If you are considering a private ADHD assessment and getting your NHS GP to take over prescribing ADHD medication, you have probably already come across the term “Shared Care” or “Shared Care Agreement”. You may also have seen worrying discussions online about GPs declining Shared Care Agreements, people being unable to access medication, or concerns about being “left on their own” after diagnosis.
We understand how anxiety-provoking this can feel. For many people, concerns around Shared Care can become a barrier to even seeking an assessment in the first place. This means you are forced to wait through long NHS waiting lists.
At Phoenix Mental Health Services, we believe patients deserve honest, transparent information about how Shared Care works, why problems can sometimes arise, and what options are available if a GP does not agree to prescribe ADHD medication under a Shared Care Agreement.
What is ADHD Shared Care?
A Shared Care Agreement (SCA) is an arrangement between a specialist ADHD service and an NHS GP. Under this arrangement:
- The specialist clinic remains responsible for diagnosing ADHD and overseeing treatment
- The patient attends regular specialist reviews
- The GP takes over prescribing medication under NHS care once the patient is stable
ADHD medication is classified under NHS prescribing guidance as an “Amber” medication. This means it should be initiated and monitored by a specialist service rather than managed independently by a GP.
Shared Care is designed to create a collaborative approach between specialist and primary care services, allowing patients to continue treatment more affordably and conveniently through their GP once stabilised.
Why do some GPs decline Shared Care?
This is one of the biggest concerns patients currently have, and unfortunately there is no single answer.
A GP declining Shared Care does not necessarily mean they disagree with your diagnosis or believe ADHD is not real. In many cases, the reasons are more complex and relate to wider NHS pressures and local policies.
Some common reasons include:
- Local NHS or Integrated Care Board (ICB) restrictions
- GP workload pressures
- Lack of confidence or experience managing ADHD medication
- Concerns about monitoring requirements for controlled medication
- Variability in quality between private ADHD providers
- Limited local NHS ADHD support services
Unfortunately, many GP practices are under enormous pressure, and ADHD services nationally are experiencing significant demand. This has led some practices to become more cautious around Shared Care arrangements.
How Phoenix supports Shared Care requests
At Phoenix, we understand how important Shared Care can be financially and practically for patients. While no clinic can guarantee that a GP will accept Shared Care, we do our best to support the process responsibly and professionally.
Our assessments are consultant-led, thorough, and aligned with NICE guidance. We aim to provide GPs with clear clinical information and evidence-based recommendations to support informed decision-making. We are equally committed to fulfilling our responsibilities within any Shared Care Agreement through proactive annual reviews, physical health monitoring, responsive communication, and ongoing clinical support for both patients and GPs.
Our process includes:
- Comprehensive ADHD assessments
- Detailed diagnostic reports
- Structured titration and medication monitoring
- Physical health monitoring where appropriate
- Regular review appointments
- Clear communication with the patient’s GP
- Ongoing specialist oversight
We request Shared Care Agreements with GPs at no additional cost to the patient once medication is stable.
Should you delay an ADHD Assessment because of Shared Care concerns?
In our opinion, not necessarily.
It is understandable that people worry about the financial implications of ongoing ADHD treatment, particularly if Shared Care is uncertain. However, waiting indefinitely for the “perfect” situation can sometimes delay meaningful support, understanding, and treatment.
For many people, receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing in itself. Understanding why certain challenges have existed for years can bring enormous relief and self-understanding.
A diagnosis may help people:
- Understand lifelong difficulties with focus, overwhelm, or emotional regulation
- Access workplace or educational support
- Improve relationships and self-esteem
- Develop better coping strategies
- Make sense of burnout, anxiety, or chronic underperformance
Importantly, ADHD treatment is not just about medication. Many people benefit from coaching, psychoeducation, routine support, and practical strategies regardless of whether they choose medication.
What happens if my GP declines Shared Care?
If your GP declines Shared Care, you are not abandoned and you still have options. In some cases, patients choose to discuss the decision further with their GP, seek clarification around the practice’s policy, or explore whether another GP practice may be willing to enter into a Shared Care Agreement.
At Phoenix, we can continue prescribing and monitoring ADHD medication privately through our own ongoing care pathway. This includes regular reviews and safe medication monitoring.
We have developed our own structured private Shared Care model to help support patients whose GP is unable to prescribe. This allows patients to continue treatment safely and consistently with ongoing clinical oversight.
We also accept patients who have been diagnosed elsewhere and are seeking:
- Medication initiation
- Ongoing ADHD treatment
- Transfer of care
- Continued medication monitoring
Provided that previous assessments meet appropriate clinical standards, we are often able to support patients transitioning from other services.
Why ADHD medication can be so important
Medication is not the right choice for everyone, and it is never presented as a “quick fix.” However, for many adults with ADHD, medication can make a significant difference to daily functioning and quality of life.
People commonly report improvements in:
- Focus and concentration
- Emotional regulation
- Task initiation
- Mental fatigue
- Impulsivity
- Organisation and consistency
- Ability to complete day-to-day tasks
Many adults describe finally feeling able to engage consistently with work, routines, relationships, and responsibilities in a way that previously felt exhausting or overwhelming.
For many people, medication forms one important part of a broader treatment plan rather than being the only support offered.
ADHD support beyond medication
At Phoenix, we strongly believe ADHD support should extend beyond prescribing alone.
Alongside medication management, we also offer:
- ADHD coaching
- Executive functioning support
- Psychoeducation
- Routine and organisational strategies
- Workplace support guidance
- Additional treatment options where appropriate
Our goal is to help patients move beyond simply “coping” and towards developing sustainable, practical ways of managing ADHD long-term.
So where to go from here …
We understand that uncertainty around Shared Care can feel stressful and discouraging. Unfortunately, there is no clinic that can guarantee a GP will accept Shared Care, as decisions ultimately sit with individual practices and local NHS policies.
However, a declined Shared Care Agreement does not mean your ADHD is invalid, nor does it mean support ends there.
At Phoenix Mental Health Services, we believe ADHD care should be collaborative, safe, transparent, and focused on helping people move forward, not leaving them stuck in uncertainty.
If you are considering an ADHD assessment and want to get the process started without committing, you can start your free ADHD screening here.