NSW GPs and ADHD diagnosis: What the reforms mean for you

If you live in NSW and have wondered whether you or your child might have ADHD, you may have heard that GPs can now prescribe ADHD medication and will soon diagnose it. The changes are real, but they are arriving in stages.

This article explains what the NSW reforms had changed as of July 2026, who they cover, where a comprehensive psychological assessment still fits alongside your GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician, and the steps you can take now.

What has changed in NSW

Before these reforms, ADHD medication in NSW was generally started and prescribed by a psychiatrist or paediatrician, so people kept going back to them for repeat prescriptions. That could mean long waits, travel and high fees.¹ The NSW Government is moving more of this care into general practice in stages.

Stage one: continuation prescribing (from 1 September 2025)

GPs who complete extra training and are authorised as “continuation prescribers” can provide ongoing prescriptions for ADHD stimulant medicines.³ This applies to people aged 6 and over who already have a diagnosis from a psychiatrist or paediatrician and are stable on their medication.³ By late June 2026, the NSW Government said more than 1,400 GPs had signed up and more than 15,000 people had accessed ADHD medication more easily (NSW Government, 2026).²

Stage two: GPs trained to diagnose (training from March 2026)

On 11 February 2026, NSW Health announced that from March, GPs could begin training to become “endorsed prescribers”, able to assess and diagnose ADHD and start medication where appropriate.¹ GPs in areas of greatest need, particularly regional, rural and remote NSW, are being prioritised (NSW Health, 2026).¹

The first round of this training had just over 300 places. It began in mid-March 2026 and takes about six months to complete, according to NSW’s Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI).⁹ By late October 2026, almost 300 GPs had finished this training, far fewer than the number of continuation prescribers.¹⁰

Free GP assessments (expected from early 2027)

In June 2026, the NSW Government announced free ADHD assessments and follow-up appointments with these trained GPs for up to 2,500 patients aged 6 and older, expected in selected clinics from early 2027.² ACI says your regular GP would arrange the referral, with priority for people under financial stress and children in their early years of school.³

Who the reforms cover

• Age. Continuation prescribing and the planned free GP assessments are for people aged 6 and over: school-aged children, teenagers and adults. Children under 6 are not covered.
• Participating GPs. Not every GP takes part, and only a smaller group in priority areas is training for stage two.³
• Your current doctors. You can keep seeing your psychiatrist or paediatrician. A GP who takes over prescribing may still refer you back for review or set up shared care with regular review.³

If you are wondering whether you have ADHD

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, activity levels and impulse control. The Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD, released by the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) in 2022, estimates that it affects about 6 to 10% of Australian children and adolescents and 2 to 6% of adults (May et al., 2023).⁶

There is no single test. The guideline says diagnosis needs a thorough assessment by an appropriately trained clinician, with symptoms that cause real problems in more than one setting, such as home and work or school.⁶ Other conditions that can sit alongside ADHD, or look like it, need careful assessment too.

Trouble concentrating, restlessness or forgetfulness can have more than one explanation. When the NSW branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomed the reforms, it noted that ADHD-type symptoms overlap with other mental health conditions, neurodevelopmental differences, past trauma and life stressors (RANZCP, 2026).⁵ For adults, our article on the hidden symptoms of adult ADHD may help you put words to what you notice.

GPs are often the first point of contact and can check for medical conditions that may mimic ADHD.⁵⁷ The RACGP has said ADHD can be diagnosed and managed well by a GP with appropriate training, and has emphasised whole-of-person care, because ADHD affects sleep, education and how people get on with others (RACGP, 2026).⁴ The RANZCP has called for shared care, with clear pathways to psychiatrists and other doctors for complex or higher-risk situations.⁵

Where a comprehensive psychological assessment still fits

Psychologists do not prescribe medication, and the reforms do not change that. Medication decisions sit with a doctor: a psychiatrist, a paediatrician or an authorised GP. Psychologists are, however, part of ADHD assessment. A paper on the guideline notes that psychologists, along with psychiatrists and paediatricians, meet its requirements for ADHD assessment, and that because a medical assessment is also needed, psychologists work alongside doctors (May, Murrup-Stewart & Bellgrove, 2023).⁷

A comprehensive psychological assessment can be useful when:

• The picture is complex or unclear, for example when it is hard to tell whether attention problems come from ADHD, anxiety, mood or stress.
• Other conditions may be involved. Around two-thirds of children and adolescents with ADHD have a co-occurring condition.⁷ In adults, depression and anxiety are among the most common, and autism and specific learning disorders can also occur alongside ADHD.⁶ Having another condition does not rule ADHD out.⁷
• You want a cognitive and functional profile. Cognitive testing is not required to diagnose ADHD, and the evidence reviewed for the guideline found it did not make diagnosis more accurate.⁶⁷ It can still help with self-understanding, including your particular strengths and difficulties, and with clarifying co-occurring conditions such as a learning disorder.⁷
• You need practical recommendations for study or work, such as adjustments at school, university or in the workplace, in a report you can share with your doctor if you choose.

This is not an either-or choice: the NSW Government’s funding for the free GP assessments can help cover input from other clinicians, including psychologists.² You can read more in what to expect from a psychological assessment and, if autism is part of the question, our guide to adult autism diagnosis in Australia.

