Is ADHD Coaching Covered by Medicare or Insurance in Australia? How to Access Workplace Funding through JobAccess

 If you’re exploring ADHD coaching in Sydney or anywhere in Australia, you may be asking a very practical question: Is this covered by Medicare or private health insurance? And if not, are there any government funding options that can help with the cost, especially for work-related support?

The good news is: while traditional coverage is limited, there are ways to access funding for ADHD coaching, particularly through JobAccess and the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) for workplace-related coaching support.

In this article, I’ll walk you through:

• Whether ADHD coaching is covered by Medicare or private health funds

• How the EAF (Employment Assistance Fund) can support you at work

• Who qualifies and how to apply

• What to expect when working with an ADHD coach in Australia

Is ADHD Coaching Covered by Medicare in Australia?

Short answer: No, ADHD coaching is not currently covered by Medicare.

Medicare supports medical treatment, diagnosis, and referrals. ADHD coaching is considered a non-clinical support service, meaning it falls outside the scope of what Medicare pays for, even if you have a formal ADHD diagnosis.

You can still receive Medicare-funded support through:

• General Practitioners (GPs)

• Psychiatrists or psychologists (via Mental Health Care Plan)

• Occupational therapists (if clinically necessary)

However, coaching is a forward-focused, skills-based service, not therapy, so it’s paid for privately.

Is ADHD Coaching Covered by Private Health Insurance?

Short answer: Rarely.

In most cases, private health insurance in Australia does not cover coaching, including ADHD life coaching or executive function coaching. This is because:

• Coaching is not a regulated clinical therapy
• It is not delivered by Medicare-recognised allied health providers

If your policy includes “wellbeing” extras or occupational therapy, it’s worth calling your fund directly to check, some higher-level or corporate policies may reimburse for coaching that supports workplace or study capacity.

What About NDIS, Can It Cover ADHD Coaching?

Only in some cases.

NDIS may fund coaching-like support, but only for participants who have ADHD and meet NDIS access criteria under psychosocial or neurological disability categories. In practice, this is relatively rare, and the application process can be complex.

For most people with ADHD who are not on NDIS, this won’t apply.

ADHD Coaching & Workplace Support: The EAF Funding (JobAccess)

Now, here’s where it gets exciting, especially if you are employed or looking for work in Australia.

The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) is a government initiative that can cover ADHD coaching related to your job.

What is the EAF?

The EAF helps people with disability (including ADHD) by funding workplace modifications and support services, such as:

• ADHD-specific coaching

• Executive functioning support

• Time management or task organisation coaching

• Assistive technology or strategy sessions

It’s administered through JobAccess, a government service that supports disability inclusion in the workplace.

🔗 Learn more: EAF via JobAccess

Who is eligible for EAF?

You can apply for EAF funding if:

• You have a disability or condition that affects your work performance (including ADHD)

• You are currently employed, or

• You are about to start a new job

• You are not already receiving equivalent support through NDIS

Both employees and employers can apply.

You do not need to be in a full-time role. Part-time, casual, and even short-term roles count.What can be funded under EAF?What can be funded under EAF?

What can be funded under EAF?

Funding may cover:

• ADHD coaching sessions (with a qualified ADHD or executive function coach)

• Workplace assessments

• Strategy sessions tailored to help you stay organised, focused, and productive

This is especially powerful for adults who:

• Struggle with organisation at work

• Feel overwhelmed with time management

• Need help communicating or self-advocating
• Are experiencing ADHD burnout at work

💡 Tip: ADHD coaching through EAF is typically short-term (e.g. 6–10 sessions), focused on job performance, and must be tied to your current or new job role.

Case Example: Coaching Support for an Employee in Sydney

Let’s say you're working in a marketing role in Sydney and have been recently diagnosed with ADHD. You’re struggling with:

• Managing shifting deadlines

• Prioritising tasks

• Self-confidence during team meetings

You could apply for EAF funding through JobAccess, and request ADHD coaching to help:

• Create a personalised task system
• Improve your workplace communication
• Manage executive function challenges

The cost of these sessions may be fully or partially covered through EAF.

How to Apply for EAF Funding

1. Gather your documents

• Proof of diagnosis: a letter or summary from your GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist. 
• Proof of employment: a payslip, contract, or employer letter.
• If self-employed: your ABN, details of your role, and proof of income (for example: invoices, or tax return).
• Residency status – if you’re not a citizen, bring evidence of permanent residency.

🔗Start here: JobAccess Application

2. Speak to Your Employer - This is optional

• If you’re comfortable, let them know you’re applying.

• If not, that's totally fine. You can call JobAccess (1800 464 800) and request an exemption from disclosure. They’ll still confirm your employment without disclosing your personal health information.

3.  Contact & Register with JobAccess

This is where many people get stuck, hopefully this helps;

1. Create a myGovID (note: not the same as your myGov login).
2. Go to the JobAccess Online Services portal.
3. Create an account and link your myGovID.
4. Start a new application under the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF). 

4. Submit Your Application

• Select Specialist Mental Health Support as your funding category.

• Upload the documents that you gathered in Step 1.

• Add a quote from your ADHD coach (your preferred coach can prepare this, it’s a simple PDF with ABN, description of services including number of sessions recommended, and the total cost).

This is where I can help you. Book a free clarity call with me so I can help you navigate the process.  

5. Wait for Assessment

• Applications are usually processed within 3-4 weeks

6. Approval & Invoicing

• Once approved, you’ll receive email confirmation from JobAccess
• Your coach provides an invoice
• You pay upfront and submit the paid invoice to JobAccess
• $1682.77 reimbursement goes straight into your bank account

7. Reapply in 12 months

Individual funding lasts for 12 months. If coaching is helping you better manage your ADHD symptoms, you can reapply again next year. 

Final Thoughts

While ADHD coaching in Australia isn’t covered by Medicare or most private health funds, you still have real funding options, especially if your coaching supports your work performance.

At The Addvocacy Project in Sydney, I work with adults, executives and professionals, many of whom apply for or benefit from EAF funding. If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, I offer free clarity calls to help you explore your options.

FAQs About ADHD Coaching & Funding in Australia

Q: Is ADHD coaching covered by Medicare in Australia?
A: No, ADHD coaching is not covered under Medicare. It is considered a non-clinical support and not part of the Mental Health Care Plan.

Q: Does private health insurance cover ADHD coaching?
A: Rarely. Most private funds do not cover coaching, though some “wellbeing” policies may offer exceptions.

Q: Can I use NDIS to pay for ADHD coaching?
A: Only if you're already approved for NDIS and your plan allows for skill-building supports.

Q: What is the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)?
A: It’s a government program that funds workplace support, including ADHD coaching, for people with disability.

Q: Who can apply for EAF ADHD coaching?
A: Employees or new hires in Australia with ADHD who need workplace support to perform their job.

Q: Is EAF coaching available in Sydney?
A: Yes! Coaches like myself work with EAF-funded clients in Sydney and online across Australia.

Ready to see if your ADHD coaching can be funded?

I am here to help you. 

 🔗Book a Free Clarity Call 

Until next time,

Caroline