Emergency & Crisis Resources

Please note: ADHD Specialist is an elective, private outpatient clinic. We are not an emergency service and do not provide out-of-hours crisis support or emergency psychiatric care.

Our clinic strictly operates from Friday to Monday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Our communications are not monitored outside of these hours.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, feeling overwhelmed, or experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you must seek immediate support. Please use the appropriate national NHS or private resources listed below to get the help you need right away.
Picture of a psychiatrist holding hands with a GP suggesting the referral process and colaborative work

1. Immediate Danger to Life or Safety

If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger, or if there is a medical emergency:

  • Call 999 to reach the police, ambulance, or fire services.
  • Go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. Resource Link: Find your nearest A&E (NHS)

2. Urgent NHS Mental Health Support

If you need urgent help but are not in immediate physical danger, the NHS provides dedicated urgent mental health services:

  • Call NHS 111: The NHS 111 advice line can advise you on what to do next and connect you with local mental health professionals.
  • Contact Your GP Surgery: Your registered General Practitioner can provide urgent appointments and referrals to local crisis teams during standard working hours.
  • Find a Local NHS Urgent Mental Health Helpline: You can locate the direct 24/7 helpline for your local NHS trust mental health crisis team.

3. 24/7 Listening & Crisis Helplines

If you need to talk to someone right now in confidence, these free, national services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year:

  • Samaritans: Confidential, non-judgemental emotional support.
  • Shout: A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone struggling to cope.
  • Papyrus (HOPELINE247): Confidential support and advice for young people (under 35) struggling with thoughts of suicide.

4. Private Mental Health Hospitals & Crisis Admissions

If you are seeking urgent inpatient care or private crisis support outside of the NHS, independent hospitals offer emergency admissions. Please note: Unlike NHS A&E departments, private hospitals generally require you to call ahead to arrange a clinical assessment and confirm bed availability.

  • The Priory Group: Offers private mental health treatment and inpatient care across multiple UK locations. They have a dedicated 24/7 enquiry line for urgent admissions.
  • Nightingale Hospital (London): Central London's leading private mental health hospital, offering inpatient admissions for psychiatric emergencies.
  • Elysium Healthcare: Provides independent specialist mental health care and acute inpatient services at various UK sites.

Contacting ADHD Specialist Regarding Your Care

(Please note: This guidance applies exclusively to registered and active patients under our care.)

If you have experienced a recent crisis or emergency, your immediate priority is your physical and mental safety. Please utilise the NHS, crisis helplines, or private hospital services listed above first.

Once you are safe and receiving appropriate emergency care, we ask that you or a nominated representative update our executive medical secretary regarding your situation via your existing email thread with us.

Please note our working hours and response times:

  • Operating Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.
  • Response Times: We endeavour to reply to existing registered clients within 48 hours during these specific working hours.

Upon reviewing your clinical update, we will advise on how to safely manage or adjust your ongoing outpatient treatment plan during a formally scheduled consultation.