Our FAQs

Have a question? Check below to see if we’ve already answered it. If not, feel free to reach out using the ‘Get in touch’ button

Adult ADHD Assessment & Treatment FAQs

We recommend you visit the NHS website by clicking here. You’ll find an overview of ADHD along with symptoms and causes in both adults and young people.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a diagnosis given to people who have challenges with:

  • inattention – finding it hard to concentrate
  • hyperactivity – feeling restless and struggling to sit still
  • impulsivity – saying or doing things without thinking about the consequences first.

Most people experience these challenges at some point in their lives, or in certain situations. For example, you might struggle to concentrate the following day if they’ve had a bad night’s sleep. However, for people with ADHD, these challenges usually begin in childhood and for most people they continue as they grow up, though they may change or improve. These challenges will also affect someone in many areas of their life.

You can find our Fees and Cancellation policy by clicking here.

As part of our comprehensive preliminary screening process, we will provide you with a ‘GP Letter of Referral Request for ADHD.’ You’ll need to share this letter with your GP, which asks them to supply a referral letter or patient summary relevant to an ADHD assessment.

This step ensures we receive the necessary medical and demographic information to deliver a thorough and accurate evaluation, aligning with your healthcare history and needs.

We ask for a GP referral/patient summary for a number of reasons:

  • To make sure we have all available information to make a correct diagnosis.
  • To protect and promote patient safety; ADHD medication needs to be considered in the context of whole patient health, including any existing medications taken.
  • To confirm a patient’s identity.
  • To meet NICE guidelines and CQC best practice.

Rainbow Medical psychiatric assessments are conducted by a psychiatrist. For quality of care and patient safety, you will always meet a Psychiatrist for your diagnosis, medication initiations and medication reviews.

  1. Before we meet each other, all your preliminary screening will have been reviewed by a psychiatrist. You will receive guidance written by one of our psychiatrists at your feedback and recommendations appointment. 
  2. For your diagnosis, medication initiations and medication reviews, you will always meet a Psychiatrist; other providers may use nurses but we do not. For quality of care and patient safety you will meet with a doctor for diagnosis, medication initiations and medication reviews.
  3. There are NO hidden fees; see our fees page for full details.
  4. Your preferences, needs and values will guide our clinical decisions. This co-production enables our person-centred care.
  5. Working together/Co-production is important to us. We believe in your ability to face, experience, and survive the unknown, and that your experience can help us improve our service and aid others on their journeys.
  6. We offer Evidence-based treatment, while recognising the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Although we are led by experienced Consultant Psychiatrists, we work alongside therapists, counsellors, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care, fostering a holistic healing environment.
  7. We will always be frank: without openness and transparency, co-production cannot work.
  8. Everything we do is underpinned by our core values; if we make a mistake, we will put things right.

After steps 1-3, the assessment and diagnosis pathway is concluded. If you want to consider medication, please book your medication initiation consultation with one of our psychiatrists; this is part of the treatment pathway.

Your Consultant Psychiatrist will also undertake a general psychiatric assessment, noting any common co-morbid psychiatric conditions which may be contributing to your current difficulties. These can include anxiety, depression, or traits of autistic spectrum condition. Your Consultant Psychiatrist will discuss and give guidance about what further assessment and treatment options are available for these conditions.

Medications will not be provided during the assessment. An appointment to discuss different treatments will be offered by your Psychiatrist. We can only prescribe medication with sufficient knowledge of your physical health. These checks will include blood pressure, pulse rate, height and weight. Depending on your current health and medical history, you may also need blood tests and an ECG before your initial prescription. Because Co-production and person-centred care are our core values, we will discuss, with you, non-pharmacological treatment and non-pharmacological treatment in combination with medication.

One of our core values is to ‘always be frank’. Rainbow Medical offers truly personalised care and collaborative assessments and treatments, so all ADHD assessments will look different. You can be confident we’ll give you the time you need: 

Step 1, Part B (Preliminary screening results, feedback and recommendations): 50 minutes. 

Step 2 (Comprehensive diagnostic interview): 2 hours. 

Step 3 (Meeting your Psychiatrist and receiving your diagnoses and recommendations): 50 minutes. 

We will match you to an available counsellor and Psychiatrist who fits your objectives, required preferences, and the type of concerns you are dealing with. Your ADHD assessment is led by you. We’ll do whatever we are able to make you feel comfortable and confident.

NICE guidance on ADHD

These guidelines cover recognising, diagnosing and managing ADHD in children, young people and adults. They aim to improve recognition and diagnosis, as well as the quality of care and support for people with ADHD.

