ADHD Psychologist or Psychiatrist: Who Should You See?

Bandai Choi
Clinical Psychologist | Board-approved supervisor
Breathe-n-Smile Psychology, Essendon North, Footscray and telehealth across Australia

How the roles differ

Titles alone do not show whether a person regularly works with adults with ADHD. It is worth asking about the professional’s experience, assessment scope and the practical outcome you need.

Where to start

Start with the decision you are trying to make. If you are unsure whether ADHD is part of the picture, a careful assessment can consider childhood patterns, current impact and other explanations. A single online score cannot do this on its own. The adult ADHD screening questionnaire explains what a brief screener can and cannot indicate.

If medication is the immediate priority, ask a GP or psychiatrist about the medical pathway that fits your circumstances. If you want to start with a GP, first check whether the practice has a GP who has completed approved ADHD training. If you are seeking a psychological assessment or report, first check how it may be used by another doctor. A report can provide useful evidence, but it does not guarantee another doctor’s diagnosis, prescribing decision or acceptance of the report.

This article is about choosing a starting point. For the broader difference between diagnostic assessment and ongoing therapy, see ADHD assessment versus therapy support. For a step-by-step explanation of a standard assessment pathway, see what happens in an adult ADHD assessment.

Questions before booking

Assessment can involve a substantial commitment of time and money. A brief administrative enquiry can prevent a mismatch.

• Do you regularly assess ADHD in adults?
• What interviews, questionnaires and supporting information are included?
• Will I receive a written report, and what is it designed to support?
• Can the assessment consider sleep, anxiety, trauma, mood and other overlapping factors?
• Could another doctor require additional assessment later?
• What are the full fees, cancellation terms and likely time frame?

What a GP can now do

The Victorian Government announced that from 26 October 2026, GPs who have completed approved training can diagnose and treat ADHD in adults and in children aged 6 and over, including prescribing medication. An initial 150 GPs have completed training delivered by the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP). Until now, adults have generally needed a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.^[1]

The key point: not every GP can. The Victorian health department publishes a list of practices with at least one trained GP and says it will be updated progressively. See the list of clinics with ADHD-trained GPs. Before you book, confirm that the doctor you will see has completed the approved training.

Plan for a few practical limits: an ADHD assessment usually takes more than one appointment, out-of-pocket costs vary between practices, and appointments may not be available straight away in every area. Ask about availability and expected fees first.

Preparing for a GP Assessment: What to Expect

Since 26 October 2026, trained Victorian GPs can independently assess, diagnose, and initiate treatment for ADHD, significantly improving access compared to long specialist waitlists. However, a comprehensive GP assessment is far more involved than a standard 15-minute consultation:

• Usually requires 2 to 3 appointments: An initial intake and history review, a comprehensive diagnostic interview, and a dedicated treatment planning session.
• Standardised screening and collateral history: You will complete psychometric rating scales (such as the ASRS) and are encouraged to bring school reports, workplace feedback, or observations from a partner or family member.
• Physical and cardiovascular health checks: Because stimulant medications affect heart rate and blood pressure, GPs typically perform baseline cardiovascular screenings, blood tests, or an ECG to rule out thyroid issues or cardiac contraindications.
• Complex cases still involve specialist collaboration: Where severe mood disorders, substance dependency, or trauma co-occur, GPs may still collaborate with a psychiatrist; similarly, detailed cognitive profiling or autism queries remain the domain of comprehensive clinical psychology assessments.

The psychologist’s role has not disappeared. Psychologists still cannot prescribe medication, but they can provide psychological assessment, reports and therapy alongside a GP’s medical care. If you have had or are considering a psychological assessment, ask your GP how they would use the report.

The Victorian context

Victoria updated its psychostimulant permit requirements on 14 October 2026. For eligible non-drug-dependent patients, a GP or nurse practitioner may prescribe under a valid ADHD treatment instruction without a separate permit. The instruction must come from a paediatrician, psychiatrist or approved ADHD practitioner.

This arrangement applies only in eligible situations, and whether a doctor can diagnose and start ADHD medication still depends on whether they have completed the approved training. Before booking, ask about the doctor’s role, required medical assessment and how a psychology report may be used, and check the current Victorian requirements.

There is no single correct door. A person may begin with a GP, psychologist or psychiatrist depending on their goals, availability and history. The practical aim is to avoid unnecessary duplication while leaving room for a careful assessment.