Refer a Patient to Cognition Care

This policy outlines how Cognition Care manages referrals for ADHD, autism, and related neurodevelopmental or mental health concerns in both children and adults.

All referrals are reviewed and triaged by our clinical team to ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate care pathway, while maintaining patient safety, clinical appropriateness, and compliance with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards.

Cognition Care is not an emergency service. If there is an immediate risk to safety or a mental health crisis, patients or referrers should contact emergency services, NHS 111, or their local crisis team.

We accept referrals from a range of professionals and individuals, including:

• GPs and other medical professionals
• CAMHS and other NHS services
• Educational professionals (e.g. SENCOs, teachers, or educational psychologists)
• Allied health professionals
• Social workers or local authority professionals
• Parents or carers referring a child
• Adults referring themselves

Cognition Care provides specialist assessment and support for ADHD, autism, and related neurodevelopmental and mental health concerns.

Some referrals may be more appropriate for NHS services, emergency care, or other specialist providers. If a referral falls outside our scope of practice, we will advise the referrer or patient and, where possible, suggest alternative sources of support.

Referrals can be submitted using our secure online referral form.

Referrers will be asked to provide:

• Basic details about the patient
• Contact information for the referrer
• The reason for referral and any relevant clinical or educational concerns
• Any supporting documents (for example previous assessments, reports, or medical letters)

All referrals are reviewed by our clinical team before the patient is contacted with the next steps.

To process a referral safely and efficiently, we ask referrers to provide:

• Patient details, including name, date of birth, and contact information
• Referrer details, including name, role, organisation (if applicable), and contact information
• Reason for referral, including relevant clinical, developmental, or educational history
• Supporting documents, where available (e.g. school reports, previous assessments, or medical letters)
• Confirmation that informed consent has been obtained from the patient or their parent/guardian where appropriate

Referrers must ensure that the patient, or their parent or legal guardian where the patient is under 18, has provided informed consent for their information to be shared with Cognition Care.

All personal information is handled in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Details of how we collect, use, and protect personal data can be found in our Privacy & GDPR Notice.

After a referral is submitted:

• The referral is reviewed by a clinician.
• It is triaged according to clinical need and service suitability.
• The patient or referrer will be contacted by phone or email to discuss the next steps.

If a referral is not suitable for our service, we will explain the reason and, where possible, suggest alternative sources of support.

Safeguarding is a key priority in our referral process. If a referral raises any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person, or adult at risk, these concerns are identified and reviewed as part of the clinical triage process.

Where necessary, safeguarding concerns may be escalated in line with our Safeguarding Policy and relevant statutory guidance, including liaison with appropriate safeguarding services.

Immediate risks to safety may be signposted to appropriate emergency or crisis services.

This referral policy is reviewed annually or sooner if regulations change.

Last reviewed 9 March 2025