shared care is appropriate and may decline the request.
How Does the Shared Care Process Work?
Stabilise Your Medication
Before shared care is considered, your ADHD medication and dosage generally need to be stable. The time required varies according to your treatment and clinical circumstances.
Prepare Your GP Handover
Your specialist prepares a clinical handover explaining your diagnosis, medication, dosage, treatment response, and relevant monitoring information for your GP to review.
Agree on Ongoing Prescribing
If your GP accepts the arrangement, prescribing and monitoring responsibilities are agreed between the relevant clinicians. Specialist follow-up may still be required.
What If Your GP Refuses Shared Care?
Not every GP practice accepts shared care requests from private providers. A refusal does not necessarily mean your diagnosis or treatment is invalid; your GP may have concerns about local policy, clinical responsibility, or whether the arrangement is appropriate.
If your request is declined, you can ask your GP for the reason and discuss the next steps with your specialist provider.
Depending on the arrangements available through MyPsych, alternatives may include continuing private prescribing or discussing the handover with your GP. Private treatment costs and review requirements may continue to apply.
What Information Does Your GP Need?
A clear clinical handover can help your GP assess a shared care request. Depending on the circumstances, the information may include:
- Confirmation of your ADHD diagnosis and specialist assessment
- Current medication, dosage, and treatment response
- Relevant physical health checks and monitoring results
- Details of potential side effects and ongoing monitoring
- The responsibilities of each clinician under the proposed arrangement
Your GP may request additional information before making a decision.
Continue Your ADHD Care with Confidence
Moving from private treatment to shared care requires clear communication and agreement between clinicians. Understanding the process early can help you plan for ongoing prescriptions, reviews, and potential costs.
Talk to MyPsych about the handover process and the options available for your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. GPs are not automatically required to accept shared care from a private provider. Acceptance depends on clinical suitability, local arrangements, and the GP's decision.
It is generally considered once your medication and dosage are stable and the specialist has provided the information needed for the GP to assess the request.
Not necessarily. Even if your GP agrees to prescribe, specialist reviews or other aspects of your care may remain chargeable.
Ask for the reason and discuss your options with your specialist provider. You may need to continue private prescribing or explore another appropriate care arrangement.
No. Ongoing specialist reviews and medication monitoring may still be necessary under the agreed care plan.
Plan Your ADHD Shared Care Handover
Understand the requirements, prepare for discussions with your GP, and explore your options for ongoing ADHD medication.
