How to Get Diagnosed with ADHD in Australia
A comprehensive guide to the ADHD assessment process, who can diagnose, expected costs, and how to prepare for your appointment.
Key points
- Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and paediatricians can diagnose ADHD — GPs now can too in QLD and SA.
- Assessment typically costs $300–$800 out of pocket, with Medicare rebates of $90–$300 depending on provider type.
- The process involves a GP visit, specialist referral, 1–3 assessment sessions, then a diagnosis and treatment plan.
- GP diagnosis rules are changing rapidly across Australia in 2026 — QLD, SA, NSW, VIC, WA, and ACT all have reforms underway.
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Take the screening quiz1. Who can diagnose ADHD in Australia?
In Australia, ADHD can be formally diagnosed by the following professionals:
- Psychiatrists — can diagnose adults and children, and prescribe all ADHD medications including stimulants
- Psychologists (clinical) — can assess and diagnose ADHD but cannot prescribe medication
- Paediatricians — can diagnose children and adolescents, and prescribe medication
What about GPs? The rules are changing fast in 2026
Historically, GPs could not diagnose ADHD in Australia. That is now changing state by state. Queensland became the first state to allow GPs to diagnose and prescribe for adult ADHD in December 2025, and several other states are following.
Here's where each state stands as of February 2026:
- QLD — GPs can diagnose adults and initiate stimulant prescribing. Live since December 2025.
- SA — Trained GPs can diagnose and prescribe for patients aged 8+. Rolling out from February 2026.
- NSW — Staged reform. GPs can currently continue prescriptions for stable patients (Stage 1). GP diagnosis expected mid-2026 (Stage 2).
- ACT — Staged reform. GPs can continue prescriptions (Stage 1, live February 2026). GP diagnosis expected later in 2026 (Stage 2).
- VIC — Reform announced. Training for 150 GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD, expected to roll out by September 2026.
- WA — Trained GPs expected to independently diagnose and manage ADHD from early 2026, with an initial co-management period.
- TAS — GPs can continue prescriptions under shared care. No diagnosis reform announced.
- NT — Most restrictive. GPs limited to 10 patients. No reform announced.
These rules are changing rapidly. Always check with your state health authority or your GP for the latest. Last reviewed: February 2026.
In states where GPs cannot yet diagnose, they still play a crucial role in referrals, shared care, and ongoing medication management after a specialist has initiated treatment.
2. Step-by-step diagnosis process
Step 1: See your GP
Start with your GP. In some states (QLD, SA), your GP may now be able to diagnose you directly. In other states, they can provide a referral to a psychiatrist or paediatrician (required for Medicare rebates) or a Mental Health Care Plan for psychologist sessions.
Step 2: Choose a specialist
Research and choose a specialist who has experience with ADHD. Consider wait times, fees, telehealth availability, and whether they're accepting new patients.
Step 3: Complete the assessment
The assessment typically involves a clinical interview, standardised rating scales, developmental history review, and sometimes cognitive testing. This may take 1-3 sessions.
Step 4: Receive your diagnosis
Your specialist will provide a diagnosis and discuss treatment options, which may include medication, therapy, coaching, or a combination.
3. Costs and Medicare rebates
Typical costs for ADHD assessment in Australia:
| Provider | Initial assessment | Medicare rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist | $400-$800 | ~$200-$300 (with referral) |
| Psychologist | $300-$600 | ~$90-$130 (with MHCP, up to 10 sessions/year) |
| Paediatrician | $300-$600 | ~$150-$250 (with referral) |
Note: Costs vary significantly by provider and location. Some providers offer bulk billing. Always confirm fees before your appointment.
4. What to expect during assessment
A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically includes:
- Clinical interview — detailed discussion of current symptoms, their impact, and history
- Developmental history — childhood behaviour, school reports, family history
- Rating scales — standardised questionnaires like DIVA 5.0, Conners, or ASRS
- Collateral information — input from family members, partners, or school reports
- Ruling out other conditions — assessment for conditions that may mimic ADHD
5. How to prepare
- Gather school reports from childhood if available
- Ask a parent or family member about your childhood behaviour
- Keep a journal of current symptoms and their impact for 1-2 weeks before the appointment
- List all current medications and supplements
- Prepare questions about the assessment process, treatment options, and follow-up
- If possible, bring a partner, friend, or family member who can provide additional perspective
6. After diagnosis
If you receive an ADHD diagnosis, treatment options typically include:
- Medication — stimulant (methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine) or non-stimulant options
- Therapy — CBT, coaching, or other therapeutic approaches
- Lifestyle strategies — exercise, sleep, organisation systems, diet
- Workplace/educational accommodations — formal accommodations you may be entitled to
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