 

Information on ADHD

 

ADHD charities

Below we have included details of some charities that work with and for people with ADHD:

  • ADHD Aware – A charity run by volunteers, some with experience of ADHD themselves, who offer information and support meetings. 
  • ADHD Foundation – A charity advocating for people with ADHD and other physical and psychological health conditions.
  • Scottish ADHD Coalition – A charity providing support to adults and children with ADHD in Scotland, and their parents, carers and families.

 

Peer support groups

  • Support groups, ADHD UK – ADHD UK run peer-support groups, informative lectures and Q&A sessions.
  • ADHD support group meetings, ADHD Aware – ADHD Aware run peer support group meetings to provide a safe space. These groups are for people with ADHD and their friends and families.
  • ADDISS (The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service) provides information, moderated online forums and local support groups. 

 

Wellbeing information

  • Live Well, NHS – Information from the NHS on healthy living.
  • Mindfulness, NHS – Information from the NHS on mindfulness.
  • Sleep and tiredness, NHS – Information from the NHS on sleeping and tiredness.
  • Diet, NHS – Information from the NHS on ADHD and diet.

All assessments and meetings with your Psychiatrist will take place either over the internet or at our Leicester clinic. For talking therapies and your appointments with your therapist or counsellor, these can take place in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Coventry, Northampton, Oxford, Worcester and Edinburgh

We believe that often people may have complex clusters of symptoms that may involve different diagnoses. In fact, this is often the case with neurodivergent people, where symptoms of ADHD, autism and other conditions such as Dyslexia or Tourette’s often co-exist.   In these cases, rather than following a strict, diagnosis-based, pathway, we offer a treatment plan looking at the individual symptomatology, specific for each patient. This approach is in line with our core values: https://www.rainbowmedical.co.uk/our-values/

You can expect to receive your psychiatric assessment/report within 2-3 weeks, from the date of your consultation with a consultant psychiatrist.

On average, all our patients have received their report in 7 working days.

Your report will include, where relevant:

  • Background information and History
  • Reason for Referral
  • A risk assessment
  • The Diagnostic tools used and their results
  • A Clinical impression
  • Your diagnosis
  • Clinical and Holistic treatment recommendations
  • A costed treatment plan which includes a two-week cooling-off period.

CANDDID, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) and the ADHD Foundation have produced a series of informational videos ‘Understanding and Managing ADHD’.

Child ADHD Assessment & Treatment FAQs

We only assess children from the age of 6 years old. Anyone under the age of 18 will need a young person ADHD assessment rather than an adult assessment.

Your Consultant Psychiatrist will include any recommended reasonable adjustments in your child’s ADHD report. Please call us on 0800 054 1850 if you have any questions.

As part of our comprehensive preliminary screening process, we will provide you with a ‘GP Letter of Referral Request for ADHD.’ You’ll need to share this letter with your GP, which asks them to supply a referral letter or patient summary relevant to an ADHD assessment.

This step ensures we receive the necessary medical and demographic information to deliver a thorough and accurate evaluation, aligning with your healthcare history and needs.

We ask for a GP referral/patient summary for a number of reasons:

  • To make sure we have all available information to make a correct diagnosis.
  • To protect and promote patient safety; ADHD medication needs to be considered in the context of whole patient health, including any existing medications taken.
  • To confirm a patient’s identity.
  • To meet NICE guidelines and CQC best practice.

Rainbow Medical psychiatric assessments are conducted by a psychiatrist. For quality of care and patient safety, you will always meet a Psychiatrist for your diagnosis, medication initiations and medication reviews.

After steps 1-3, the assessment and diagnosis pathway is concluded. If you want to consider medication, please book your medication initiation consultation with one of our psychiatrists; this is part of the treatment pathway.

Your Consultant Psychiatrist will also undertake a general psychiatric assessment, noting any common co-morbid psychiatric conditions which may be contributing to your child’s current difficulties. These can include anxiety, depression, or traits of autistic spectrum condition. Your Consultant Psychiatrist will discuss and give guidance about what further assessment and treatment options are available for these conditions.

Medications will not be provided during the assessment. An appointment to discuss different treatments will be offered by your Psychiatrist. We can only prescribe medication with sufficient knowledge of your physical health. These checks will include blood pressure, pulse rate, height and weight. Depending on your current health and medical history, you may also need blood tests and an ECG before your initial prescription. Because Co-production and person-centred care are our core values, we will discuss, with you, non-pharmacological treatment and non-pharmacological treatment in combination with medication.

One of our core values is to ‘always be frank’. Rainbow Medical offers truly personalised care and collaborative assessments and treatments, so all ADHD assessments will look different. You can be confident we’ll give you and your child the time you need: 

Step 1, Part B (Preliminary screening results, feedback and recommendations): 50 minutes. 

