ADHD Assessment
in New South Wales

The reform

What changed in NSW

In September 2025, NSW Health introduced a two-stage pathway for GPs to manage adult ADHD medication.

Stage 1 (active since September 2025) allows GPs who complete an endorsed training program to continue prescribing stimulant medication that a psychiatrist originally initiated. The patient must have a stable dose and a letter from the treating psychiatrist confirming the diagnosis and treatment plan. As of January 2026, 749 GPs had completed Stage 1 training.

Stage 2 (in training, expected mid to late 2026) will allow trained GPs to independently diagnose ADHD and initiate stimulant medication without a prior psychiatrist assessment. Stage 2 training started in March 2026 and takes 3 to 6 months to complete.

Before these reforms, the only pathway to ADHD medication in NSW required a psychiatrist diagnosis and ongoing psychiatrist management. With psychiatrist wait times averaging 12 to 18 months in Sydney and longer in regional NSW, many adults went undiagnosed.

Source: NSW Health ADHD prescribing pathways. NSW Ministry of Health Stage 1 and Stage 2 training framework.

GP training

Training requirements

Unlike Queensland (which has no mandatory training requirement), NSW requires all GPs to complete an endorsed training program before they can prescribe ADHD medication.

The endorsed training is a 3 to 6 month RACGP-accredited program covering ADHD assessment, differential diagnosis, medication management, and monitoring. The program includes online modules, clinical case studies, and supervised practice.

Stage 1 (continuation prescribing) requires completion of the full training program. Stage 2 (diagnosis and initiation) requires additional training modules that are currently in development.

Comparison

GP continuation vs psychiatrist: a comparison

Interstate prescribing

Can interstate GPs prescribe to NSW patients?

NSW has the strictest interstate prescribing rules in Australia. Every psychostimulant prescription dispensed at an NSW pharmacy must carry an NSW authority number. There is no pathway for an interstate GP to obtain one.

This means a prescription written by a QLD, SA, or VIC GP cannot be filled at an NSW pharmacy, regardless of whether the GP is AHPRA-registered and the prescription is otherwise valid.

If you are in NSW and need ADHD medication, your options are:

• See a trained NSW continuation prescriber (749+ GPs across the state) if you have an existing diagnosis
• See a psychiatrist for a first-time diagnosis (until Stage 2 opens mid to late 2026)
• If moving from interstate, ask your current GP for a handover letter so an NSW continuation prescriber can take over

Sending Schedule 8 medication through Australia Post is a criminal offence under section 85W of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). There is no pharmacy exemption. Courier delivery interstate has no regulatory endorsement.

The table below shows the interstate dispensing position for all states, so you can see how NSW compares.

Sources: Crimes Act 1914 s85W. NSW Health psychostimulant prescribing authority requirements. State and territory drugs and poisons legislation. Correct as of April 2026.

Telehealth

Telehealth across New South Wales

All continuation consultations are available via telehealth. You do not need to travel to a clinic. This makes the service accessible whether you are in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains, Canberra-adjacent border areas, Dubbo, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, or anywhere in regional and remote NSW.

You need a stable internet connection, a device with a camera (phone, tablet, or computer), and a quiet, private space for your appointment. Scripts are sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy.