Waiting time for ADHD assessment

Written and professionally reviewed by Felix Enghoff Klich, authorised psychologist
Last updated: October 2026

When you suspect ADHD and want an assessment, the waiting time can be a significant barrier. Many find that a long time passes from the first contact with their GP until an actual assessment can begin and be completed.

Waiting times vary considerably from region to region and from clinic to clinic, but it is not unusual to wait one to two years from the first referral until the assessment is completed.

For some, it may therefore be relevant to look into the options for a private ADHD assessment. Here the waiting time is typically shorter, but you generally have to pay for the course yourself.

Below we go through the differences between public and private ADHD assessment, why the waiting time can be long, and what options you have.

How long is the waiting time for an ADHD assessment?

There is no single fixed waiting time for ADHD assessment in Denmark. It depends, among other things, on where in the country you live, where you are referred, and the capacity of the individual provider.

Especially for adults referred to a practising psychiatrist, the waiting time can be considerable. At the same time, demand for assessment for ADHD, among other conditions, has increased in recent years.

It is also important to be aware that the stated waiting time for the first consultation does not necessarily tell you how long it will take before the whole assessment is completed. An ADHD assessment can consist of several consultations and examinations carried out over a period of time.

The total course from referral to completed assessment can therefore be considerably longer than the waiting time for the first consultation.

ADHD assessment in the public system

If ADHD is suspected, the first step for many will be to contact their GP. The GP can make an initial assessment and, where relevant, refer you on for a psychiatric assessment.

For adults, the assessment can take place with, among others, a practising specialist in psychiatry. For more complex psychiatric issues, the assessment may, following a specific evaluation, take place in hospital psychiatry.

The advantage of a publicly funded course is that you generally do not pay for the assessment yourself. A significant disadvantage can be the waiting time.

For the individual, a long wait can be stressful, especially if difficulties with concentration, structure, impulsivity or restlessness are already affecting work, education, relationships or everyday life.

Why is there a long wait for ADHD assessment?

In recent years there has been greater awareness of ADHD in both young people and adults. More people are therefore seeking evaluation and assessment, including people who only late in life realise that their difficulties may be consistent with ADHD.

At the same time, a thorough ADHD assessment takes time. It is not enough simply to fill in a screening questionnaire or note that you recognise a number of ADHD symptoms.

An assessment should, among other things, cover symptoms in both childhood and adulthood, functional impairment, developmental history and any other mental or physical factors that may explain or affect the symptom picture.

Private ADHD assessment when the wait is long

If you do not want to wait for a publicly funded assessment, a private ADHD assessment can be an alternative.

With a private assessment you pay for the course yourself, but there is typically an opportunity to start sooner. As a rule, you also do not need a referral from your GP to contact a private clinic.

At Nordisk Psykiatri we offer assessment for ADHD in adults. The assessment is planned individually and is based on current symptoms, developmental history and the impact the difficulties have had throughout life.

An assessment course may include, among other things:

• initial clinical consultation and thorough history-taking
• DIVA-5 interview with a systematic evaluation of ADHD symptoms
• relevant psychological examinations and tests
• involvement of relatives when relevant and possible
• evaluation of other possible explanations for the symptoms
• final diagnostic evaluation and feedback

If there are grounds for it after the assessment, relevant treatment options can also be considered.

Public or private ADHD assessment – what is the difference?

The most obvious difference is often the trade-off between waiting time and out-of-pocket payment.

With a publicly funded course you generally do not pay for the assessment yourself, but there can be a long wait. With a private assessment you pay yourself, but can often get started sooner.

However, a private assessment should not simply be a faster version of a public one. Wherever the assessment is carried out, the evaluation should be thorough and take into account ADHD symptoms, level of functioning, developmental history and relevant differential diagnostic issues.

How much does a private ADHD assessment cost?

The price of a private ADHD assessment varies from clinic to clinic and depends on what the assessment includes. When comparing prices, it is therefore a good idea to check whether the price covers the whole course: initial consultation, diagnostic interview, feedback and a written report.

At Nordisk Psykiatri, a full ADHD assessment costs DKK 9,750. See all prices and services. If you have health insurance, it may be a good idea to check whether it covers assessment.

Can a private ADHD diagnosis be used in the public system?

Yes. A diagnosis made after a thorough assessment is based on the same diagnostic criteria (ICD-10) used in the public system. The written report can be shared with your GP, and if you start medical treatment, it can often be transferred to your GP after a stable period.

However, it is important that the assessment is thorough and well documented. A diagnosis should never be made solely on the basis of a questionnaire or a short conversation.

What can you do while you wait?

If you are on a waiting list, or have not yet made up your mind, there are several things you can do in the meantime:

• Take a self-test. The ASRS self-test can give a first indication. It cannot provide a diagnosis, but it can be a good starting point for a conversation.
• Write down your experiences. Note concrete examples from work, education and everyday life where the difficulties show.
• Find information from childhood. Old school reports, report cards or a talk with your parents can be valuable in the assessment.
• Talk to a relative. A parent or partner can often contribute observations that you do not notice yourself.
• Look after your sleep and stress levels. Stress and poor sleep can increase concentration difficulties and restlessness.

Also read how the DIVA-5 interview works, so you know what to expect.

How long does a private ADHD assessment take?

There is a difference between waiting time and the duration of the assessment itself.

The waiting time is the period before you can get started, while the assessment period is the time from the first consultation to the final evaluation.

At Nordisk Psykiatri we try to plan the assessment course so that the different examinations are connected and you do not have to wait unnecessarily between the individual parts of the assessment. An assessment course can typically be completed within 4 weeks of the first consultation.

ADHD assessment in Copenhagen without a referral

At Nordisk Psykiatri we offer private ADHD assessment of adults in Copenhagen.

You do not need a referral from your GP to contact us. If you experience symptoms of ADHD and would like a closer evaluation, you are welcome to contact us to hear more about the options for assessment and the current waiting time.

Read more about ADHD assessment at Nordisk Psykiatri →

Frequently asked questions about waiting times for ADHD assessment

How long is the waiting time for ADHD assessment in the public system?

It varies from region to region and from provider to provider. It is not unusual to wait one to two years from referral to completed assessment. You can see current waiting times for practising specialists on sundhed.dk.

Do I need a referral for a private ADHD assessment?

No. At Nordisk Psykiatri you can contact us yourself without a referral from your GP.

How quickly can I be assessed privately?

At Nordisk Psykiatri, an assessment can typically be completed within 4 weeks of the first consultation.

Is a private assessment as thorough as a public one?

It should be. Wherever the assessment takes place, it should cover symptoms in childhood and adulthood, level of functioning, developmental history and evaluation of other possible explanations.

Can I get ADHD medication after a private assessment?

Yes, if the assessment shows ADHD and a doctor assesses that medication is relevant. With us, our doctor is responsible for starting and follow-up, with supervision from an affiliated psychiatrist – read more about private psychiatrist in Copenhagen. Read about medical treatment of ADHD.

What if the assessment does not show ADHD?

You will still get a thorough evaluation of what your difficulties may be due to, e.g. anxiety, depression, stress or autism, and recommendations for what can help. Read about the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist.

Sources

Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen): Analysis of waiting times for practising psychiatrists and child and adolescent psychiatrists.

Danish Health Authority (Sundhedsstyrelsen): Information about patient rights and the right to rapid assessment.

Sundhed.dk: Information about practising specialists and current waiting times.