If you have been waiting months for a psychiatrist appointment to get an ADHD assessment, there is now a shorter path available in South Australia. Since the end of February 2026, around 100 SA GPs are qualified to assess, diagnose, and prescribe for ADHD in adults and children aged 8 and older. More than 300 GPs applied for those 100 spots. Here is what it costs, what the three-appointment process looks like, and how to find a trained GP near you.
In this article
- What does it actually cost?
- What does the process look like?
- Who can be assessed?
- How do you find a trained SA GP?
- What is coming next?
- What about the pre-appointment survey?
- A note on what to expect
- Frequently asked questions
What does it actually cost?
According to figures reported in ABC News on 22 April 2026, the SA GP pathway costs around $600 across three appointments. That compares to $2,000 or more and an eight-month wait through the psychiatrist route.
The GP pathway uses standard MBS consultation items. Out-of-pocket costs vary by practice, but the reported figure of approximately $600 for the full three-appointment pathway is consistent with the GP consultation fee structure nationally.
If you are in a practice that bulk bills, your costs could be lower. Ask about fees before booking.
What does the process look like?
The SA GP ADHD assessment follows a structured three-appointment model.
Before your first appointment
You will be asked to complete a pre-appointment survey. This gathers background information so the GP can use the consultation time for clinical assessment rather than collecting administrative details.
First appointment: structured interview
The first appointment runs approximately one hour. Your GP will go through your history in a structured way: questions about symptoms across different areas of your life, when they started, and how they affect your day-to-day. This is not a test with a pass or fail result. It is a clinical conversation your GP uses to build a complete picture.
Follow-up appointments
The remaining appointments allow the GP to complete the assessment, discuss their findings with you, and if appropriate, talk about next steps. Your GP makes the clinical determination. The timeline from first appointment to having a clear answer is typically around a month under this model.
Who can be assessed?
The SA training program covers adults and children aged 8 and older. You do not need a specialist referral to book with a trained GP under this pathway. Your GP may refer you onward if your presentation is complex, but for most presentations the GP pathway is self-contained.
How do you find a trained SA GP?
RACGP SA is the training body. At the time of publishing, a public list of trained GPs is not widely available. That is expected to improve as the program matures.
Practical steps:
- Contact your current GP and ask directly whether they have completed accredited ADHD assessment training
- Ask the practice manager whether any GP at the practice completed the RACGP SA ADHD training cohort
- Check the AADPA member directory at aadpa.com.au, which lists GPs who are AADPA members (voluntary listing, not a formal credential registry)
If your GP has not completed the training, ask for a referral to one who has. You are entitled to ask about qualifications before booking a specific assessment.
What is coming next?
The first cohort of 100 GPs includes approximately 40 from regional SA. A second cohort of 100 GPs is planned by the end of 2026, with a specific focus on regional and rural areas.
This matters. Four Corners data cited in the ABC report shows ADHD diagnosis rates in SA are all below 3% prevalence. Regional areas like the Eyre Peninsula have diagnosis rates as low as 0.81%, compared to 1.99% in Gawler and Two Wells. The second cohort is a direct response to that gap.
If you are in regional SA and cannot access a trained GP locally right now, telehealth is an option. Several practices offer telehealth ADHD assessments for SA patients.
What about the pre-appointment survey?
The SA model specifically includes a pre-appointment survey as part of the process. This is not unique to SA. Clinical guidelines support collecting structured background information before the consultation starts, not during it.
When patients complete a structured intake before their appointment, the GP walks in with a clear picture of your history. The consultation focuses on clinical assessment rather than data gathering. That is what makes the one-hour appointment thorough rather than rushed.
My Specialist GP uses this same approach. We use structured intake technology that patients complete from their phone before the appointment. The GP receives a complete clinical summary before the consultation starts.
A note on what to expect
Getting assessed for ADHD does not guarantee any particular outcome. Your GP makes the clinical determination based on the full assessment. The structured intake process supports a thorough assessment. It does not determine the result.
If you are looking for a practice that uses structured intake technology for ADHD assessment, My Specialist GP offers telehealth ADHD assessments for adults and children across Australia, including SA.
Frequently asked questions
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in South Australia?
Yes. Since the end of February 2026, approximately 100 SA GPs have completed RACGP SA accredited training and are qualified to assess, diagnose, and prescribe for ADHD in adults and children aged 8 and older. A second cohort of 100 GPs is planned by the end of 2026.
How much does an ADHD assessment cost with a GP in South Australia?
According to ABC News reporting from April 2026, the SA GP pathway costs approximately $600 across three appointments. This compares to $2,000 or more for the psychiatrist route, which also involves an average wait of around eight months.
What does a GP ADHD assessment in SA involve?
The SA model uses a three-appointment structure: a pre-appointment survey, an approximately one-hour structured interview, and follow-up appointments. The GP conducts the full assessment and makes the clinical determination.
Who is eligible for a GP ADHD assessment in South Australia?
Adults and children aged 8 and older. No specialist referral is required to book with a trained GP under the SA pathway.
How do I find an ADHD-trained GP in South Australia?
Ask your current GP whether they have completed the RACGP SA ADHD training. You can also check the AADPA member directory at aadpa.com.au. A second cohort of trained GPs, with a focus on regional SA, is expected by the end of 2026.
Are there ADHD-trained GPs in regional South Australia?
Approximately 40% of the first cohort of 100 trained SA GPs are in regional areas. A second cohort, planned by the end of 2026, is specifically targeting regional and rural SA where access to ADHD assessment has historically been limited.
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.
MySpecialistGP is a health information and GP directory service operated by Webbed Feet Pty Ltd. Read our Medical Disclaimer.
