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Health group's growth fuels ADHD and autism debate

A Sheffield healthcare provider specialising in neurodiversity, mental health and addiction has almost doubled in size during the last year as demand for ADHD and autism support continues to rise across the UK.

Montrose Health Group, regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has reported a surge in demand following the launch of its dedicated ADHD and autism service and a major expansion of its clinical and operational team.

The business has doubled in size, opened an additional Sheffield clinic and operational hub, and recruited 15 new members of staff.

But Montrose Health Group founder and CEO Jonathan Edgeley admits his business’s growth reflects a healthcare system under increasing pressure and highlights the need for a wider debate around the spiralling diagnoses of ADHD and autism.

“Demand is increasing at a rate that existing support services simply aren’t keeping pace with,” explains Jonathan.

“There is more awareness around ADHD and neurodiversity than ever before, which is positive, but awareness alone doesn’t equal access.

“People still face long waiting lists, inconsistent pathways and often mixed messages about where to turn.

“There’s also a real need to improve understanding and support in workplaces and help employers make right and reasonable adjustments for neurodiverse individuals."

Montrose launched after identifying a direct correlation between addiction and ADHD within clients accessing addiction and mental health support.

Jonathan adds: “We were increasingly seeing undiagnosed and untreated ADHD presentations among people entering our residential services.

“That led us to begin carrying out assessments internally and ultimately ask a bigger question. If we’re seeing this here, how many more people are waiting for answers?

“That became the catalyst for creating what we believe is a gold standard assessment and treatment service.”

In just nine months Montrose has supported more than 200 clients through its ADHD and autism service. Jonathan and his team now have the capacity to treat 600 patients per month.

The business plans to expand significantly during the next 18 months and has ambitions to grow to around 100 employees nationally as part of wider plans to establish regional assessment centres and increase access to neurodiversity support across the country.

According to NHS figures referenced by Montrose, an estimated 2.5 million people in the UK are thought to have ADHD, while more than 562,000 NHS referrals for ADHD diagnosis remained open at the end of 2025. Autism referrals nationally have increased five-fold since 2009.

In April 2026, Montrose secured a Right to Choose contract with South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board to deliver ADHD and autism assessments and treatment for children aged six-plus alongside the provision of adult services.

Unlike providers focused solely on diagnosis, Montrose has built its service around a broader treatment pathway — offering assessment, medication support, coaching and ongoing care.

Its residential offer in the Peak District includes what Montrose describes as the UK’s first and only CQC-registered medical retreat and serves both UK and international clients with specialist programmes for ADHD and autism burnout.

Jonathan, who was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 48 and has spoken publicly about recovery and mental health following more than 12 years of sobriety, believes the next challenge lies beyond diagnosis.

He adds: “There’s still a huge amount of misunderstanding around neurodiversity.

“One of the biggest risks is people assuming diagnosis is the finish line when actually it should be the beginning of support.

“While more individuals are now being assessed, there also needs to be wider understanding from employers, families and communities to continually support positive wellbeing.”

Montrose plans to expand nationally through regional assessment hubs and by working with NHS partners, while continuing to develop support for employers and professional sectors.

New initiatives already underway include the launch of a Vulnerable Client Guide — developed with strategic partners including Payne Hicks Beach and Hall Brown across the legal, financial and wealth sectors.

The business ultimately wants to become one of the UK’s leading providers of ADHD and autism assessment and treatment while continuing to grow its specialist mental health and residential services.

Jonathan adds: “This is about creating something that genuinely changes outcomes in the lives of our patients, their families and the community.

“We want to help raise standards, reduce waiting times and make sure people receive support that is compassionate, evidence based and built around people as individuals.

“The demand is there. Our job now is making sure the support exists too.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Rushworth .