Focused Avis 35

Great private company , has helped me a lot with knowledge & very quick to respond if i’m looking for advice, prices are pretty expensive but instead of waiting for the NHS for years it’s worth it .

i had to change my prescription as it was to strong and they did this for me straightaway at no extra charge.

Having had two assessments with my local NHS Trust, in which I’d been told I didn’t meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, but given no explanation why (second assessment was given in response to my asking for details of why I didn’t meet the criteria, rather than bothering to respond to the question) I was feeling extremely low as I was struggling, as I have throughout my life, but things were worsening due to perimenopause and I felt totally unheard (a common issue in my engagement with NHS services). Two years later, having accepted my own self-diagnosis, and seeking support in other ways, I started listening to the ADHD Chatter podcast and heard about Focussed.

Whilst the low price of assessment was a factor, I was convinced by Danielle saying that if people didn’t meet the criteria for diagnosis, they would not be left in the dark, but would be given an explanation and would be signposted to appropriate services, with suggestions made on what else might be going on with them.

That was exactly what I had needed from the NHS, but had not been given.

I signed up at the end of November 2025, completing my self-assessments and receiving confirmation of being able to book my appointment within a few days. I was exceptionally lucky to be able to book my consultation on 12 December 2025, which took place as scheduled. In between, members of my family were given an opportunity to complete questionnaires about their views of my behaviour from birth and difficulties I have experienced.

The consultation was held via video link, with no technical issues. The person I spoke with was warm, friendly and professional. I was made to feel at ease and did not feel rushed, even though there is a lot to cover in only 90 minutes.

At the end of the assessment, I was given my diagnosis (combined ADHD) and felt validated and seen. I was also relieved as I had internally been worried that I wouldn’t be found to meet the criteria and would therefore still have no idea why I couldn’t just be like everyone else!

This positive outcome reinforced my view that my local NHS Mental Heath Trust had not wanted to give me an ADHD diagnosis as this would mean acceptance on their part that they had missed this during the many years I had been engaged with their services due to prolonged depression related to my feelings of being broken and not able to cope like everyone else. Funnily enough, since realising I had ADHD, I had stopped having depression!

I was fully aware that choosing Focussed meant I would not be able to access medication at NHS prices as they are a private company. I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford treatment through them, but this wasn’t why I went for the assessment. It was for validation; confirmation that I wasn’t making things up and would now have evidence to support me as and when I needed it, e.g. in my working life (though my current employer, a different NHS Trust, has always accepted my self-diagnosis and I have an incredibly supportive line manager, so not really an issue at present, but who knows what the future holds), or when dealing with my daughter’s school as she displays strong signs of ADHD and I’m currently going through the process of having her assessed.

Having received what I needed, I felt empowered to re-engage with the NHS and pursue further assessment via Right to Choose, which I have now done. Going this way meant I was able to access another private provider, but this time one that has a shared care pathway in place and will allow me to explore medication options at NHS prices.

Whilst going through Right to Choose is the best option for most people, personally, I would not have felt able to do this after my shockingly bad experience with my local NHS Mental Health Trust without having used Focussed.

For me, it was a good experience and money well spent.

I also thought their monthly costs for medication were fair for the private sector, though I was not looking to access this.

Unfortunately, for many people, getting the right care and support through the NHS is challenging so private companies are filling the gap. Focused are doing so at fair prices and, despite an increase in their own waiting times since I booked (based on other reviews), are, in my opinion, a good option for those unable to access what they need directly through the NHS or Right to Choose.

Responsive, efficient and affordable assessment service. However, the treatment plan was completely out of my budget and shared care not an option, so I am now unable to trial medication, which was my goal. I’d been really impressed by Danielle on the ADHD Chatter podcast, as Focused was presented as an affordable and quick alternative to NHS, but it didn’t hit the mark for me unfortunately.

I’m quite disappointed with my experience at Focused Clinic.

The initial assessment felt like a tick-box exercise rather than a clinical conversation. The assessor seemed focused on completing the form as quickly as possible and would regularly interrupt me mid-sentence because he had already marked the relevant box and wanted to move on. We had around 1.5 hours allocated for an assessment that took less than 1h, the pace felt rushed and impersonal, which was not what I expected from such an important assessment.

The administrative process afterwards has been equally frustrating. The overall timeline was much longer than initially indicated, from waiting for the appointment to receiving the report.

Since then, almost every step has required chasing from my side. The clinic has repeatedly missed the timeframes they set themselves, and I have had to follow up for responses, reviews, and updates each time, which creates unnecessary pressure.

Even with my medication review, I submitted the required forms promptly but had to chase again few days later because I was about to run out of my prescription and risk being left without medication. This level of uncertainty is stressful and avoidable.

Given the very high monthly cost, I expected a far more organised, responsive, and patient-centred service and the overall experience has been very disappointing.

From my initial consultation and then to my diagnosis I’ve felt supported and ‘heard’ throughout.
The communication is very good and felt secure and confidential.
In general the whole process seemed straight forward and I would throughly recommend Focused to anyone seeking a diagnosis who are especially tired of waiting through the NHS.

I booked an assessment back in December 2025. I had my nominated person fill out the necessary information and an assessment appointment was booked for January, only to be cancelled a few days before, stating that the assessor was no longer with the company. I gave them the benefit of the doubt and rescheduled and again, this was cancelled literally days beforehand and for the same reason. I reached out and explained my concerns. They reassured me and I booked a further slot. Yet again, this was cancelled, so this was for the third time. They sent a message via the chat option, explaining that they had tried to call me to explain and to rebook. This was totally untrue as I had had no missed calls and no voicemail. I have no faith or trust in this company and feel totally let down. I have requested a full refund, which they have agreed to. I was advised it would take 3-5 days, we’re on day 3 now, so we’ll see. I certainly wouldn’t recommend this company to anyone looking for an ADHD assessment.

