Can a GP Prescribe ADHD Medication in Victoria?

Short answer: Not on their own — not yet. In Victoria a GP needs a Schedule 8 permit to prescribe stimulants, and permits are generally only issued where a specialist has made the diagnosis and reviewed the patient recently.¹² Victoria has announced a program to train GPs to diagnose and start treatment, but it depends on regulatory changes and no start date has been set.

The rules in Victoria

• A GP who prescribes stimulants for ADHD must hold a Schedule 8 treatment permit, applied for through SafeScript.¹ Permits are generally only issued to GPs where there is evidence of a specialist diagnosis and a specialist review within a specified period.
• Psychiatrists do not need a permit to prescribe stimulants to adults who are not drug-dependent.¹
• The Victorian Government announced in February 2026 that selected GPs would complete training in late 2026 to diagnose ADHD and initiate treatment for patients aged 6 and over, pending regulatory changes.² The Department of Health has not published a date from which GPs can begin.
• Prescribers must check SafeScript before prescribing a monitored medicine.³

Rules for prescribing ADHD medication, including stimulants, are set by each state and territory and have been changing quickly. The points above reflect the Victoria Health position as published in October 2026 — check the linked sources for the current wording.

What this means for you

For Victorians today, a specialist diagnosis and review is still the gateway to stimulant medication; a GP can then prescribe under a permit. Non-stimulant options are not subject to the same permit rules.

Diagnosis and prescribing are two different permissions

In every state, diagnosing ADHD and prescribing stimulant medication are governed separately. A diagnosis is a clinical judgement against the DSM-5 criteria that any suitably skilled doctor or psychologist can make; prescribing Schedule 8 stimulants is controlled by state law, with permits, approvals, authorities or designations depending on where you live, and every prescription is recorded in the state’s real-time prescription monitoring system (SafeScript in Victoria). Read more in who can diagnose ADHD in Australia.

Can I see ADHD GP from Victoria?

Not yet. We currently see patients in Queensland only, and we’re working on opening in other states.

Frequently asked questions

Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Victoria?

Not for the purpose of stimulant prescribing. Victorian permits for GPs to prescribe stimulants generally require evidence of a specialist diagnosis and review. A GP training program to diagnose and initiate treatment has been announced but has no start date yet.

Can a GP prescribe ADHD medication in Victoria?

A GP can prescribe stimulants under a Schedule 8 permit, which is generally only issued where a specialist has diagnosed and recently reviewed the patient. Psychiatrists do not need a permit for non-drug-dependent adults.

When will Victorian GPs be able to diagnose ADHD?

The Victorian Department of Health says the program depends on regulatory changes and has not published a start date. Check the department’s ADHD care in general practice page for updates.

Next steps

Compare the rules in every state in can a GP diagnose ADHD in Australia, read how much an ADHD diagnosis costs, or start with the free ADHD self-assessment.

This article is general information only and is not medical or legal advice. State prescribing rules change; the official sources linked in the references are the authority. ADHD GP is a private telehealth clinic staffed by AHPRA-registered Australian GPs. We currently see patients in Queensland.

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References

1. Victorian Department of Health. Stimulants for ADHD or narcolepsy — permit requirements. 2026. www.health.vic.gov.au — Victorian GPs are generally only issued a Schedule 8 permit to prescribe stimulants where there is evidence of a specialist diagnosis and a recent specialist review.
2. Victorian Department of Health. ADHD care in general practice. 2026. www.health.vic.gov.au — Victoria has announced a program training selected GPs to diagnose and initiate ADHD treatment, pending regulatory changes; no start date has been set.
3. Victorian Department of Health. SafeScript. 2026. www.health.vic.gov.au — Victoria’s real-time prescription monitoring system.

Sources were last checked on 5 October 2026. See all sources used on this site on our Sources page.