ADHD Assessment · Western Australia
Training underway, first cohort 2026
ADHD Assessment
in Western Australia
Western Australia committed $1.3 million to GP ADHD prescribing in June 2025. The first training cohort started in October 2025, with independently prescribing GPs expected by mid-2026. Patients aged 10 and over will be eligible.
$1.3M
State funding committed
65
Target GPs by end 2026
10+
Minimum patient age
100%
Telehealth available
Western Australia committed $1.3 million to GP ADHD prescribing training in June 2025. The first cohort of GPs started training in October 2025, with three sequential cohorts planned. Independently prescribing GPs are expected by mid-2026. The WA model requires a mandatory 6-month specialist co-management period before GPs can prescribe independently, covering patients aged 10 and over.
In this article
The reform
What is happening in Western Australia
In June 2025, the WA Government announced $1.3 million in funding for GP ADHD prescribing training. The first cohort of GPs began training in October 2025, developed by the RACGP specifically for the WA regulatory environment.
The WA model includes a mandatory 6-month specialist co-management period. During this phase, GPs assess patients and develop treatment plans alongside a specialist mentor before they can prescribe independently. This differs from Queensland (no co-management) and SA (peer learning groups).
Three sequential cohorts are planned. The target is 65 independently prescribing GPs by end of 2026, covering patients aged 10 and over. The first GPs to complete co-management and begin independent prescribing are expected by mid-2026.
GPs can diagnose
In training
GPs can initiate medication
After co-mgmt
GPs can continue prescriptions
Yes
Sources: WA Government media statements, June 2025 and October 2025.
Co-management
Training and co-management model
The WA model is distinctive in requiring a 6-month co-management period. Each GP in training is paired with a specialist mentor. During co-management, the GP conducts the assessment and develops the treatment plan, but the specialist reviews and co-signs prescribing decisions.
This model aims to build GP confidence and clinical skill before independent prescribing. After completing co-management, GPs can assess and prescribe independently for patients aged 10 and over.
RACGP-developed training covers ADHD assessment using validated tools, differential diagnosis, stimulant medication management, and monitoring protocols.
Is this for you?
Who this service is designed for
The WA GP pathway will cover patients aged 10 and over. While the pathway is being established, GPs can continue existing prescriptions with specialist written support.
- You have an existing ADHD diagnosis and need a GP to continue your medication
- Your specialist has provided written support for GP prescribing
- You have moved to WA 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 WA (Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Broome, Karratha) and specialist access is limited
Telehealth makes the service accessible from anywhere in Western Australia. Perth, the South West, the Goldfields, the Pilbara, or the Kimberley. Location is not a barrier.
The process
How the assessment works
You do most of the preparation at home, at your own pace. Your GP gets a structured clinical summary before the appointment, so consultation time is spent on assessment, not paperwork. Medicare rebates on eligible items.
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 and any existing specialist reports before the consultation. Appointment time is spent on clinical assessment.
3
Step 3
Consultation (telehealth or in person)
Your GP discusses the findings, confirms the diagnosis or refers for further assessment, and explains next steps including medication options if indicated.
4
Step 4
Ongoing care and monitoring
Short check-ins to adjust dosage, monitor side effects, and renew scripts. Follow-up frequency depends on your treatment stability.
Interstate prescribing
Can WA patients fill interstate GP scripts?
The position on interstate GP scripts for Schedule 8 stimulants in Western Australia is not settled. WA has expanded its own GP prescribing program (with the first cohort of GPs in co-management training), but whether a WA pharmacy can dispense a stimulant script written by an interstate GP has not been clearly addressed in published guidance.
WA has its own strict prescribing framework. GPs must complete a co-management pathway with a specialist before prescribing independently. It is unclear whether an interstate GP who is authorised in their home state would meet WA’s requirements for dispensing.
If you are in WA and considering seeing an interstate GP via telehealth for ADHD, check with your local pharmacy and WA Health before booking. The pharmacy may decline to dispense an interstate script if the regulatory position is unclear.
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 | Likely yes | No explicit prohibition found. Script must meet ACT format requirements. |
| Northern Territory | Grey area for GPs | Specialist scripts accepted. GP scripts ambiguous. Contact NT Poisons Control. |
Based on WA Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 and WA Health guidance. The interstate position is not explicitly addressed in published guidance as of April 2026. Contact WA Health for confirmation.
Comparison
GP pathway vs psychiatrist: a comparison
| GP pathway (WA) | Psychiatrist | |
|---|---|---|
| Wait time | Not yet available for new diagnosis | 12 to 24 months |
| Referral needed | No (for continuation) | Yes (GP referral) |
| Telehealth available | Yes, all of WA | Limited availability |
| Medicare rebate | Yes (standard GP items) | Yes (specialist items) |
| Can diagnose ADHD | After co-management (mid-2026) | Yes |
| Can initiate stimulants | After co-management (mid-2026) | Yes |
| Can continue stimulants | Yes (with specialist written support) | Yes |
Our network
We are building our GP network in Western Australia
We are recruiting GPs in Western Australia who are trained or training in ADHD prescribing. If you are a GP interested in joining our network, register your interest.
National comparison
ADHD GP prescribing in other states
| State | Diagnose? | Initiate stimulants? | Continue? | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Yes | Yes | Yes | Active since Dec 2025 |
| South Australia | Yes | Yes | Yes | Active since Feb 2026 |
| New South Wales | Stage 2 (training) | Expected mid-late 2026 | Yes | 749 continuation prescribers |
| Victoria | In training | Expected late 2026 | Yes (S8 permit) | 150 GPs target by Sep 2026 |
| Western Australia | In training | After co-management | Yes | 65 GPs target by end 2026 |
| ACT | Later 2026 (Stage 2) | Later 2026 | Yes (Standing CHO) | Continuation active Feb 2026 |
| Tasmania | Not yet | Not yet | Yes (with authorisation) | Committed, details in dev |
| Northern Territory | No | No | Limited (S8 permit) | No reform announced |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Western Australia?
Not yet independently. The first cohort of GPs is in training with a mandatory 6-month co-management period. Independently prescribing GPs are expected by mid-2026. GPs can currently continue medication with specialist written support.
What is the co-management model in WA?
WA requires each GP in training to work alongside a specialist mentor for 6 months. During this period, the GP conducts assessments but the specialist reviews and co-signs prescribing decisions. After completing co-management, the GP prescribes independently.
What age groups does the WA pathway cover?
Patients aged 10 and over. This is slightly higher than some other states (SA covers 8+, VIC plans for 6+).
How many GPs will be trained in WA?
The target is 65 independently prescribing GPs by the end of 2026, through three sequential training cohorts.
Does Medicare cover GP ADHD consultations in WA?
Yes. GP consultations are billed under standard Medicare items. You receive the same Medicare rebate as any other GP appointment.
I live in regional WA. Will telehealth be available?
Yes. We are building a network of GPs across WA offering telehealth from anywhere in the state, including Perth, Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, and remote areas.
ADHD articles for WA patients
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AADPA 9th Annual ADHD Conference 2026. Melbourne. July 25-26.
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How to Tell If Your ADHD Medication Dose Needs Adjusting
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Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications: When Your GP Might Suggest Them
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ADHD and anxiety: why they look alike and how GPs tell them apart
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Western Australia · Telehealth · Medicare rebates
Register your interest for ADHD assessment in WA
GP-led ADHD assessment is coming to Western Australia. Register to be notified when trained GPs are available. If you need continuation prescribing now, we can help connect you.
Or call to discuss your options first.