Victoria's New ADHD Care Pathway: Assessment Through Trained GPs

Neurodiversity & Healthcare

Fact-checked: 8 November 2026 · 6 min read

Bandai Choi
Clinical Psychologist (Australia & Hong Kong)
Board-approved supervisor

Autism and ADHD assessment and therapy for adults and adolescents, in person or by telehealth.

Thinking about an ADHD assessment, but unsure whether you have to start with a psychiatrist or if a GP can help? In Victoria, a GP can now be your starting point. From 26 October 2026, GPs who have completed accredited training are authorized to diagnose and treat ADHD in adults and children aged 6 and over, including prescribing medication. However, not every GP has this qualification, so it is important to confirm before booking.

Key takeaways

New pathway: Since 26 October 2026, trained Victorian GPs can diagnose and treat ADHD, including prescribing medication.
Accredited GPs only: An initial cohort of 150 GPs completed training; check the official directory before booking.
Three questions before booking: Has the doctor completed the training? Are they taking new patients? How many visits and what costs?
GPs and psychologists complement each other: GPs manage medical diagnosis and pharmacotherapy; psychological assessment and therapy can run alongside.

What has changed

Historically in Victoria, adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis and medication faced a narrow path, with many waiting months on specialist waitlists.

There is now an additional option. The Victorian Government announced that from 26 October 2026, GPs who complete accredited training can diagnose and treat ADHD in adults and children aged 6 and over, including prescribing medication. An initial cohort of 150 GPs completed training delivered by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).^[1]

Put simply: you do not necessarily have to wait for a specialist; your community clinic may be an accessible starting point.

Which GPs can do this

When reading the news, many people wonder: “Can I just see my regular GP tomorrow?”

Not necessarily. This arrangement applies only to GPs who have completed the accredited training. The Victorian Department of Health website lists clinics that have at least one trained doctor, and this directory is updated periodically.^[2]

If your regular doctor has not completed the course, you are not locked out. You can ask whether they can refer you to a clinic on the directory, or you can contact one of the participating clinics directly.

Three questions to ask before booking

When calling a clinic, keep your inquiry simple and clear by asking these three questions:

“Has this doctor completed the accredited ADHD training?” This is the most crucial question.
“Are they currently taking on new adult ADHD assessment patients?” Some clinics with trained doctors have limited capacity and may be temporarily full.
“How many appointments will the assessment take, and what are the estimated out-of-pocket fees?” Private gap fees vary across clinics, so checking ahead prevents surprises.

Asking these three questions helps ensure you book with the right practitioner without wasted appointments.

How the assessment actually works

An ADHD assessment is not a matter of filling out a single brief form. Whether conducted by a GP, a psychiatrist, or a psychologist, thorough assessment takes time.

You can expect the assessment to involve more than one appointment. The doctor will explore your current difficulties, how long they have been present, and what things were like during childhood. They often use standardized rating scales, seek observations from someone close to you, and review sleep, mood, and general health to see if other factors are affecting your attention and energy.

Consultation schedules and wait times differ by clinic. Asking a clear question when booking is far better than arriving with mismatched expectations.

Does a clinical psychologist still have a role?

Yes. A common misunderstanding is that because GPs can now diagnose and prescribe, other professionals are no longer needed.

Psychologists cannot prescribe medications, but what they offer is practical and substantial:

Comprehensive psychological assessment: Clinical interviews, standardized psychometric testing, and developmental analysis help clarify where difficulties originate. ADHD frequently overlaps with anxiety, low mood, trauma, or autism spectrum traits, and careful differential evaluation untangles these factors.
Assessment reports: If you need to explain your situation to educational institutions, workplaces, or other clinicians, a comprehensive written report provides valuable documentation.
Psychological therapy and life skills: Medication does not resolve every challenge. Procrastination, emotional sensitivity, and years of internalized self-criticism can be systematically worked through in evidence-based psychotherapy.

In short: the GP oversees medical management and prescription care, while the psychologist addresses how you understand and live with your cognitive profile. The two approaches support each other.

Where should I start?

There is no single correct pathway; choose according to your immediate priority:

If exploring medication is your main focus: Starting with an accredited GP or a psychiatrist makes practical sense.
If you are unsure whether ADHD explains your difficulties or suspect overlapping factors: A comprehensive clinical psychological assessment can offer clarity.
If you already have a diagnosis but find daily life exhausting: Psychological therapy and practical scaffolding can run alongside medical follow-ups.

You can also pursue both avenues concurrently. The main benefit is that you no longer have to wait on a single lengthy waitlist before taking action.

Preparing for your appointment

Write down three specific scenarios that trouble you most: For example, missing project deadlines, forgetting bills, or losing focus during meetings. Concrete examples are more informative than general statements.
Invite input from someone who knows you well: Observations from a partner, family member, or close friend often highlight patterns you might overlook.
Locate past records: If you can find primary or secondary school report cards with teacher comments, bring them along.
List your current medications and supplements: Include prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and vitamins so the doctor has a complete health picture.
Allow realistic time: Proper assessment requires multiple sessions, so give yourself patience throughout the process.

ADHD: Psychologist or Psychiatrist? Where to Start Compare the scopes and roles of psychologists, psychiatrists, and GPs.
Autism, ADHD and AuDHD Assessment Learn about our comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment process.
Adult ADHD Support Options: Exercise, Coaching, or Therapy? An evidence-based comparison of non-pharmacological support pathways.

Frequently asked questions

Can my regular GP assess my ADHD directly?

Only GPs who have completed accredited training are authorized under this pathway. You can ask your clinic directly or check the Victorian Department of Health clinic directory. If your GP has not completed the course, you can ask for a referral.

If I already have a psychological report, will a GP use it?

A psychological report provides valuable objective information. However, doctors must still apply their own clinical judgment regarding diagnosis and prescribing. It is advisable to ask the doctor during booking how they utilize external reports.

Does this arrangement apply only to Melbourne?

This is a Victorian state-wide initiative. Participating clinics are located across metropolitan and regional areas as detailed on the official directory.

References

Premier of Victoria. Making ADHD care easier and cheaper for more Victorians. 26 October 2026.
Victorian Department of Health. ADHD care in general practice.

This article provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice or clinical evaluation. Policy details reflect Victorian Department of Health announcements.

Victoria’s New ADHD Pathway: Assessment Now Available Through Trained GPs