I was inclined to take a star off due to having my appointment cancelled twice, but the handling of it made up for the shortfall. I understand that there have been issues with scheduling and them being let down short notice by staff due to conduct their assessments, which Focused are now clearly trying to resolve and have no doubt learned a lesson.
After cancelling the second appointment they called me and were very apologetic but offered to rebook for the following Wednesday which was fine.
The assessment itself was great and more than made up for the initial problems. It lasted just over 2 hours and was very in depth.
There's a lot of 1 star reviews from people that either haven't used the service or didn't read the information beforehand and were then upset that what the website says it will cost is what it costs. I knew the price beforehand (because I read the information) and it's the going rate for this service. The convenience of a flat rate package with no hidden or unexpected charges is why I chose them.

I enquired about an assessment and by the end of the month I had my diagnosis along with a prescription if I chose to use it.
I was told on the assessment, which was done remotely, of my results before the call was over. They offered different methods of support and have also contacted my doctors with the new information. Very happy with the service I've received.

Scam - paid for nothing. I have just been told they can't confirm when new slots will be open for consultations (diary blocked for 3 months) despite clearly being advertised as an 8 week wait time. No human customer experience, appalling experience so far

Overall great experience with this service, the assessment was thorough and the assessor was lovely. Everything felt efficient and organised throughout the whole process.

They will diagnose you with ADHD and then offer you the drugs to help with ADHD at £189 per month. They are not recognised by the NHS so please save your money!

I booked my assessment and was ready for it, only to receive an email saying that the person I was meant to speak to was no longer available so I had to reschedule. Fine, these things happen, no big deal.
When I had my assessment it was all fine and I was diagnosed as having combined ADHD. My report was sent to me a few days later. It was comprehensive, I'll give them that, but there were wild inaccuracies on there, i.e. "Has had suicidal tendencies since the age of 16". No, I haven't, nor did I say I had in my assessment or my questionnaire. Depression, yes. Suicidal thoughts, no.
That was the largest concern/error, but there were many smaller ones as well. I do not want inaccurate information being sent over to my GP to go on medical records.
I emailed Focused to raise these concerns on 20th January, I was told it would take up to 7-10 days for someone to get back to me.
It has been 15 days and I have had absolutely nothing from them so I have had to send a follow up.
I know the wait lists are long on the NHS, but I'd recommend waiting, or finding a more reputable private company to ensure you get an accurate diagnosis, not one that feels like it's been churned out by AI.

Session was chatting over hard topics. Consultant told me completely different dosage information from what I was told after assessment in the 'treatment plan' on the app, with no explanation at all, following a 'severe' diagnosis at the end of the call. Not sent files to doctor and no follow up check in whatsoever.

Early days having just had the assessment earlier today but I've no idea why this clinic is getting any bad reviews. The process has been excellent and the assessment today was also excellent. I was kept at ease and the assessment was conversational throughout and not simply a box checking exercise as some others have said. It was thorough and in depth and took just short of two hours in total. Additionally, the assessment was with an actual pyschologist, although I'm aware they also use nurse clinicians as well. As long as they are fully qualified which research suggests they are it, all is well. After reading some other reviews I thought I may have been wasting my money but it is the best £250 I have ever spent, so far.

I'm aware that ongoing monthly prescriptions and follow ups are going to be £189 per month but that is the fault of a failing NHS. I also appreciate that it's not affordable for many because of the nature of ADHD itself but that is not the fault of Focused who appear to be trying to create something that is more affordable than other private ADHD clinics out there. If anything changes I will update the review but so far, so good.

Thanks focused.clinic for your help so far. I'm not normally one for writing reviews but on this occasion I had to.

Terrible don’t even bother

The service is not personalised at all, tried giving an explanation as to why having someone that knew me from birth was not possible, which was eventually accepted, however when the questionnaire went to my contact, all questions were related to before I was born

They promised a video consultation within weeks, which is then routinely cancelled sometimes with very little notice and pushed back months

My experience with the focused team was excellent. I was particularly impressed by the efficiency of the process. The diagnosis provided was thorough and comprehensive. I have received consistent support from the focused team and would highly recommend their services

I had my assessment at the beginning of December. I felt it was very thorough and I got my diagnosis at the end. It was a massive weight off my shoulders. I got the report three weeks later which was only longer than expected as it was over christmas. They kept me updated though. My report was also sent to my gp. I was made aware of the ongoing costs for medication (it is also on the website) but I wasnt pressured into paying for it. Unfortunately I cant afford it and they did let me know that they were unable to do shared care. So unsure why there's a few bad reviews. It's all on the website. I am currently on the nhs waiting list but I am happy to have my diagnosis for peace of mind and validation until I get my nhs assessment

I really liked and appreciated the fast response, and response to absolutely all of my queries. They are very kind understanding and comfortable to deal with.

I chose this service because the assessment (£250) was discounted around Christmas and more affordable than many others. I also found it through Alex Partridge’s ADHD Podcast, where the founder was interviewed and the service was promoted, which made it feel trustworthy.
While I did receive a diagnosis, the assessment itself felt quite generic for the price. The session mainly involved going through a standard set of ADHD questions, many of which repeated what I had already completed in the forms, so it didn’t feel very personalised.
What I found most disappointing was the lack of transparency around medication. It wasn’t made clear before the assessment that starting medication would require private titration costing £189 per month, which I can’t afford. Finding this out afterwards felt frustrating, especially given how vulnerable people can be when seeking an ADHD assessment.
I’m sharing this so others can make a fully informed decision before spending a significant amount of money

Great service