How to Get Diagnosed with ADHD in Australia (Step-by-Step)

Short answer: To get diagnosed with ADHD in Australia as an adult, you book an assessment with a clinician who can diagnose it — a GP, in the states where GPs can diagnose and start treatment, or a psychiatrist, usually with a GP referral. The assessment uses the DSM-5 criteria, validated questionnaires and your history, and because ADHD begins in childhood you’ll need to show your symptoms started then.² Here’s the full process.

Step 1: Recognise the symptoms

Most people start because they recognise long-standing patterns — difficulty focusing, disorganisation, restlessness, impulsivity, or emotional overwhelm that has affected work, study or relationships for years. Taking a free online ADHD test (such as the 18-question ASRS self-assessment) can be a useful first step, but it is not a diagnosis.

Step 2: Choose your pathway

There are three main routes to an adult ADHD diagnosis in Australia:

• GP pathway: In Queensland, GPs with specialist registration in general practice have been able to diagnose adult ADHD and start medication since December 2025.³ Trained GPs in Western Australia and South Australia can now do the same.⁴⁵ In New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT, GPs can currently continue treatment once a specialist has made the diagnosis, and GP diagnosis has been announced but isn’t in place yet. You don’t need a referral to see a GP. Check the rules in your state.
• Psychiatrist pathway: Requires a GP referral to claim any Medicare rebate. The average wait for a first appointment is around 16 weeks, and up to a year.¹ Best for complex presentations.
• Psychologist: Psychologists can assess and diagnose ADHD — GPs often refer to a psychologist, psychiatrist or paediatrician for assessment⁶ — but psychologists can’t prescribe medication. If you want to consider medication, a doctor will need to confirm the diagnosis under your state’s rules.

Almost all adult ADHD assessment in Australia is done privately.⁷ NSW Health has announced it will fund up to 2,500 free GP assessments in selected practices from early 2027.⁸

Step 3: Complete your intake

A thorough assessment collects information before your appointment: validated questionnaires, your personal and family history, evidence of symptoms before age 12 (school reports or a childhood history form completed by someone who knew you), and any previous mental health history. The more complete your intake, the more your appointment can focus on the clinical discussion.

Step 4: The assessment appointments

A GP ADHD assessment is usually two appointments. The first reviews your symptoms, history and questionnaire results and orders any baseline checks (blood pressure, sometimes an ECG or bloods) needed before medication. The second confirms the diagnosis against DSM-5 criteria and, where appropriate, starts a treatment plan.

With us, that’s a 45-minute initial assessment, a blood test and ECG at a pathology centre near you, then a 30-minute follow-up — see how our assessment works and how long an ADHD assessment takes.

Step 5: Diagnosis and treatment plan

If ADHD is diagnosed, you’ll leave with a clear plan — which may include medication, strategies, and ongoing reviews. Whether medication can be started straight away depends on your state’s prescribing rules, and your doctor will explain what applies to you. If ADHD isn’t the best explanation for your symptoms, a good clinician will consider other causes and guide your next steps, so you get answers either way.

What it costs

Psychiatrists set their own fees: with a GP referral, Medicare pays 85% of the schedule fee and you pay the gap.⁹ Our How it works page takes you through our assessment step by step, with our fees at the end. For a full breakdown — Medicare items, safety nets and what medication costs afterwards — see how much an ADHD diagnosis costs in Australia.

What you’ll need to prepare

• Examples of how symptoms affect your daily life across more than one setting (work and home)
• Evidence that symptoms were present in childhood (before age 12)
• Any previous reports, assessments or relevant medical history
• A nominated person who can comment on your history, where possible

Frequently asked questions

How do I get tested for ADHD in Australia?

You book an assessment with a clinician who can diagnose ADHD — depending on your state, a GP who meets the state’s requirements or a psychiatrist (usually with a GP referral). The assessment uses the DSM-5 criteria, validated questionnaires and your history, usually over two appointments.

Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment?

Not to see a GP — you can book directly. You need a current GP referral to claim a Medicare rebate for a psychiatrist appointment.