Step 2 (Comprehensive diagnostic interview): 2 hours. 

Step 3 (Meeting your Psychiatrist and receiving your diagnoses and recommendations): 50 minutes. 

We will match you to an available counsellor and Psychiatrist who fits your objectives, required preferences, and the type of concerns you are dealing with. Your ADHD assessment is led by you and your child. We’ll do whatever we are able to make you feel comfortable and confident.

NICE guidance on ADHD

These guidelines cover recognising, diagnosing and managing ADHD in children, young people and adults. They aim to improve recognition and diagnosis, as well as the quality of care and support for people with ADHD.

 

Information on ADHD

 

ADHD charities

Below we have included details of some charities that work with and for people with ADHD:

  • ADHD Aware – A charity run by volunteers, some with experience of ADHD themselves, who offer information and support meetings. 
  • ADHD Foundation – A charity advocating for people with ADHD and other physical and psychological health conditions.
  • Scottish ADHD Coalition – A charity providing support to adults and children with ADHD in Scotland, and their parents, carers and families.
  • YoungMinds have excellent  ADHD resources for Children and Parents to enable you to help and understand one other.

 

Peer support groups

  • Support groups, ADHD UK – ADHD UK run peer-support groups, informative lectures and Q&A sessions.
  • ADHD support group meetings, ADHD Aware – ADHD Aware run peer support group meetings to provide a safe space. These groups are for people with ADHD and their friends and families.
  • ADDISS (The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service) provides information, moderated online forums and local support groups. 

 

Wellbeing information

  • Live Well, NHS – Information from the NHS on healthy living.
  • Mindfulness, NHS – Information from the NHS on mindfulness.
  • Sleep and tiredness, NHS – Information from the NHS on sleeping and tiredness.
  • Diet, NHS – Information from the NHS on ADHD and diet.

All assessments and meetings with your Psychiatrist will take place either over the internet or at our Leicester clinic. For talking therapies and your appointments with your therapist or counsellor, these can take place in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Coventry, Northampton, Oxford, Worcester and Edinburgh.

We believe that often people may have complex clusters of symptoms that may involve different diagnoses. In fact, this is often the case with neurodivergent people, where symptoms of ADHD, autism and other conditions such as Dyslexia or Tourette’s often co-exist.   In these cases, rather than following a strict, diagnosis-based, pathway, we offer a treatment plan looking at the individual symptomatology, specific for each patient. This approach is in line with our core values: https://www.rainbowmedical.co.uk/our-values/

You can expect to receive your psychiatric assessment/report within 2-3 weeks, from the date of your consultation with a consultant psychiatrist.

On average, all our patients have received their report in 7 working days.

Your report will include, where relevant:

  • Background information and History
  • Reason for Referral
  • A risk assessment
  • The Diagnostic tools used and their results
  • A Clinical impression
  • Your diagnosis
  • Clinical and Holistic treatment recommendations
  • A costed treatment plan which includes a two-week cooling-off period.

Adult Autism Assessment & Diagnosis FAQs

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of developmental conditions that affect how individuals perceive, communicate, and interact with the world. ASD is characterised by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive or restricted behaviours. The term “spectrum” reflects the wide range of symptoms, skills, and abilities that individuals with autism can have.

ASD is typically diagnosed based on difficulties in two primary areas:

  1. Social Communication and Interaction:
    1. Challenges in understanding and responding to social cues, such as body language or facial expressions.
    2. Difficulty developing and maintaining relationships, including making friends or engaging in play.
    3. Differences in the way individuals express themselves, such as limited eye contact or unusual speech patterns (e.g., monotone or echolalia—repeating words/phrases).
  2. Restricted or Repetitive Behaviours:
    1. Engaging in repetitive movements or speech (e.g., hand flapping, lining up objects, or repeating phrases).
    2. Strong interest in specific topics or activities, sometimes to an intense or unusual degree.
    3. Preference for routines and distress when routines are disrupted.
    4. Sensory sensitivities, such as being overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures, or seeking sensory input like spinning or touching specific materials.

Importantly, an informant is someone chosen by the patient to support them on their journey. They can be a parent, partner or friend, but they must have a good understanding of the patient’s behaviours during key developmental stages.

