Can a GP now diagnose and prescribe for ADHD in NSW?
Can a GP prescribe ADHD medication in NSW? For many patients, yes — and for more people over the next year. For years, ADHD care in NSW meant long waits and high costs to see a specialist. That is changing. NSW is rolling out reforms that give trained GPs a much bigger role in ADHD care, in stages. Here is what has changed, what is coming, and what it means for you.
The short answer.
The reforms come in two stages, and the two stages do very different things.
Until recently, ADHD in NSW was almost always diagnosed by a psychiatrist or a paediatrician, and only they could start stimulant medication. GPs were largely kept out of both steps, which is a big part of why families faced long waitlists and significant out-of-pocket costs.
The NSW reforms change that in two stages. Stage one is already in effect: eligible GPs who complete approved training can continue the ADHD medication a specialist has already started, for patients who are stable. Stage two is being rolled out: a smaller group of specially endorsed GPs will be able to diagnose ADHD and start medication themselves, without a specialist first.
So the honest answer to can a GP prescribe ADHD medication in NSW is: yes, provided your GP holds the right NSW Health authority. NSW Health sets out exactly who can prescribe a psychostimulant medicine, and the Agency for Clinical Innovation publishes a map you can use to find a GP who is an ADHD prescriber in NSW.
The one-line version
Many GPs can now continue your ADHD prescriptions. A growing number will soon be able to diagnose and start treatment too, as endorsed prescribers complete their training through 2026.
Now available at Rosedale
You do not have to wait for the statewide rollout. GP-led ADHD assessment and diagnosis is available now at Rosedale in West Pennant Hills. Book an ADHD assessment.
Two stages, side by side.
The difference between continuing treatment and starting it is the key thing to understand.
| Stage 1: Continuation | Stage 2: Diagnosis & initiation | |
|---|---|---|
| What the GP can do | Continue stimulant medication a specialist already started | Diagnose ADHD and start stimulant medication |
| Who it is for | Patients aged 6 and over, already diagnosed and stable on treatment | Patients seeking a new assessment and diagnosis |
| GP requirements | GP fellowship, approved training, and registration with NSW Health as a continuation prescriber | Must first be a continuation prescriber, then complete further endorsed prescriber training |
| Status | In effect since September 2025 | Rolling out through 2026 as endorsed prescribers are trained |
In other words, if you already have a diagnosis, the reforms may already help you today. If you are still seeking a diagnosis, the GP-led pathway is opening progressively, with the first endorsed prescribers expected to come online later in 2026.
The reform timeline, in plain terms.
-
1
Before Sep 2025
Specialist-led only
ADHD was diagnosed and started by psychiatrists and paediatricians, with GPs largely unable to prescribe.
-
2
From Sep 2025
Continuation begins
Stage one starts. Trained, registered GPs can continue stimulant prescriptions for stable patients aged 6 and over.
-
3
During 2026
Endorsed training
Around 300 GPs begin endorsed prescriber training, the qualification needed to diagnose and initiate.
-
4
Late 2026 onward
GP-led diagnosis
The first endorsed GPs can diagnose and start treatment, with the rollout continuing across the state.
What this means for you.
Where you fit depends on where you are in your ADHD journey.
"I just need my scripts managed."
If you are stable on medication a specialist started, a GP who is a continuation prescriber may be able to look after your ongoing prescriptions, closer to home and often at lower cost.
"I think I have ADHD."
GP-led diagnosis is opening as endorsed prescribers are trained. In the meantime, your GP can talk through your symptoms, begin the process and guide you toward assessment.
"I want care closer to home."
If you have been travelling far or paying premium fees for reviews, bring your specialist letters and plan. We can review whether continuation care with us suits you.
Where Rosedale fits in.
We are a GP-owned practice in West Pennant Hills that follows these reforms closely.
Several of our GPs have a genuine interest in ADHD and provide continuation care for adults already diagnosed and stable on treatment, under the stage one pathway. If your ADHD overlaps with perimenopause or menopause, that is an area we pay particular attention to, because falling oestrogen can affect focus and attention. You can read more about ADHD and perimenopause.
Patients often ask us: can a GP prescribe ADHD medication in NSW for someone in my situation? That is exactly the conversation to have at your next appointment.
