ADHD Diagnosis Just Got Easier in NSW. Here’s What You Need to Know

A turning point for ADHD care in NSW.

Just over a week ago, the NSW Government announced new reforms that will allow GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD, a major step toward improving access to care across the state. These changes respond, in part, to the 2023 Senate Inquiry into the Barriers to ADHD Assessment and Support, which highlighted cost, wait times, and geographic inaccessibility as key issues.

As an ADHD coach and advocate, I’ve supported hundreds of clients through these barriers. From the emotional toll of being dismissed or misunderstood, to the logistical burnout of waiting months (or years) to access the care they deserve.

So, what do these new changes mean? What questions do they raise? And how can we make sense of it all? Calmly, clearly, and without overwhelm?

Let’s break it down.

What’s changing in ADHD diagnosis in NSW?

As part of the new ADHD care model:

• GPs in NSW will be allowed to prescribe ADHD medication for people with stable treatment plans.

• Some GPs will also be trained and accredited to diagnose ADHD and initiate treatment under a tiered framework.

• The rollout begins in 2026, with a plan to train up to 1,000 GPs in the first phase.

• Training will be supported and funded by NSW Health.

This will particularly support adults and families who have not had access to specialist services, and opens up a more local, affordable, and timely ADHD care model.

🧠Learn more about ADHD Coaching for Parents and Families

Why these changes matter for the NSW ADHD Community

The Senate Inquiry into ADHD Services made it clear: access to diagnosis and treatment is unequal, expensive, and often inaccessible, especially for:

• Women and girls

• Adults seeking later-in-life diagnosis

• Rural and regional communities

This new policy acknowledges the need to remove long-standing barriers, not by replacing specialists, but by expanding access points for care through well-trained GPs.

🧠If you're navigating an ADHD diagnosis right now, you can also explore our Private ADHD Coaching to stay supported between appointments. We know it can feel really isolating until you find the answers. 

What will GP involvement look like?

Not every GP will be diagnosing or prescribing ADHD medication. Instead:

• GPs can opt-in to receive training and certification.

• They will be organised into tiers depending on their level of expertise and training.

• This model helps ensure safe, structured, and well-supported care.

🧠Already working with a specialist? This doesn’t replace your care team — it gives you more choice and flexibility.

AADPA’s Role: Safeguarding Standards

The Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) has welcomed this reform, with important caveats.

AADPA advocates for:

• Rigorous, accredited GP training

• Access to care that is timely, affordable and equitable

• National clinical standards that prioritise safety and efficacy

These reforms align with AADPA’s National Guidelines for ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment and reflect a growing shift toward shared-care models that bring GPs into the picture, without pushing out specialists.

Common concerns, and how to frame them

This is a big shift, and with that comes thoughtful concerns:

• Will GPs have enough training?
  Yes, only GPs who undertake accredited training will be diagnosing or prescribing.

• Will this increase the risk of misdiagnosis?
  The reforms are structured around clinical safety and oversight, not shortcuts.

• Will specialists be replaced?
  No, this is about working alongside, not instead of, psychologists and psychiatrists.

The Addvocacy Project's Perspective - Let's keep this grounded 

At The Addvocacy Project, we support adults, families, and professionals navigating life with ADHD. Not just the traits and symptoms, but the systems around them.

For years, many of you have shared your stories of waiting, advocating, burning out, or being brushed aside. This reform doesn’t solve every problem, but it does acknowledge the reality we’ve all been experiencing for years.

It’s a step toward more accessible, inclusive ADHD care, and with continued input from the community, it can become a blueprint for better national support and improved outcomes for Australians living with ADHD. 

🧠A Final Thought

What would ADHD support look like if it were truly accessible, not just in policy, but in practice?
And what could shift in your life if accessing care felt that bit more possible?

Let’s keep the conversation open. Share your story. Ask your GP. Stay informed.
We’re here to walk it with you.

Until next time,

Caroline x