If you’re an adult in the UK seeking support and resources related to autism, several organisations offer valuable information and services:

National Autistic Society (NAS)

  • The UK’s leading charity for autistic individuals and their families.
  • Offers resources on employment, social care, and mental health.
  • Includes an Autism Services Directory to find local support.
  • Website: https://www.autism.org.uk

Autism Alliance UK

  • A network of autism charities sharing knowledge to improve outcomes for autistic individuals.
  • Provides information on support services and initiatives across the UK.
  • Website: https://www.autism-alliance.org.uk

The Autism Directory

Mind

  • Mental health charity offering guidance on autism and mental health.
  • Provides support and resources tailored for autistic individuals.
  • Website: https://www.mind.org.uk

NHS Autism Support

My Health Passport

Sensory Help Now

All assessments and meetings with your Psychiatrist will take place either over the internet or at our Leicester clinic. For talking therapies and your appointments with your therapist or counsellor, these can take place in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Coventry, Northampton, Oxford, Worcester and Edinburgh.

Step 3 is an in-person assessment and takes place either in our Leicester or Edinburgh clinic.

An autism diagnosis involves a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) to ensure a comprehensive assessment. Here’s an outline of how the MDT approach works in deciding an autism diagnosis

The MDT usually includes professionals from diverse fields: Psychiatrists, Clinical or educational psychologists, Speech and language therapists and Occupational therapists.

For your diagnosis, you will always meet a Psychiatrist.

Children and Young People Autism Assessment & Diagnosis FAQs

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental conditions that affect how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. As a parent of a child with autism, it’s important to understand that autism is not a disease or something “wrong” – it’s simply a different way of thinking, processing information, and experiencing the world.

Key Characteristics of ASD

Children with autism often share some common traits, but every child is unique. Characteristics of ASD may include:

  • Social Interaction Challenges: Difficulty understanding social cues, making eye contact, or forming connections with others.
  • Communication Differences: This could range from delayed speech development to challenges understanding figurative language or expressing emotions.
  • Repetitive Behaviours or Routines: A preference for structure, routines, or repeated actions, which can bring comfort and predictability.
  • Special Interests: Intense focus on particular topics, activities, or objects, often displaying incredible knowledge or skill in those areas.
  • Sensory Sensitivities: Heightened or diminished responses to sensory experiences, such as sound, touch, taste, or light.

Strengths in Autism

Autism also brings unique strengths and talents. Many children with ASD have exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and the ability to focus deeply on tasks they’re passionate about. These strengths can become wonderful assets as they grow and develop.

Understanding and Support

As a parent, understanding your child’s individual needs and strengths is key to supporting them. Early intervention, tailored support, and therapies can help your child navigate challenges, build skills, and reach their full potential.

Remember, autism is not a limitation – it’s a different way of being. Your child’s perspective and abilities are unique gifts that add to the diversity of the world. Together, you can celebrate their individuality and help them thrive.

As a parent seeking information and support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the following reputable resources in the UK can help:

National Autistic Society (NAS)

  • The UK’s leading charity for autistic individuals and their families, offering comprehensive information, support services, and resources tailored for parents.
  • Website: www.autism.org.uk

NHS Autism Information

  • The National Health Service provides detailed insights into autism, including symptoms, diagnosis, and available support services.
  • Website: www.nhs.uk

Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych)

  • This resource offers specific information for parents and carers, covering various aspects of autism and guidance on accessing help and support.
  • Website: www.rcpsych.ac.uk

 

Young Minds 

All assessments and meetings with your Psychiatrist will take place either over the internet or at our Leicester clinic. For talking therapies and your appointments with your therapist or counsellor, these can take place in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Coventry, Northampton, Oxford, Worcester and Edinburgh.

Step 3 is an in-person assessment and takes place either in our Leicester or Edinburgh clinic.

An autism diagnosis involves a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) to ensure a comprehensive assessment. Here’s an outline of how the MDT approach works in deciding an autism diagnosis

The MDT usually includes professionals from diverse fields: Psychiatrists, Clinical or educational psychologists, Speech and language therapists and Occupational therapists.

For your diagnosis, you will always meet a Psychiatrist.

Low Mood (Depression) Support And Assessment For Adults FAQs

A referral is not required initially. However, if a diagnosis of depression is likely, we will let you know when to request a GP referral.

A Psychiatric assessment lasts approximately 1 hour and costs £420. You can find our full Fees and Cancellation policy by clicking here.

The first meeting with your Psychiatrist and the Diagnoses takes approximately 1 hour.

Understanding depression is an important part of helping and being kinder to ourselves. We recommend you visit the Royal College of Psychiatrists website on depression by clicking here. The NHS and NICE also have comprehensive resources on understanding and treating depression. 

The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommended resources:

Association for Postnatal Illness (APNI):  APNI provides support to mothers with postnatal depression. It exists to increase public awareness of the condition and to encourage research into its cause and nature. Helpline: 0207 386 0868 (10am–2pm Monday to Friday).

Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN): The UK’s largest independent organisation, with the aim of addressing the inequality of access to appropriate psychological services for Black, African, South Asian and Caribbean people. They provide information on mental health, a directory where people can find a therapist, events, training and other resources. Email:[email protected]

CALM (Campaign against Living Miserably): A national campaign focused on fighting depression and suicide among young men. Confidential helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight, 7 days a week).

Depression UK: A national mutual support group for people with depression.  Email: [email protected]. 

Men’s Health Forum: A charity that supports men’s health in England, Wales and Scotland, through research, raising awareness about men’s health issues, and providing health information and advice. Phone: 020 7922 7908. 

Mental Health Forum: An online community where people can get mutual support from people with a similar experience.

Mind: A mental health charity that provides advice and support for people experiencing mental health problems, as well as information about local peer support groups. Helpline: 0300 123 3393 (9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday). Also provides information on  how to cope for people who are supporting someone else. Local Minds can help you find a mental health service close to where you live.

MindOut: A mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) people. They provide advice and information, online support, counselling, peer support and advocacy. Phone: 01273 234 839 Email:[email protected]

NHS: Information on how to access mental health services.

Papyrus Hopeline UK: A professionally staffed helpline providing support, practical advice and information to people under the age of 35 who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, or are worried about someone else. Hopeline:0800 068 41 41.

Reading Well Agency: Books on Prescription: A scheme that helps people to manage their wellbeing using self-help reading. It is endorsed by health professionals, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and is supported by public libraries.

Relate: UK’s largest provider of relationship support. Offers a range of counselling services. Enquiries: 0300 003 0396. 

Samaritans: A national charity based in the UK and Republic of Ireland that provides confidential emotional support to any person who is suicidal or in distress. Helpline: 116 123. Email: [email protected]

SaneLine: A national out-of-hours telephone helpline offering emotional support and information for people affected by mental health problems. Helpline: 0300 304 700 (4.30pm to 10.30pm daily). Email: [email protected]

Stonewall: Provides information and support for LGBTQ+ communities, including information on services and local groups. Freephone: 0800 050 2020 (open Monday to Friday, 9:30-4:30) Email [email protected]

Switchboard: An LGBTQ+ helpline that provides an information, support and referral service for anyone who wishes to discuss issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity, including their mental health. They provide an  online chat, phoneline: 0300 330 0360 (from 10am to 10pm everyday) Email: [email protected]

Young Minds: A national charity committed to improving the mental health of all children and young people under 25. Parents’ helpline: 0808 802 5544 (9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday).

Zero Suicide Alliance: Provides free online training around suicide awareness and prevention, to help people support someone they may be worried about.

NICE recommends these resources:

Depression UK

Hafal (Wales), part of the Adferiad Recovery group of charities

Mental Health Matters

Mind, Infoline 0300 123 3393

National Survivor User Network

SANE, SANEline 0300 304 7000

You can expect to receive your psychiatric assessment/report in 4 days, from the date of your consultation with a consultant psychiatrist.

On average, all our patients have received their reports in two days.

Your report will include, where relevant:

  • Your Background information and History
  • A risk assessment
  • The Diagnostic tools used and their results
  • A Clinical impression
  • Your diagnosis
  • Clinical and Holistic treatment Recommendations
  • A costed treatment plan which includes a two-week cooling-off period.

Anxiety Mental Health Support And Assessment For Adults FAQ

A referral is not required initially. However, if a diagnosis of depression is likely, we will let you know when to request a GP referral.

The first meeting with your Psychiatrist and the Diagnoses takes approximately 1 hour.

Understanding anxiety is an important part of helping and being kinder to ourselves. We recommend you visit the Royal College of Psychiatrists website on anxiety by clicking here. The NHS and NICE also have comprehensive resources on understanding and treating anxiety.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommended resources:

Information and support on anxiety

Information and support on Generalised anxiety disorder

You can expect to receive your psychiatric assessment/report in 4 days, from the date of your consultation with a consultant psychiatrist.

On average, all our patients have received their reports in two days.

Your report will include, where relevant:

  • Your Background information and History
  • A risk assessment
  • The Diagnostic tools used and their results
  • A Clinical impression
  • Your diagnosis
  • Clinical and Holistic treatment Recommendations
  • A costed treatment plan which includes a two-week cooling-off period.

Bipolar Affective Disorder Support, Assessment and Treatment For Adults FAQs

Understanding Bipolar disorder is an important part of helping and being kinder to ourselves. We recommend you visit the Royal College of Psychiatrists website by clicking here. The NHS and NICE also have comprehensive resources on understanding and treating Bipolar disorder.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommended resources:

Bipolar UK

Bipolar UK provide support, advice and information for people with bipolar disorder, their friends and carers.