- Continuation prescribing for existing, stable ADHD diagnoses under stage one
- An unhurried first conversation if you are wondering whether ADHD explains what you are experiencing
- Continuity of care, so the same practice can support you as the stage two pathway expands
- Your first appointment is in person at West Pennant Hills, with ongoing reviews available by telehealth in NSW and an in-person review at least once every 12 months
An honest note
Eligibility for continuation care depends on your history and current treatment, and GP-led diagnosis depends on the rollout of endorsed prescribers. The best next step is simply a conversation, so we can tell you what is possible for your situation right now.
If you would like to understand the assessment side in more detail, see our pages on ADHD diagnosis with a GP and ADHD symptoms in adults and children.
Speak with a GP who follows this closely.
ADHD and women's health are areas of genuine interest at Rosedale.
Dr Priya Ashwath
GP
Telehealth ADHD reviewsA special interest in perimenopause, menopause and ADHD, so overlapping concerns are considered together. About Dr Ashwath.
Book with Dr Ashwath→
Dr Natasha Paul
GP
In person & telehealthExperience in women's health, menopause and family care, with an interest in ADHD continuation care. About Dr Paul.
Book with Dr Paul→Common questions.
Can a GP prescribe ADHD medication in NSW?
Yes, in many cases. Since September 2025, a GP in NSW who has completed the approved training and registered with NSW Health as a continuation prescriber can continue the ADHD stimulant medication a specialist started, for patients aged 6 and over who are already diagnosed and stable. Starting a brand new diagnosis and the first prescription still generally involves a psychiatrist or paediatrician while GP-led diagnosis is phased in through 2026. At Rosedale, GP-led ADHD assessment and diagnosis is now available.
Who can prescribe ADHD medication in NSW?
For a new diagnosis and to start medication, a psychiatrist or paediatrician is still the usual pathway, and specially endorsed GPs are being phased in through 2026. For ongoing care once you are diagnosed and stable, a GP registered as a continuation prescriber can now manage and continue your treatment. Your GP can tell you what fits your situation. At Rosedale, GP-led assessment is available now.
Can my GP prescribe my ADHD medication now in NSW?
Often, yes, if you are already diagnosed and stable. Since September 2025, GPs who have completed the approved training and registered with NSW Health as a continuation prescriber can continue the stimulant medication a specialist started, for patients aged 6 and over. Whether a particular GP can do this depends on their registration and your individual situation.
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in NSW yet?
This is the stage two part of the reforms, and it is rolling out through 2026. Only specially endorsed prescribers can diagnose ADHD and start medication, and they must first be continuation prescribers before completing further training. The first endorsed GPs are expected to come online later in 2026, with the rollout continuing across the state.
Do I still need to see a psychiatrist?
It depends. For a new diagnosis, a psychiatrist or paediatrician remains the usual pathway until GP-led diagnosis is more widely available in your area. For ongoing care once you are stable, a continuation prescriber GP may now be able to manage your treatment. Your GP can advise what fits your circumstances.
Does this apply to children as well as adults?
The continuation pathway covers patients aged 6 and over, so it can apply to children as well as adults who are already diagnosed and stable. As always, care for children is tailored carefully, and your GP will let you know what is appropriate.
Will seeing a GP for ADHD cost less than a specialist?
One of the goals of the reforms is to make ADHD care more affordable and accessible by reducing reliance on specialist appointments. Actual costs depend on the length and complexity of your appointment. Consultations are privately billed. In person appointments attract a Medicare rebate for anyone with a valid Medicare card. For telehealth, a rebate applies only if you are a registered MyMedicare patient of the practice, or have had an in person consultation with one of our GPs in the last 12 months. Our reception team can explain the likely cost when you book. See our fees page for details.
Can Rosedale continue my ADHD prescription?
Several of our GPs provide continuation care for adults already diagnosed and stable on treatment. Whether we can take over your prescriptions depends on your history and current plan, so the best step is to book an appointment and bring your specialist correspondence so we can review it with you.
This page is general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. It summarises the NSW ADHD prescribing reforms as we understand them at the time of writing; the rollout is ongoing and details may change. Eligibility to continue, diagnose or start any medication is decided by your treating GP based on your personal circumstances and their registration status. Rosedale Medical Practice, Ground Floor, 70 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills NSW 2125.
Wondering where you fit in?
Book a conversation and we will tell you what is possible for your situation right now.