Can my GP diagnose ADHD? Your questions answered, state by state (October 2026)

Written By leanne Maskell

Last checked: 25 October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. Rules change quickly, so check with your GP or your state health department before relying on any pathway.

Headlines this week said "GPs can now diagnose ADHD", and hundreds of people asked the same questions in the comments. Who? Where? How much? Do I need a referral? Here are the answers in plain language, for every state and territory, plus an email you can copy and send to your GP practice.

Prefer a printable version? Download the free 2-page patient guide (PDF).

Can any GP diagnose ADHD now?

No. It depends on where you live and whether your GP has chosen to do the extra training. Here's the short version:

  • NSW: From late October 2026, almost 300 GPs who finished extra NSW Health training ("Endorsed Prescribers") can assess, diagnose and start ADHD medication for people aged 6 and over. Another 300 start training in November. Around 1,700 more GPs can take over prescriptions for people who are already diagnosed and stable.

  • Queensland: Since 1 December 2025, any fellowship-qualified GP is legally allowed to diagnose and prescribe, with no extra training required. But it's voluntary, so many GPs don't offer it.

  • South Australia: Around 100 trained GPs can diagnose and prescribe for children aged 8+ and adults (since February 2026).

  • Western Australia: A small group of around 65 GPs have done six months of supervised training to diagnose and prescribe for people aged 10+.

  • Tasmania: About 50 trained GPs began seeing patients for ADHD assessment from 1 October 2026.

  • Victoria: 150 GPs are in training now, but they can't start until the state changes its regulations. For now, it's still a specialist referral for most people.

  • ACT: Trained GPs can manage prescriptions for people already diagnosed and stable. GP diagnosis (Stage 2) is planned, with no date yet.

  • Northern Territory: No reforms announced. A specialist is still the only route.

For the full detail on each state, see our state-by-state ADHD reform map.

Is there a list of GPs who can diagnose?

Not a complete one, yet. In NSW, the current NSW Health GP finder map only shows GPs who can renew existing prescriptions. That's why some GPs on it say they can't diagnose. NSW Health says practices with Endorsed Prescribers will be added from November 2026. Not every GP chooses to be listed.

Most other states don't have a public list at all. The most reliable thing you can do right now is ask the practice directly. There's an email template below to make that easier.

I'm already diagnosed and on medication. What changes for me?

In NSW and the ACT, a trained GP can now manage your ongoing prescriptions (and make small dose changes) without you needing regular specialist reviews. Ask your GP whether they've done the training. If they haven't, the NSW map above shows GPs who have.

How much does it cost?

There's still no Medicare item number for ADHD assessments anywhere in Australia. That means most GPs charge private fees, and an assessment often takes more than one long appointment. Always ask about costs before booking.

In NSW, the government will fund up to 2,500 free ADHD assessments from early 2027 at selected GP clinics. You'll need a referral from your regular GP. Priority goes to people who are struggling to access specialist care, people under financial stress, and children in their early years of school.

Do I need a referral?

  • To see a GP who does ADHD assessments: no referral needed. You book like any other GP appointment, although some practices only take existing patients.

  • For the free NSW assessments (from 2027): yes, from your regular GP.

  • To see a psychiatrist or paediatrician: you need a GP referral to get the Medicare rebate.

I was diagnosed by a psychologist. Can a GP start medication?

It depends on the GP and your state. An Endorsed Prescriber or trained GP may want to do their own assessment before prescribing. Bring your psychologist's report and ask the practice what they need.

Is medication the only support?

No. Medication can make a big difference for many people, but it's one tool, not the whole toolbox. Understanding how your brain works, changes at work, school and home, and support like coaching or psychology all matter too. A good GP should talk with you about all of it, and you're allowed to ask.

That's why we created free worksheets for NSW Health to help you prepare for an assessment and work out your next steps afterwards. You can find them on our GP and patient resources page.

Email template: ask your GP practice

Copy this, fill in the brackets, and send it to your practice (or read it out on the phone).

Subject: Question about ADHD assessments

Hi,

I'm [a patient at your practice / looking for a new GP] and I'd like to ask about ADHD care. Could you please let me know:

1. Do any GPs at your practice offer ADHD assessment and diagnosis? (In NSW, this is called an ADHD Endorsed Prescriber.)
2. Are they taking new patients, and roughly how long is the wait?
3. How many appointments does an assessment usually take, and what are the fees? Is any of it bulk billed?
4. Is there anything I should bring or fill in beforehand?
5. [If you're already diagnosed:] Can a GP at your practice take over my ADHD prescription?
6. [NSW only:] Will your practice be offering the free NSW Health ADHD assessments from 2027?

If not, could you suggest where else I could go?

Thank you,
[Your name]
[Date of birth, if you're an existing patient]

Want to keep up to date?

We're tracking the reforms in every state and territory and updating our ADHD reform map as things change. More posts are coming on preparing for an assessment, finding one, and what to do after a diagnosis.

Sources: NSW Health, NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation, Victorian Department of Health, ACT Health, and state government announcements.

leanne Maskell