TL;DR
Both private and public ADHD assessment lead to a valid diagnosis. The difference is wait time (2–4 weeks private vs. 1.5–3 years public), cost (typically DKK 14,300 private vs. free public), and that private assessment often includes medication initiation in the same process.
If you suspect ADHD, you face a choice: wait for the public system, or go private? Both paths lead to a valid diagnosis, but there are significant differences in wait times, process, and experience.
Comparison at a glance
| Private | Public | |
|---|---|---|
| Wait time | 2 to 4 weeks | 1.5 to 3 years |
| Full assessment | From 9,400 DKK | Free |
| Contact to diagnosis | 3 to 5 weeks | Varies (months) |
| Medication start | 1 to 3 weeks after diagnosis | Varies |
| Referral needed | No | Yes (from GP) |
| Team | Psychologist and psychiatrist | Varies |
| Tools | DIVA-5 (Danish Health Authority) | Varies |
| Diagnosis valid | Yes, fully recognized | Yes |
Wait time: The biggest difference
In the public system, the wait for adult ADHD assessment is typically 1.5 to 3 years (Rigsrevisionen, 2024). This is due to high demand and limited resources in psychiatry. During that time, many go without answers and without treatment.
Privately, you can typically get your first appointment within 2 to 4 weeks. The entire assessment from first session to diagnosis takes 3 to 5 weeks.
How does private ADHD assessment work?
At Alethia, we follow the Danish Health Authority's national clinical guidelines for ADHD assessment (Sundhedsstyrelsen, 2015). The process is structured in five steps to ensure thoroughness and quality:
- Clinical interview and screening (approx. 2 hours, 2,900 DKK). Structured conversation about symptoms, functioning, and life history. Includes standardized screening tools.
- DIVA-5 diagnostic interview (approx. 2 hours, 3,500 DKK). The Danish Health Authority's recommended diagnostic interview. Reviews all DSM-5 ADHD criteria, both current and childhood symptoms. We strongly recommend bringing a relative who knew you as a child, as it significantly strengthens the quality of the assessment. If that's not possible, we'll find an alternative solution.
- Feedback and diagnostic report (approx. 2 hours, 3,000 DKK). You receive a written diagnostic report, psychoeducation, and a treatment plan.
- Medical treatment. If medication is relevant, our psychiatrist initiates treatment. The first consultation costs 2,500 DKK. This is followed by follow-up medication appointments (1,200 DKK each), typically 2 to 3 over the coming months, where we find the right dose. Appointments are scheduled together with the psychiatrist, so you decide how often you want to come in. The psychiatrist is responsible for your medication for at least 6 months. After that, your GP can take over the prescription, but you are also very welcome to continue with us.
- Therapy and follow-up. Psychoeducation and therapy, if you wish (1,200 DKK per session).
Is private assessment equally thorough?
It depends on the clinic. At Alethia, we use the same diagnostic tools as public psychiatric departments. DIVA-5 for ADHD and ADOS-2 for autism. Authorized psychologists with the requisite qualifications can independently make diagnoses, and our psychiatrists handle the medical side of treatment.
A team with both psychologists and psychiatrists makes a difference. Kessler et al. (2006, Archives of General Psychiatry) showed that the vast majority of adults with ADHD, up to 70–80%, also live with at least one other psychiatric condition. A clinic that only screens for ADHD risks missing anxiety, depression, autism, or personality factors that change the treatment plan.
What does it cost?
Public assessment is free, but the wait is long. A full private ADHD assessment (without medication) costs from 9,400 DKK across 3 sessions. With medication initiation and two follow-up medication appointments, the total comes to 14,300 DKK across 6 sessions. See all prices on our pricing page.
You pay per session over several weeks or months. Some people need additional medication appointments (1,200 DKK each) beyond the two included, until the dose is fully stable.
What about referrals?
You don't need a referral to book with us. You can book directly. If your GP has already given you a referral, that's actually a good sign. It means your doctor also thinks an assessment makes sense. We don't accept referrals as such, but that doesn't change the fact that you are always welcome to book directly.
If you are a member of Sygeforsikring Danmark (group 1, 2, 5, or 6) and aged 25 or under, a GP referral may mean you are eligible for a refund covering assessment and psychotherapy.
Who chooses private assessment?
Most people who choose private ADHD assessment do so because the public wait time is too long. Many are adults who have lived with undiagnosed ADHD for decades and cannot wait another 1.5 to 3 years for answers. Others want a thorough assessment that also looks at possible co-occurring conditions like anxiety, autism, or depression.
Ready to get assessed?
You can book directly. The first session takes about 2 hours.
Frequently asked questions
No, you can book directly without a referral. If your GP has already given you a referral, that's actually a good indication that an assessment makes sense. If you're a member of Sygeforsikring Danmark (group 1, 2, 5 or 6) and aged 25 or under, a GP referral may mean you're eligible for a refund covering assessment and psychotherapy.
Yes. A private diagnosis made by authorized psychologists and specialist psychiatrists is fully valid. You receive a written diagnostic report (epikrise) that your GP and the public healthcare system recognize.
Yes. Our specialist psychiatrists can initiate medication immediately after diagnosis. The first psychiatric consultation costs 2,500 DKK, and follow-up medication appointments cost 1,200 DKK. The psychiatrist is responsible for your medication for at least 6 months before your GP can take over prescriptions. You are also very welcome to continue with the psychiatrist beyond the 6 months.
A full ADHD assessment with medication initiation and two follow-up medication appointments costs 14,300 DKK across 6 sessions. You pay per session over several weeks or months. The first session (clinical interview and screening) costs 2,900 DKK. Some people need additional medication appointments (1,200 DKK each) until the dose is fully stable.