ADHD Assessment · Victoria
ADHD Assessment
in Victoria
Victoria announced $750,000 in funding for GP ADHD prescribing training in February 2026. The first 150 GPs train in September and October 2026. Late October is the earliest a Victorian GP can diagnose. GPs can already continue stimulant medication with an S8 permit. Full GP-led diagnosis and initiation is expected by late 2026.
Rules last checked: 04 September 2026
Official sources: Victoria: ADHD care in general practiceVictoria: stimulants for ADHD or narcolepsy permit requirements
Victoria is moving toward GP-led ADHD care, but the regulatory framework is not yet active. The state announced $750,000 in training funding in February 2026, with 150 GPs starting training in September 2026 and completing it across September and October. Patients aged 6 and over will be eligible once the pathway opens. In the meantime, Victorian GPs can continue stimulant medication under an existing S8 permit if a specialist has made the diagnosis.
In this article
The reform
What is happening in Victoria
Current pathway: Training begins September 2026; regulatory commencement not yet published
What this means
Assessment and initiation: Selected GPs begin training in September 2026, with training across September and October. Regulatory changes are still pending, so the independent diagnosis and initiation pathway is not yet operating.
Ongoing care: Existing patient-permit continuation may be possible after specialist diagnosis and recent specialist review. Confirm the current permit requirements with the GP.
Requirements and safeguards
Current continuation pathway: a Schedule 8 permit is generally required, supported by evidence of specialist diagnosis and recent specialist review. Future independent pathway: selected GPs must complete recognised RACGP online modules and a 2-day workshop; authority remains subject to regulatory changes. SafeScript checks remain mandatory.
Rules last checked: 04 September 2026
Official sources: Victoria: ADHD care in general practiceVictoria: stimulants for ADHD or narcolepsy permit requirements
Find me an ADHD GP in Victoria
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
Right now, the GP continuation pathway is for adults and children in Victoria who already have a specialist ADHD diagnosis and stable medication. When the full pathway opens, it will cover new assessments for patients aged 6 and over.
- You have an existing ADHD diagnosis and need a GP to continue your medication
- Your psychiatrist has discharged you and your local GP needs an S8 permit
- You have moved to Victoria from another state and need a local prescriber
- You suspect ADHD and want to register interest for when GP-led assessment opens
- You live in regional Victoria (Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Warrnambool) and specialist access is limited
Telehealth appointments are available from anywhere in Victoria. Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Gippsland, the Great Ocean Road corridor, or the Wimmera. Location is not a barrier.
The process
How the assessment works
For patients with an existing diagnosis and stable medication, the continuation process works the same way across all states. You do the preparation at home, and your GP reviews everything before the appointment.
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, existing specialist reports, and medication history before the consultation. Appointment time is spent on clinical assessment.
3
Step 3
Consultation (telehealth or in person)
Your GP reviews the findings, confirms the existing diagnosis, checks your current medication and dose, and decides whether to continue prescribing under the S8 permit framework.
4
Step 4
Ongoing care and monitoring
Short check-ins to monitor treatment, adjust dosage if needed, and renew scripts. Follow-up every 3 to 6 months depending on your GP and treatment stability.
Interstate prescribing
Can Victorian patients access interstate ADHD GPs?
Yes. Victoria accepts interstate Schedule 8 prescriptions from AHPRA-registered practitioners. A Victorian pharmacy can dispense a stimulant script written by a GP registered in another state.
This is significant because Victoria’s own GP prescribing pathway is still in training (target late 2026 for GP-initiated prescribing). Until that pathway opens, Victorian patients who need a first-time ADHD assessment through a GP can access GPs from states where prescribing is already active, such as Queensland and South Australia, via telehealth.
Victorian patients with an existing diagnosis can also access local continuation prescribing. GPs can apply for an S8 permit to continue medication that a specialist originally prescribed.
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 Victorian Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 and DHHS guidance. Correct as of 14 September 2026.
Comparison
GP pathway vs psychiatrist: a comparison
| GP pathway (VIC, current) | Psychiatrist | |
|---|---|---|
| Wait time | Not yet available for new diagnosis | 12 to 18 months |
| Referral needed | No (for continuation) | Yes (GP referral) |
| Telehealth available | Yes, all of VIC | Limited availability |
| Medicare rebate | Yes (standard GP items) | Yes (specialist items) |
| Can diagnose ADHD | Not yet (expected late 2026) | Yes |
| Can initiate stimulants | Not yet (expected late 2026) | Yes |
| Can continue stimulants | Yes (S8 permit with specialist diagnosis) | Yes |
Your GP
Meet your Victorian GP
Dr Sandy Skinner
MBBS; FRACGP; BSc
- QueenslandNew diagnosis and continuing treatment
- VictoriaNew diagnosis and continuing treatment
National comparison
ADHD GP prescribing in other states
Rules change by state. See the national guide for the current map, official sources and state-by-state details.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Victoria?
Not yet. Victoria has announced $750,000 in training funding with 150 GPs in training from September 2026. The regulatory instrument allowing GP-led diagnosis is not yet active. GPs can currently continue stimulant medication under an existing S8 permit if a specialist made the diagnosis.
When will Victorian GPs be able to prescribe ADHD medication independently?
The target is late 2026. Training is underway and the state government has committed funding, but the regulatory change has not yet been gazetted.
Can a GP continue my ADHD medication in Victoria?
Yes. If you have an existing diagnosis from a specialist and are on stable medication, your GP can apply for an S8 permit to continue prescribing. This does not require the new training program.
What age groups will the Victorian GP pathway cover?
The announced program covers patients aged 6 and over, which includes both children and adults.
Does Medicare cover GP ADHD consultations in Victoria?
Yes. GP consultations are billed under standard Medicare items. You receive the same Medicare rebate as any other GP appointment.
I live in regional Victoria. Are there ADHD GPs near me?
We are building a network of GPs across Victoria, including Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, and regional areas. Telehealth is available from anywhere in Victoria.
ADHD articles for VIC patients
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What to Expect in the First 4 Weeks on ADHD Medication
Read more →: What to Expect in the First 4 Weeks on ADHD MedicationA week-by-week guide to starting ADHD medication in Australia, covering titration timelines for Vyvanse, dexamphetamine, and methylphenidate, common side effects,…
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ADHD Medication Dose Too Low or Too High? Signs and How Your GP Adjusts It
Read more →: ADHD Medication Dose Too Low or Too High? Signs and How Your GP Adjusts ItSigns your ADHD medication dose may be too low or too high, and how your GP adjusts dexamphetamine, Vyvanse, Ritalin…
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Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications: When Your GP Might Suggest Them
Read more →: Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications: When Your GP Might Suggest ThemAn Australian guide to non-stimulant ADHD medications including atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine, and clonidine. When stimulants are not suitable, how non-stimulants…
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ADHD and anxiety: why they look alike and how GPs tell them apart
Read more →: ADHD and anxiety: why they look alike and how GPs tell them apartADHD and anxiety share symptoms like restlessness, poor concentration, and sleep problems. Up to 50% of adults with ADHD also…
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Understanding ADHD Medication Side Effects: What Is Normal and What Is Not
Read more →: Understanding ADHD Medication Side Effects: What Is Normal and What Is NotA practical guide to ADHD medication side effects in Australia, categorised by stimulant and non-stimulant. Covers appetite suppression, sleep disruption,…
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ADHD burnout vs depression: how your GP tells the difference
Read more →: ADHD burnout vs depression: how your GP tells the differenceADHD burnout and depression share symptoms like exhaustion, withdrawal, and difficulty functioning. But the causes differ, and so does the…
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Victoria · Telehealth · Medicare rebates
Register your interest for ADHD assessment in VIC
GP-led ADHD diagnosis is coming to Victoria. Register to be notified when trained GPs are available in your area. If you need continuation prescribing now, we can help connect you.
Or call to discuss your options first.