What is a Shared Care Agreement for ADHD Medication? A Guide for Children and Adults

Frank Lethbridge
Oct 1, 2025
3 min read

At Private ADHD Assessment Doncaster, many of our families and individuals ask about how ADHD medication is prescribed and how they can access treatment through their GP following diagnosis. One of the most important parts of this process is something called a Shared Care Agreement (SCA) — but what exactly does that mean?

This blog explains what shared care is, how it works for both children and adults, and what to expect following your ADHD assessment.

✅ What is a Shared Care Agreement?

A Shared Care Agreement is a formal arrangement between a specialist service (like ours) and a GP (General Practitioner). It allows your GP to prescribe medication that has been initiated and stabilised by a qualified ADHD specialist.

In simple terms:

The specialist service (such as CAMHS, adult neurodevelopmental clinics, or a private provider like us) is responsible for starting and adjusting the medication (titration).
Once the medication dose is effective and stable, the specialist writes to your GP with a request to take over prescribing.
If your GP agrees, they will continue prescribing the medication on the NHS under shared care arrangements.

🔄 Why Can’t GPs Prescribe ADHD Medication Straight Away?

GPs are not allowed to initiate ADHD medication. This is because ADHD medication is classed as a controlled drug (e.g., methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine), and requires:

Specialist assessment and diagnosis
Careful dose titration
Monitoring of physical health (blood pressure, heart rate, weight, etc.)

Once this process is complete, the specialist can provide all necessary documentation for the GP to continue treatment.

👧 For Children: Shared Care via CAMHS or Private Services

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD:

NHS CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) may initiate and titrate medication, but waiting lists are often very long.
If you choose a private ADHD assessment, we can provide a diagnosis and a shared care letter once medication is stabilised via a private prescriber.

💡 Important: Not all GPs will accept shared care letters from private providers. We always recommend that families check with their GP before starting private titration.

📌 Find your local CAMHS contact details

🧑 For Adults: Shared Care via NHS or Private Services

Adults with ADHD face similar challenges:

NHS Adult Neurodevelopmental Services usually manage diagnosis and titration, but again, waits can be 1–3 years.
We offer private adult ADHD assessments, and from January 2026, we will provide private prescribing and titration services for adults.

Once you’re stable on a dose, we will offer a shared care agreement letter for your GP, alongside:

A full diagnostic report
Regular reviews and medication monitoring
Copies of physical observations (weight, BP, pulse)

📌 More about ADHD in adults on the NHS website

💷 Is There a Cost for Private Titration?

Yes. Until NHS services can pick up the prescription, private prescriptions are required. At Private ADHD Assessment Doncaster:

Titration appointments cost £75 each
Medication costs vary depending on the pharmacy and medication type

💡 Example of average monthly medication costs in the UK:

Methylphenidate (e.g., Concerta XL): ~£25–£50
Lisdexamfetamine (e.g., Elvanse): ~£65–£90
Atomoxetine: ~£30–£60

Once shared care is in place, your NHS GP will provide the medication free of charge with your standard NHS prescription fees, if applicable.

🛡️ What If My GP Says No?

While most GPs are supportive, they are not obligated to accept shared care from private providers. If this happens:

We can continue to privately prescribe and monitor your medication
You can explore transfer to NHS services once accepted

We are always happy to write supporting letters or help liaise with your GP on your behalf.

🌟 Why Choose Us?

At Private ADHD Assessment Doncaster, we do things differently:

✅ CQC Registered and NHS-experienced clinicians
✅ Multidisciplinary assessments using input from family and school
✅ No extra fees for face-to-face assessments
✅ Interest-free finance available via PayItMonthly
✅ Reports that are accepted by local NHS services, including CAMHS and adult teams
✅ Free follow-up with our in-house Occupational Therapist to discuss support, EHCPs, and next steps

📞 Still Unsure?

We know it can be overwhelming. If you’re not sure what’s best for you or your child, we’re happy to help.

👉 Visit our website: www.privateadhdassessmentdoncaster.com📞 Call or WhatsApp us: 07541 177582📧 Email us: privateadhddoncaster@outlook.com

Let’s take the next step together – support, clarity, and answers are waiting.