How long does it take to get diagnosed?

Through our GP telehealth pathway, usually about two weeks from booking to diagnosis. The average wait for a first ADHD assessment appointment with a psychiatrist in Australia is around 16 weeks, and up to a year.¹

How much does an ADHD diagnosis cost?

It depends on who assesses you. Psychiatrists set their own fees; Medicare pays part of the schedule fee if you have a GP referral, and you pay the gap. Our own fees are set out on our How it works page.

Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?

Yes, psychologists can assess and diagnose ADHD, but they can’t prescribe medication. If medication is being considered, a doctor who can prescribe under your state’s rules needs to be satisfied of the diagnosis.

This article is general information only and is not medical advice. ADHD GP is a private telehealth clinic staffed by AHPRA-registered Australian GPs, offering adult ADHD assessment in Queensland.

Next steps

Not sure if you have ADHD? Start with our free ADHD test (the 18-question ASRS self-assessment). When you’re ready, our GPs offer telehealth assessments for adults in Queensland — no referral needed — and we’re working on opening in other states. Book an assessment, see how it works, or compare your options in Queensland.

Related reading: Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Australia?, How much does an ADHD diagnosis cost? and What is ADHD? Types, causes and diagnosis.

¹ Average wait for a first adult ADHD assessment appointment with a psychiatrist in Australia is 16 weeks, and can be up to 52 weeks. O’Toole et al., Journal of Attention Disorders, 2026. All sources

References

1. O’Toole C, Finlayson J, Johnstone S, Croaker K. Accessibility of ADHD Assessments in Australia: A Secret Shopper Study. Journal of Attention Disorders. 2026; 30(9):1104–1117. PubMed PMID 41742378
2. healthdirect (Australian Government). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 2025. www.healthdirect.gov.au — ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in early childhood; around 1 in 20 people in Australia has ADHD; it is partly genetic; an adult diagnosis requires evidence that symptoms began in childhood; learning difficulties can occur alongside it.
3. Queensland Health. Fact sheet: prescribing psychostimulants for ADHD. 2025. www.health.qld.gov.au — All specialist GPs can initiate, modify and continue psychostimulants for adults with ADHD; no Queensland Health approval needed up to the maximum daily dose.
4. WA Department of Health. ADHD diagnosis and treatment through general practitioners. 2026. www.health.wa.gov.au — WA GPs who complete the approved training and are designated by the Department can assess, diagnose and initiate stimulant treatment for patients aged 10 and over, initially for up to 50 patients each.
5. SA Health. Access ADHD care through a GP. 2026. www.sahealth.sa.gov.au — From 28 February 2026, specially trained South Australian GPs can assess, diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for ADHD in children aged 8 and over and adults, without a psychiatrist or paediatrician referral.
6. Queensland Government. ADHD — conditions and treatments. 2025. www.qld.gov.au — From 1 December 2025 specialist GPs in Queensland can prescribe ADHD medication for adults and children; a doctor who cannot diagnose ADHD may refer to a paediatrician, psychiatrist or psychologist.
7. Parliament of Australia — Senate Community Affairs References Committee. Assessment and support services for people with ADHD — Chapter 3: barriers to assessment and diagnosis. 2023. www.aph.gov.au — Almost all adult ADHD assessment and diagnosis in Australia is done through the private sector, and cost is a barrier to diagnosis. The committee heard that gender bias has led to under- and misdiagnosis of ADHD in girls and women, who are commonly misdiagnosed with other mental health conditions first and often learn to mask their symptoms.
8. NSW Health. ADHD in NSW — reforms to assessment and treatment. 2026. www.health.nsw.gov.au — From late October 2026 trained NSW GPs will be able to assess and diagnose ADHD in people aged 6 and over; from early 2027 NSW Health will fund up to 2,500 free GP ADHD assessments in selected practices.
9. Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Medicare — what it costs. 2026. www.health.gov.au — Medicare pays 85% of the schedule fee for a specialist and 100% for general practitioners; practitioners can charge more than the schedule fee and the patient pays the difference.

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