For years, getting an ADHD diagnosis in Queensland meant one thing: wait for a psychiatrist. The average public waitlist ran 6 to 18 months. Private psychiatrist assessments cost $600 to $1,600+ out of pocket. For adults in regional Queensland, the barriers were even higher.
Quick links
- What actually changed
- Why telehealth makes this even bigger
- What the GP does that a psychiatrist used to
- What this means if you are waiting for a diagnosis
That changed on 1 December 2025. Queensland became the first Australian state to allow specialist GPs to initiate, modify, and continue ADHD medication prescriptions for adults — without needing to refer to a psychiatrist first.
What actually changed
The Queensland Government amended the Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulation 2021. Previously, only psychiatrists could start ADHD medication in adults. GPs could only continue a prescription that a psychiatrist had already initiated. Now, a GP who has trained in ADHD assessment can diagnose adult ADHD and prescribe medication from the first appointment. No psychiatrist referral. No prior approval from Queensland Health.
The AMA Queensland described the reform as a positive step for patients, noting it would reduce pressure on specialist waitlists (AMAQ, 2025). The Queensland Government said it would mean “less Queenslanders will need to wait on specialist waitlists” (Queensland Government media release, 14 November 2025).
Why telehealth makes this even bigger
Combined with Medicare telehealth provisions, this reform means that a patient anywhere in Queensland can now see a GP trained in ADHD assessment via video, receive a diagnosis, and start treatment — without ever leaving home. For regional and rural Queenslanders, this is not a minor improvement. The nearest psychiatrist was previously a 3-hour drive away and booked out for a year.
What the GP does that a psychiatrist used to
A trained GP conducting an ADHD assessment uses the same validated tools a psychiatrist uses. The ASRS v1.1 — the WHO-validated screener — is the foundation. On top of that, the GP collects observer reports, childhood evidence, medical and mental health history, and reviews a structured clinical summary before your appointment even starts.
What this means if you are waiting for a diagnosis
If you are on a psychiatrist waitlist in Queensland, you no longer have to wait. Book with a GP trained in ADHD assessment, complete your intake at home, and have your first telehealth appointment within weeks. The two-appointment GP pathway costs a fraction of the psychiatrist cost, with Medicare rebates on eligible items. The clinical evidence collected is the same. The diagnosis carries the same weight.
Queensland GPs trained in ADHD assessment are listed on MySpecialistGP. Find a GP and request an appointment today.
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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