Peer support line: 07591375544 (ansaphone and call back)

Bipolar Fellowship Scotland

Bipolar Fellowship Scotland provide information, support and advice for people affected by bipolar disorder and all who care for them. They promote self-help throughout Scotland and informs and educates about the illness and the organisation.

Phone: 0141 560 2050

Side by Side – MIND online community

Side by Side is a supportive online community where you can feel at home talking about your mental health and connect with others who understand what you are going through.

MIND Helplines

MIND provide several helplines to discuss mental health.

Samaritans

Samaritans provide confidential, non-judgmental support 24 hours a day by telephone and email for anyone who is worried, upset, or suicidal.

Phone: 116 123

Email: [email protected].

NICE recommends these resources:

A referral is not required initially. However, if a diagnosis of Bipolar disorder is likely, we will let you know when to request a GP referral.

Rainbow Medical psychiatric assessments are conducted by a consultant psychiatrist.

A Psychiatric assessment lasts approximately 1 hour and costs £420. You can find our full Fees and Cancellation policy by clicking here.

The first meeting with your Psychiatrist and the Diagnoses takes approximately 1 hour.

You can expect to receive your psychiatric assessment/report in 4 days, from the date of your consultation with a consultant psychiatrist.

On average, all our patients have received their reports in two days.

Your report will include, where relevant:

  • Your Background information and History
  • A risk assessment
  • The Diagnostic tools used and their results
  • A Clinical impression
  • Your diagnosis
  • Clinical and Holistic treatment Recommendations
  • A costed treatment plan which includes a two-week cooling-off period.

Medication FAQs

Your preferences, needs and values guide our clinical decisions. We wanted to make sure our patients have a choice in how they can receive their medication. 

We use two main pharmacies: Signaturerx and Pharmacierge. Signaturerx allow you to collect your medication from a pharmacy, as you would normally. Pharmacierge will arrange to deliver your medication direct to your door. 

Pharmacierge

  • Rainbow Medical sends an electronic prescription to Pharmacierge.
  • Pharmacierge will contact you by phone, SMS or email to let you know the cost of the medication and to arrange a suitable delivery time. 
  • Pharmacierge will send you a secure payment link and your medication will be delivered direct to your door.
  • Standard deliveries are free. Same day deliveries outside London are available but do carry a fee. 
  • Find the Pharmacierge patient guide by clicking here.

Signaturerx

Your prescription is submitted to SignatureRx by Rainbow medical and you’ll receive your prescription by email.

  1. You will have an email with a prescription ID. This will allow any local pharmacy to retrieve your prescription.
  2. Present your prescription ID and DOB (they will ask for your DOB) at your local pharmacy and inform them that you have a signatureRx private electronic prescription. They can redeem this at www.signaturerx.co.uk
  3. Using these details, any pharmacy can view your prescription and provide you with the cost and stock availability.
  4. You pay the prescription charge at the pharmacy, and the pharmacist will dispense your medication.
  • You can collect your prescription at a local Boots Pharmacy, Well Pharmacy, Asda, Superdrug, Morrisons, Tesco or Lloyds Pharmacy along with any Independent pharmacy.
  • Find the Signaturerx patient guide by clicking here.
  • To check if your local pharmacy will accept a Signaturerx prescription, please go to the pharmacy locator by clicking here.
  • DO NOT PRINT YOUR DIGITAL PRESCRIPTION, but present your prescription ID to the pharmacist.

For ADHD medication reviews on a Wednesday, your prescription will be written on Wednesday and posted on Thursday. The pharmacy will contact you to arrange delivery and payment by Friday after 1pm.  

For ADHD medication reviews on a Friday or a Sunday, your prescription will be written on Monday and posted on Tuesday. The pharmacy will contact you to arrange delivery and payment by Wednesday after 1pm.  

Pharmacierge

Delivery dates will vary depending on the timing of your prescription, your payment, your delivery location and the availability of your medication (these typically range from 0-5 weekdays after payment). Same day deliveries outside London carry a fee.

You will receive an email confirmation once delivery has been scheduled, followed by an estimated delivery window on the delivery day. All deliveries are tracked.

Signaturerx

You will normally receive your digital prescription the same day it is submitted by your psychiatrist.

You can take your prescription ID to a local Boots Pharmacy, Well Pharmacy, Asda, Superdrug, Morrisons, Tesco or Lloyds Pharmacy along with any Independent pharmacy.

Receiving your prescription and pickup can happen the same day.

ADHD medication is a controlled drug and has extra checks and measures in place when a prescription is made. For ADHD medication there are two options for receiving your prescription. 

