Can Your GP Diagnose ADHD in South Australia? (2026)

From February 2026, GPs in South Australia who have completed the RACGP structured training program can diagnose ADHD and prescribe stimulant medication for patients aged 8 and over. This makes SA the second state (after Queensland) to allow GP ADHD diagnosis.

Up to 100 GPs are expected to complete the initial training intake. The program was developed in collaboration with the RACGP, RACP SA, and RANZCP SA to ensure quality and safety.

• Patients:**
• Aged 8 and over — both children (8+) and adults
• If you're under 8, you'll still need a paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist for diagnosis

• GPs:**
• Must have completed the full RACGP structured training program
• Training is voluntary — not all GPs will choose to complete it
• Currently limited to the first intake of approximately 100 GPs

South Australia's age threshold of 8+ differs from Queensland (adults only) and represents a middle ground that allows GPs to assess both older children and adults.

SA GPs who want to diagnose ADHD must complete a structured training program:

• Two online self-paced modules (~3 hours total) covering ADHD assessment, diagnosis, and management
• One-day in-person workshop (27 February 2026 for the first cohort) with practical skills and case discussions
• Six bi-monthly peer learning sessions providing ongoing support and professional development

This training is led by the RACGP in collaboration with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (SA) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (SA).

The requirement for ongoing peer learning sessions is a quality safeguard — it ensures GPs continue to develop their ADHD expertise and can discuss complex cases with peers and mentors.

Cost impact: A GP consultation typically costs $80-$120 and is often bulk-billed. This compares to $500-$800 for a private psychiatrist assessment — a potential saving of $400-$700+ per assessment.

Wait time impact: GP appointments are typically available within 1-4 weeks. South Australia has historically had some of the longest specialist wait times in Australia, with limited public ADHD assessment options.

Important caveat: With only ~100 GPs in the initial intake, demand may exceed supply initially. If your GP isn't trained, they can still provide a referral to a specialist. As more GPs complete training in subsequent intakes, access should improve.

Browse ADHD GPs in South Australia to find GPs who list ADHD as a focus area. Since the training program is new, the best approach is to:

• Call the practice directly and ask if their GPs have completed the RACGP ADHD training
• Check the Adelaide PHN website for updates on participating practices
• Ask about wait times — some practices may quickly develop waitlists for ADHD assessments
• Consider whether telehealth options are available from the practice

For a full national comparison of GP ADHD diagnosis rules across all states, see our guide: Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Australia?