Finding help for your child
Worried about your child? Here’s every way to get support, compared simply.
When something feels off, the hardest part is knowing where to start. There is no wrong first step here — just a clear, honest look at your options so you can choose what feels right for your family.
The journey, side by side
From the moment you first worry to seeing a specialist — how each route tends to unfold. Real waits vary by area, so these are honest, cautious estimates.
NHS waiting list
You ask for help
Day one
Book a GP appointment to raise your concern.
Referral made
A few weeks
The GP refers your child to the local service.
Specialist appointment
Often 1–3+ years
You join the waiting list and wait your turn.
NHS Right to Choose
You ask for help
Day one
Ask your GP to refer under Right to Choose.
Referral made
A few weeks
You choose a qualified provider, not just the local one.
Specialist appointment
Weeks to months
Often quicker than the local list — but it varies.
Private practitioner
You ask for help
Day one
You research and vet practitioners yourself.
You book
A few days
No GP referral needed in most cases.
Specialist appointment
Usually 2–6 weeks
Faster, with fees that can be hard to compare.
ChildWize
You ask for help
Day one
Tell us what is worrying you — no referral needed.
Free first call
Within days
A free 15-minute call to talk it through and triage.
Specialist appointment
Within days
Search verified specialists by your child's needs and meet online from home.
What matters most to parents
The five things families tell us they weigh up, compared across every route.
| What matters to you | NHS waiting listFree and thorough — but you wait your turn. | NHS Right to ChooseStill free, with more say over who you see. | Private practitionerFaster, if you can find and fund the right one. | ChildWizeA verified specialist online, within days. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time to first appointmentHow long until someone really looks at your child. | Often months to years on a waiting list | Can be quicker, but varies by provider and area | Usually a few weeks | A free call within days |
| Cost transparencyKnowing what you will pay — and what you get. | Free, but no say over when | Free on the NHS where your child qualifies | Paid — fees vary and are not always clear upfront | Clear, published prices and a free first call |
| Remote accessGetting help without the travel and time off. | Usually in person, travel required | Depends on the provider you choose | Sometimes offered | Online from home, evening slots included |
| Specialist qualityConfidence that you are seeing the right person. | Highly qualified NHS clinicians | Regulated providers, though quality varies | Varies — you check registration yourself | DBS-checked, verified and reviewed specialists |
| Hassle factorThe forms, the chasing, the mental load. | Referrals, forms and a lot of chasing | You may have to push for your rights | You research and vet practitioners yourself | Everything in one place — search by your child's needs |
Time to first appointment
How long until someone really looks at your child.
- NHS waiting list
- Often months to years on a waiting list
- NHS Right to Choose
- Can be quicker, but varies by provider and area
- Private practitioner
- Usually a few weeks
- ChildWize
- A free call within days
Cost transparency
Knowing what you will pay — and what you get.
- NHS waiting list
- Free, but no say over when
- NHS Right to Choose
- Free on the NHS where your child qualifies
- Private practitioner
- Paid — fees vary and are not always clear upfront
- ChildWize
- Clear, published prices and a free first call
Remote access
Getting help without the travel and time off.
- NHS waiting list
- Usually in person, travel required
- NHS Right to Choose
- Depends on the provider you choose
- Private practitioner
- Sometimes offered
- ChildWize
- Online from home, evening slots included
Specialist quality
Confidence that you are seeing the right person.
- NHS waiting list
- Highly qualified NHS clinicians
- NHS Right to Choose
- Regulated providers, though quality varies
- Private practitioner
- Varies — you check registration yourself
- ChildWize
- DBS-checked, verified and reviewed specialists
Hassle factor
The forms, the chasing, the mental load.
- NHS waiting list
- Referrals, forms and a lot of chasing
- NHS Right to Choose
- You may have to push for your rights
- Private practitioner
- You research and vet practitioners yourself
- ChildWize
- Everything in one place — search by your child's needs
Whatever you choose, you are already doing the right thing by looking. Many families use more than one route at once — staying on the NHS list while getting answers sooner elsewhere. ChildWize simply makes the “sooner” part calm and straightforward.
No referral, no waiting list. Just a friendly first conversation.