  1. We can send your prescription to Pharmacierge, but since this requires pharmacies to receive a special category of prescription from Rainbow Medical, please allow more time for us to organise controlled prescriptions. Rainbow Medical, by law, must submit a paper prescription to Pharmacierge, which normally adds a couple of days to delivery of your medication.
  2. Your psychiatrist will write a prescription and hand it to you directly or post it to you by recorded delivery. You can then take this paper prescription to your local pharmacy. 

Signaturerx are unable to accept prescriptions for controlled medication.

No. The cost of medication is paid directly to the collecting pharmacy. You can find our fees and fee policy by clicking here.

Access the Patient Information Leaflets here:

  1. Methylphenidate by clicking here.
  2. Lisdexamfetamine by clicking here.
  3. Atomoxetine by clicking here. 

 

Access further and more detailed information here:

  1. Information on Methylphenidate can be found by clicking here.
  2. Information on Lisdexamfetamine can be found by clicking here.
  3. Information on Atomoxetine can be found by clicking here.
  4. You can access Patient Information Leaflets for all your medications here: choiceandmedication.org
  5. We encourage all our patients to understand the risks of taking medication; you can search for patient information on your exact medication at https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc – just type in your medication in the search box.

Access the Patient Information Leaflets here:

  1. Methylphenidate by clicking here.
  2. Lisdexamfetamine by clicking here.
  3. Atomoxetine by clicking here.
  4. Guanfacine by clicking here. 

Access further and more detailed information here:

  1. Information on Methylphenidate can be found by clicking here.
  2. Information on Lisdexamfetamine can be found by clicking here.
  3. Information on Atomoxetine can be found by clicking here.
  4. Information on Guanfacine can be found by clicking here.
  5. You can access Patient Information Leaflets for all your medications here: choiceandmedication.org
  6. We encourage all our patients to understand the risks of taking medication; you can search for patient information on your exact medication at https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc – just type in your medication in the search box.

Rainbow Medical follows the good practice guidelines set down by the General Medical Council, the NHS shared care protocols and Shared Care for Medicines Guidance (A Standard Approach).

Shared care requires the agreement of all parties. 

  • Although GP’s do accept shared-care agreements for prescribing, GPs can refuse. We will work with GPs who don’t accept a shared care agreement, to establish why they have refused and if there is anything we can do to rectify the situation. 
  • Before starting an assessment, approach your GP and ask for their policy on shared care agreements. If the GP is not willing to accept one, consider registering with a different GP practice who will. It is important to make sure that a new GP practice will accept a shared care agreement.

Essential Shared Care Agreements (ESCAs) – or Shared care agreements – are written agreements between specialist services, like Rainbow Medical, and general practitioners (GPs) and allow care, specifically prescribing, to be safely shared between them.

They are individual to a specific drug, detail who is responsible for what aspect of care and when early referral is required back to specialist services. They allow the seamless transfer of prescribing responsibility from the specialist services to general practice.

Not all medicines require a shared care agreement. For instance, most antidepressants can be prescribed by your GP, if they agree with the treatment plan, without the need of any further written agreement. However, some drugs, such as antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, drugs for ADHD and high doses of some antidepressants like Venlafaxine, will require a written agreement. When this is the case, some physical checks will need to be taken and you’ll need to be on a stable dose that won’t need any further adjustment by your GP.

  • Once you are stabilised on a treatment and all the checks are done, we will request your GP to take over the prescribing.
  • Decisions about who should take responsibility for continuing care or treatment after initial diagnosis or assessment should be based on the patient’s best interests, rather than on convenience or the cost of the medicine and associated monitoring or follow-up.
  • Shared care requires the agreement of all parties, including the patient. It’s essential that all parties communicate effectively and work together.
  • You’ll continue to benefit from the care of a Rainbow Medical consultant psychiatrist, while your medication is prescribed by your GP.

GPs are not legally obliged to take on a shared care agreement, but there are options and steps you can take.

  • Ask to meet your GP and explain the impact of not being able to access medicine will have on your life.
  • NHS Guidance says: 
    • “The NHS should not withdraw NHS care because a patient chooses to buy private care, nor should patients who access private care be placed at an advantage or disadvantage in relation to the NHS care they receive.”
    • “The NHS should continue to provide free of charge all care that the patient would have been entitled to had they not chosen to have additional private care.”
    • “Where the same diagnostic, monitoring or other procedure is needed for both the NHS and private elements of care, the NHS should provide this free of charge and share the results with the private provider.”
    • Based on this you can ask your GP practice manager and/or GP to explain how their refusal to provide shared care does not break the NHS Guidance on private care.
  • If the GP is not willing to accept one, consider registering with a different GP practice who will. It is important to make sure that a new GP practice will accept a shared care agreement.
  • If the shared care agreement is refused by your GP, you can ask them if they can refer you through the NHS pathway and take on shared care while you are waiting.

