ADHD Foundation Australia has used the word “crisis.” Public waitlists run 6 to 18 months. Private psychiatrist assessments cost $600 to $1,600+. Nearly 600,000 Australians are currently prescribed ADHD medication.
Quick links
PBS prescriptions for ADHD medication reached 4.6 million in 2023-24, with the rate of patients prescribed ADHD medication increasing 11-fold since 2004-05. The 2023 Senate Inquiry made 15 recommendations including developing a National ADHD Framework and removing barriers to diagnosis.
A postcode lottery
SBS News described ADHD access as a “postcode lottery.” Inner-city Brisbane: private psychiatrist in weeks if you can afford it. Regional Queensland: 3 hours away, booked for a year. A telehealth ADHD assessment removes the geography problem entirely.
What changed in December 2025
From 1 December 2025, Queensland became the first state to allow trained GPs to diagnose adult ADHD and initiate medication without a psychiatrist referral. NSW introduced continuation prescribing from September 2025, with endorsed prescriber training commencing from March 2026. Combined with Medicare telehealth, a patient anywhere in Queensland can access a structured ADHD assessment via video in weeks, with Medicare rebates on eligible items. See our state-by-state prescribing guide for the latest.
Queensland GPs trained in ADHD assessment are listed on MySpecialistGP. Find a GP and request an appointment today.
Citations
- ADHD Foundation Australia
- AIHW: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Senate Community Affairs References Committee: ADHD Assessment and Support Services (2023)
- SBS News: ADHD Diagnosis a “Postcode Lottery”
- Queensland Health: GP ADHD Diagnosis and Prescribing Pathway (December 2025)
- AADPA Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD
How long is the ADHD waitlist in Queensland?
Public psychiatrist waitlists for ADHD assessment in Queensland run 6 to 18 months depending on your location. Regional areas face the longest waits. Since December 2025, trained GPs can diagnose adult ADHD via telehealth, which typically takes two to four weeks.
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Queensland?
Yes. Since 1 December 2025, Queensland GPs who have completed approved training can diagnose adult ADHD and initiate stimulant medication without a psychiatrist referral. This includes telehealth consultations.
How much does a private ADHD assessment cost in Australia?
Private psychiatrist ADHD assessments typically cost $600 to $1,600 or more out of pocket. A GP telehealth assessment is significantly less. See our Medicare rebates guide for a full cost breakdown.
What did the 2023 Senate Inquiry recommend for ADHD?
The Senate Community Affairs References Committee made 15 recommendations including developing a National ADHD Framework, improving access to diagnosis and treatment, and removing regulatory barriers that restrict who can diagnose ADHD.
Is telehealth ADHD assessment available outside Queensland?
Telehealth ADHD assessment is available nationally. However, GP prescribing rules vary by state. NSW introduced continuation prescribing from September 2025, with endorsed prescriber training commencing from March 2026. Check our state-by-state guide for the latest.
General health information
This article is general health information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with a qualified health professional before making any changes to your medication or treatment plan.
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