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

The Western Australian Government has committed $1.3 million to train 65 GPs to diagnose ADHD and prescribe stimulant medication for patients aged 10 and older. The first cohort of 17 GPs began training in late October 2025, with the first trained GPs expected to begin diagnosing independently from early 2026 after completing a six-month co-management period with specialist mentors.

WA's approach is distinctive in two ways: it requires a structured co-management period with psychiatrists and paediatricians before GPs can practice independently, and it prioritises GPs in rural, remote, and underserved communities. Over 400 GPs expressed interest in the program, reflecting the scale of demand for expanded ADHD care in Western Australia.

The program was developed by the WA branch of the RACGP in collaboration with the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) and the WA Department of Health.

Once trained and authorised, participating GPs in Western Australia can:

• Diagnose ADHD in patients aged 10 and over
• Initiate stimulant medication including methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and lisdexamfetamine
• Manage ongoing ADHD treatment independently after completing co-management

The six-month co-management requirement is unique to WA. During this period, GPs work closely alongside specialist psychiatrists and paediatricians, with monthly online peer-group learning sessions and asynchronous case discussions. This provides a structured transition from specialist-dependent to independent GP management.

Age threshold of 10+: This is narrower than some other states. Queensland allows GP diagnosis for adults only, South Australia for patients aged 8+, and Victoria is planning for patients aged 6+. Children under 10 in WA will still need a paediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist for ADHD diagnosis.

WA's GP ADHD training program is structured across three sequential cohorts:

Training components include:

• RACGP-developed online training modules covering ADHD assessment, diagnosis, and management
• Six months of co-management with specialist psychiatrists and paediatricians
• Monthly online peer-group learning sessions for ongoing support
• Asynchronous case discussions and peer support throughout the program

The training is aligned with the AADPA clinical practice guideline and was designed in collaboration with the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association.

Priority placement: The first cohort prioritised GPs from rural, remote, and outer metropolitan communities, areas of low socioeconomic advantage, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. This reflects WA's particular access challenges, where regional patients often travel hundreds of kilometres for specialist ADHD assessment.

Until the reforms fully take effect, the existing WA rules apply:

Diagnosis: Only approved specialists (psychiatrists, paediatricians, or paediatric neurologists) can make a formal ADHD diagnosis in WA.

Prescribing: GPs can currently write continuation scripts for patients with an existing specialist diagnosis, but they cannot independently make dose adjustments. Only one S8 stimulant prescriber is permitted per patient at any time.

Dose limits (current system):

Prescribing above these limits requires written authorisation from the WA Department of Health CEO, assessed by the Stimulant Assessment Panel.

The Monitored Medicines Prescribing Code (Part 3) governs all S8 stimulant prescribing in WA. As trained GPs begin diagnosing, they will operate within this framework.

Cost impact: A GP consultation typically costs $80-$120 and is often bulk-billed. Current specialist assessment pathways in WA can cost $500-$1,500+ out of pocket. The GP pathway will significantly reduce costs for patients.

Wait time impact: GP appointments are typically available within 1-4 weeks. Specialist wait times in WA are among the longest in Australia, particularly outside Perth. Some regional patients face 12+ month waits or need to travel interstate for assessment.

Important caveats:

• With only 65 GPs across three cohorts, access will be limited initially. Demand will far exceed supply.
• The first trained GPs are concentrated in rural and underserved areas, which is important for equity but means metropolitan patients may wait longer to access a trained GP.
• Children under 10 remain ineligible for GP diagnosis and will need a specialist.
• The six-month co-management period means Cohort 1 GPs (who started training in late October 2025) may not be diagnosing fully independently until mid-2026.

Non-medication support: The WA Government is also funding ADHD WA to expand community-based services including counselling, peer support, and non-medication treatment options, with new online resources available in 10 languages.

WA's approach sits between the more open Queensland model and the more cautious staged rollouts in NSW and Victoria:

WA's distinguishing features are the co-management requirement (no other state mandates six months of supervised practice) and the prioritisation of rural and underserved areas. The age threshold of 10+ is the most restrictive of any state allowing GP diagnosis.

For state-specific details, see our guides for Queensland, South Australia, NSW, and Victoria.

Browse our directory for GPs and other ADHD providers in Western Australia: WA providers

Tips for finding a GP who can help:

• Call the practice directly and ask if any of their GPs are participating in the RACGP ADHD training program
• If you're in a rural or remote area, you may be more likely to find a trained GP, as the first cohort prioritised these locations
• Ask about wait times and whether the GP has completed their co-management period
• Consider telehealth options from providers in Queensland or South Australia, where GPs can already diagnose ADHD independently

• If you can't find a trained GP:**
• Your GP can still refer you to a psychiatrist or paediatrician for diagnosis
• Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan to access Medicare rebates on psychology sessions
• Check our directory for the shortest available wait times in your area

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