General FAQs

We are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. It is responsible for making sure that all health and social care services provide you and everyone with safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care. You can find our entry on the CQC register by going to https://www.cqc.org.uk and searching for ‘The Rainbow Medical Group Ltd’.

Rainbow Medical follows the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines  and Good Practice guidance from the Royal College of Psychiatrist for ADHD assessments.

New enquiries: Monday-Sunday, 8am-9pm.

Existing patients: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

All assessments and meetings with your Psychiatrist will take place either over the internet or at our Leicester clinic. For talking therapies and your appointments with your therapist or counsellor, these can take place in Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Coventry, Northampton, Oxford, Worcester and Edinburgh.

YES. A diagnosis of ADHD that has been confirmed by a healthcare professional – in our case this is a GMC registered psychiatrist – is just as valid as it would be when seen within the NHS.

In terms of a private ADHD diagnosis, if the healthcare professional follows NICE guidelines and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) criteria to confirm a diagnosis, it is equally as valid as a diagnosis confirmed by an NHS employee.

Since the times of Aristotle, depression has been linked to black bile.

Melancholy means black (melan, as in melanin) and choly is the bile or humour.

There is a black and red heart on our website. We wanted to represent this diversity and balance visually; our approach is in our name. As a ‘Rainbow’ is diverse, so are we.

🖤

Compliments and Concerns

We will always do our best to avoid mistakes, but we also realise we will not be immune to mistakes. Listening to You will help us improve and avoid making mistakes in the future.

Please start by reading our complaints guide by clicking here. Our complaints guide is quicker to read and more user friendly than our full complaints policy, but transparency is important to us, so you can also read our full complaints policy by clicking here. 

It is always better to try and deal with a complaint at the earliest opportunity, and often it can be concluded at that point. If you are dissatisfied with our service, in the first instance, talk to the person you have been dealing with about what you are unhappy about, and what outcome you are looking for.

However, you can lodge a complaint by

  • Emailing [email protected], addressed for the attention of the Complaints Resolution Manager (in the subject heading).
  • By Calling 0800 054 1850.
  • Writing to us at: Complaints Resolution Manager. THE RAINBOW MEDICAL GROUP LTD, 2 The Crescent, King Street, Leicester, LE1 6RL.

All complaints will be acknowledged no later than three working days after the day the complaint is received. And any substantive correspondence relating to a complaint within five working days of receipt.

An assurance that either a full response or a progress update will be sent to you within 20 working days. The aim is to complete each stage of the complaints process as swiftly as possible and, in any event, within three months.

A complaint can be made by, or (with his/her written consent) on behalf of a patient, or former patient, who is receiving or has received treatment or where the patient is incapable of making a complaint, by a relative or other adult who has an interest in his/her welfare. In other circumstances where the complainant may have difficulty complaining on their own behalf or have other requirements e.g. vulnerable children and adults, or people with mental health difficulties, the Complaints Resolution Manager will review each situation and offer help and support to a complainant as appropriate.

You can make a complaint verbally, in person or over the phone, or by writing or emailing us. Please request assistance from us if you have any difficulties or need aid in making a complaint.

Except in exceptional circumstances, complaints should be received by us no more than 12 months after the date of the activity which is the subject of the complaint.

Appointments and Fees

Please click here for all our fees.

Payment must be made at the time of booking the appointment. If we don’t receive your payment within 24 hours of the appointment being booked, we will need to cancel it.

You can pay by debit or credit card by calling 0800 054 1850 or using the link in your confirmation email.

This policy has been checked to make sure it’s fair and in line with our core values.

We understand that you may sometimes need to amend or change appointments. If you are unable to make your appointment, please let us know as soon as you are able by telephone on 0800 054 1850 or via email [email protected]

Cancellations with less than 48 but more than 24 hours’ notice are usually charged at half price.

Cancellations less than 24 hours before, or non-attended appointments without prior notice, are charged at the full price. Cancellation of Monday appointments must be given by 12pm on the Thursday before.

After assessment, a costed treatment package will be offered to you and you will have a two-week cooling off period. 

You can cancel a treatment plan at any time. 

Your cooling-off period begins the day after you enter a contract with us – whether the contract’s written down or if it’s an oral contract.

If you paid up front or made a deposit and cancel in the cooling-off period, you’ll be entitled to receive all the money back. The only exception is if you asked for services to be provided during the cooling-off period, in which case we will keep what’s necessary to cover the cost of services provided up until you cancelled.