Practical steps in NSW

1. Write down what you notice: the difficulties, where they show up, how long they have been there and whether they were present in childhood.
2. Book a longer appointment with your regular GP. Ask whether they are a continuation prescriber, whether they or a nearby practice are training under stage two, and which pathway they suggest. ACI recommends keeping your care with one GP where you can.³
3. If you are already diagnosed and stable on medication, ask about continuation prescribing. ACI’s ADHD care in general practice pages suggest searching healthdirect’s service finder for practices listed as ADHD continuation prescribers, and healthdirect (1800 022 222) can help you find a practice.³
4. If you are seeking a new diagnosis, your GP may refer you to a psychiatrist or paediatrician, particularly where the picture is complex, or, from early 2027, to a selected practice for a free assessment if you are eligible.
5. Consider a comprehensive psychological assessment if you have questions about co-occurring conditions, learning or supports at study or work. Our assessments page explains the types available. Ask about costs and waiting times for each option before you book.

When and how to get help

Talk to a GP if difficulties with attention, organisation or restlessness are affecting your work, study, relationships or wellbeing, or if a teacher has raised concerns about your child. You do not need to be sure it is ADHD first.

Support does not have to wait for a diagnosis. Anxiety and low mood commonly occur alongside ADHD in adults and can be treated in their own right. Your GP can talk with you about a Mental Health Treatment Plan (often called a mental health care plan), which can give access to Medicare rebates for sessions with a psychologist for conditions such as anxiety or depression. Since 1 November 2025, Medicare generally pays for the plan only when it is prepared at the practice where you are registered under MyMedicare, or by your usual GP (Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2025).⁸

At Mind Health we see people in Parramatta and by telehealth, including for ADHD assessment, and with your consent we can share findings with your GP or treating doctor. If you ever feel unsafe or overwhelmed, please seek help straight away; our urgent help page lists where to turn.

Frequently asked questions

Can any GP in NSW now diagnose ADHD?

Some can, but not every GP. By late October 2026, almost 300 trained GPs, mainly in priority areas, could diagnose ADHD and start treatment. Many more GPs can already continue prescriptions for people who are diagnosed and stable on medication.

Do the NSW reforms cover adults as well as children?

Yes. Continuation prescribing and the planned free GP assessments are for people aged 6 and over, which includes school-aged children, teenagers and adults. Children under 6 are not covered by these changes, so ask your GP about the right pathway for a younger child.

Can a psychologist prescribe ADHD medication?

No. Psychologists do not prescribe medication. They can assess ADHD and related conditions, provide therapy and write reports with recommendations. Decisions about ADHD medication are made by a doctor, such as a psychiatrist, a paediatrician or a GP authorised under the NSW reforms.

If I already have an ADHD diagnosis, can my GP take over my prescriptions?

Possibly. If you are 6 or older, were diagnosed by a psychiatrist or paediatrician and are stable on your medication, a GP authorised as a continuation prescriber can provide ongoing prescriptions. Not every GP takes part, and you can choose to keep seeing your psychiatrist or paediatrician.

Do I still need a psychological assessment if a GP can diagnose ADHD?

Not always. Many people will be well served by their GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician. A comprehensive psychological assessment can help when the picture is complex, when anxiety, depression, autism or learning difficulties may be involved, or when you want recommendations for study or work.

When will the free GP ADHD assessments start?

The NSW Government said in June 2026 that free assessments in selected GP clinics are expected from early 2027, for up to 2,500 patients aged 6 and older. Your regular GP would arrange the referral. Priority is planned for people under financial stress and children in their early years of school.

References

1. NSW Health (2026). Reforms to enable GPs to diagnose ADHD from March. NSW Health media release, 11 February 2026. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20260211_00.aspx
2. NSW Government (2026). GPs to provide up to 2,500 free ADHD consultations. Ministerial media release, 29 June 2026. https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/gps-to-provide-up-to-2500-free-adhd-consultations
3. Agency for Clinical Innovation (2026). ADHD care in general practice: frequently asked questions for consumers. NSW Health, June 2026. https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/adhd-in-general-practice/consumers/frequently-asked-questions
4. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2026). Enabling NSW GPs to diagnose ADHD will be ‘lifechanging’ for thousands of patients: RACGP. RACGP media release, 11 February 2026. https://www.racgp.org.au/gp-news/media-releases/2026-media-releases/february-2026/enabling-nsw-gps-to-diagnose-adhd-will-be-lifechan
5. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (2026). Shared models of care key as GPs take on ADHD diagnosis, say NSW psychiatrists. RANZCP media release, 11 February 2026. https://www.ranzcp.org/news-analysis/shared-models-of-care-key-as-gps-take-on-adhd-diagnosis-say-nsw-psychiatrists
6. May, T., Birch, E., Chaves, K., Cranswick, N., Culnane, E., Delaney, J., et al. (2023). The Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 57(8), 1101–1116. https://doi.org/10.1177/00048674231166329
7. May, T., Murrup-Stewart, C., & Bellgrove, M. (2023). Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: The role of psychologists. Journal of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists, 33(1), 18–34. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8187833
8. Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (2025). Better Access redesign from 1 November 2025. Australian Government. https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-10/better-access-redesign-from-1-november-2025_0.pdf
9. Agency for Clinical Innovation (2026). ADHD care in general practice: frequently asked questions for health professionals. NSW Health, February 2026. https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/adhd-in-general-practice/clinicians/frequently-asked-questions
10. Talakovski, A. (2026). Nearly 300 NSW GPs can now diagnose and treat ADHD. The Medical Republic, 21 October 2026. https://www.medicalrepublic.com.au/?p=130182

Related reading

• Beyond the “Deficit”
• Psychologist vs Psychiatrist vs Counsellor
• What Actually Happens in a Psychology Session
• ADHD in women and girls: Why it is often missed and what assessment involves

This article is general information only and is not a substitute for personal advice from a qualified health professional. If you are concerned about your mental health, please speak with your GP or a psychologist.

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