ADHD Assessment · ACT
ADHD Assessment
in ACT
The ACT introduced a Standing CHO Approval for ADHD continuation prescribing on 11 February 2026. Stable patients aged 6 and over with an existing specialist diagnosis can have their medication managed by a GP. Full GP-led diagnosis and initiation is expected later in 2026 as Stage 2.
Rules last checked: 04 September 2026
Official sources: ACT: prescribing psychostimulants for ADHDACT Standing CHO Approval FAQACT Standing CHO approval for GP ADHD prescribing
The ACT moved quickly on ADHD prescribing reform. On 11 February 2026, a Standing Chief Health Officer Approval came into effect, allowing GPs to continue prescribing stimulant medication for stable patients aged 6 and over who have an existing specialist diagnosis. The ACT requires electronic prescribing through the Canberra Script system. Full GP-led diagnosis and initiation (Stage 2) is expected later in 2026.
In this article
The reform
What changed in the ACT
Current pathway: Continuation pathway effective 11 February 2026; Stage 2 commencement not published
What this means
Assessment and initiation: The current standing approval does not provide independent GP initiation.
Ongoing care: Trained and notified GPs may continue for eligible stable patients after specialist initiation or review.
Requirements and safeguards
GPs must complete approved training, notify the CHO and receive Health Protection Services confirmation. The standing approval covers stable patients aged 6 and over with an existing specialist diagnosis, within defined dose and medication-class limits. Canberra Script review and electronic prescriptions are mandatory. Other circumstances require individual CHO approval and specialist support.
Rules last checked: 04 September 2026
Official sources: ACT: prescribing psychostimulants for ADHDACT Standing CHO Approval FAQACT Standing CHO approval for GP ADHD prescribing
Find me an ADHD GP in Australian Capital Territory
Tell us what you need. The State-specific finder will show the current options or take you to the relevant waitlist.
Is this for you?
Who this service is designed for
The ACT continuation pathway is for patients aged 6 and over who already have a specialist ADHD diagnosis and are on stable medication.
- You have an existing ADHD diagnosis and are on stable stimulant medication
- Your specialist has discharged you and you need a local GP to continue prescribing
- You have moved to Canberra from another state and need local prescribing
- You suspect ADHD and want to register interest for when GP-led diagnosis opens (Stage 2)
- You live in Canberra, Queanbeyan, or the surrounding ACT region
Telehealth appointments are available across the ACT. Canberra, Belconnen, Woden, Tuggeranong, Gungahlin, or the surrounding region. The ACT is compact, but telehealth means no travel at all.
The process
How the assessment works
You do most of the preparation at home, at your own pace. Your GP gets a structured clinical summary before the appointment, so consultation time is spent on assessment, not paperwork. Medicare rebates on eligible items.
1
Step 1
Book online and complete your intake at home
Validated questionnaires (ASRS v1.1, WFIRS), personal and developmental history, and an observer nomination. All completed online at your own pace.
No charge
2
Step 2
GP reviews your clinical summary
Your GP receives your intake results and any existing specialist reports before the consultation. Appointment time is spent on clinical assessment.
3
Step 3
Consultation (telehealth or in person)
Your GP discusses the findings, confirms the diagnosis or refers for further assessment, and explains next steps including medication options if indicated.
4
Step 4
Ongoing care and monitoring
Short check-ins to adjust dosage, monitor side effects, and renew scripts. Follow-up frequency depends on your treatment stability.
Interstate prescribing
Can ACT patients fill interstate GP scripts?
No. If you collect your medication in the ACT, your prescriber must hold ACT Chief Health Officer approval, whichever state or territory they work in. A script from an interstate GP without that approval cannot be dispensed at an ACT pharmacy.
The ACT has its own continuation pathway active since February 2026, using a Standing Chief Health Officer Approval. Full GP-initiated diagnosis and prescribing is expected later in 2026 as Stage 2 training rolls out.
An interstate GP can apply for that approval to continue your medication, but only if you already have a specialist diagnosis and your treatment is stable. There is no GP pathway for a first-time ADHD assessment for ACT patients until Stage 2 opens. Until then, a first diagnosis still goes through a psychiatrist or paediatrician.
The table below shows the interstate dispensing position for all states.
| Patient’s state | Accepts interstate GP S8 script? | Key condition |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Yes | QLD GPs prescribe under S8 authority |
| New South Wales | No | Requires NSW authority number on script. No interstate pathway. |
| Victoria | Yes | Accepts interstate S8 scripts from AHPRA-registered practitioners |
| South Australia | Yes (with verification) | Pharmacist must verify script. ScriptCheckSA must be checked. |
| Western Australia | Unclear | Interstate GP position not settled. Check with local pharmacy or WA Health. |
| Tasmania | Yes (from Feb 2026) | Explicitly accepts interstate psychostimulant scripts |
| ACT | No | Prescriber needs ACT Chief Health Officer approval, whichever state they work in. Scripts without it are not dispensed. |
| Northern Territory | Grey area for GPs | Specialist scripts accepted. GP scripts ambiguous. Contact NT Poisons Control. |
Based on the ACT Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2008 and the ACT Health FAQ on prescribing psychostimulants for ADHD (April 2026). Correct as of September 2026.
Comparison
GP pathway vs psychiatrist: a comparison
| GP pathway (ACT) | Psychiatrist | |
|---|---|---|
| Wait time | Not yet available for new diagnosis | 6 to 12 months |
| Referral needed | No (for continuation) | Yes (GP referral) |
| Telehealth available | Yes, all of ACT | Limited availability |
| Medicare rebate | Yes (standard GP items) | Yes (specialist items) |
| Can diagnose ADHD | Not yet (Stage 2, later 2026) | Yes |
| Can initiate stimulants | Not yet (Stage 2, later 2026) | Yes |
| Can continue stimulants | Yes (Standing CHO Approval, since Feb 2026) | Yes |
Your GP
No ADHD GP in Australian Capital Territory yet
Walk in with your ADHD evidence done.
From your couch, one question at a time. One file any clinician can work from, sent securely to your GP, psychiatrist or psychologist.
- ADHD questionnaire
- Observer report
- Childhood evidence
- Cover page for your doctor
It sort of gamified the intake process and wasn’t so complex that it would discourage me from giving a proper answer.
Frank · early user
