Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Australia?

Sometimes. Some GPs assess and prescribe where their training and state rules allow; many refer you to a psychiatrist or paediatrician. Ask your GP what they offer.

Do I need a referral to be assessed?

For a Medicare-rebated psychiatrist assessment, yes — a GP referral. You can see some clinicians without one, but rebates need the right referral or plan.

How much does an ADHD assessment cost?

It varies a lot. Before you pay, ask exactly what's included — the report, feedback, and follow-up — and whether the report will be accepted where you need it.

Can I get support while I wait for an assessment?

Yes. You don't need a diagnosis to start working on sleep, eating, routines, study, work or distress. Support doesn't have to wait.

Does Body Belonging Clinic diagnose ADHD or prescribe medication?

No. We provide therapy and support, and we can point you to who does the diagnosing and prescribing.

Find your way

The Australian ADHD care map

ADHD care in Australia is genuinely confusing — GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, scripts, rebates. Here's a plain-language map of who does what, and where each role stops.

Where are you right now?

Find your starting point.

Wondering if it's ADHD

Jot down examples from childhood and now. A GP can help you plan the next step.

Preparing for assessment

Gather old reports, a timeline, and examples from more than one setting.

Waiting for assessment

You can start support now — sleep, eating, routines, work. No diagnosis required.

Just diagnosed

Ask what it explains, your options, who monitors what, and how your GP stays in the loop.

Meds help, but not everything

Medication and support often work best together. The rest is what we're for.

Meds are affecting appetite or sleep

Talk to your prescriber first — don't change it alone. A dietitian can help with eating.

ADHD and eating feel tangled

Get weight-neutral, eating-disorder-informed support. Skip elimination diets and unproven tests.

I might be AuDHD

Ask for assessment that also considers autism, masking, sensory needs and burnout.

The team

Who does what?

A title doesn't guarantee ADHD expertise. Always ask.

GP

Your first stop. Reviews your health, helps rule things out, refers you on, and keeps your care joined up. Some GPs diagnose and prescribe.

The limit · What they can do varies by GP and state — just ask.

Psychiatrist

Can formally diagnose ADHD, prescribe and monitor medication, and manage other mental-health conditions alongside it.

The limit · Usually won't provide ongoing therapy.

Psychologist

Assessment and therapy for how ADHD affects your life, plus co-occurring things like anxiety.

The limit · Can't prescribe. Check their report is accepted before paying.

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker

Therapy and support that looks at the whole picture — identity, family, environment — and connects you onward. (That's us.)

The limit · We don't diagnose or prescribe — we'll point you to who does.

Occupational therapist

Practical support for routines, sensory needs, focus scaffolds and daily life.

The limit · Not a substitute for medical assessment.

Accredited Practising Dietitian

Weight-neutral help with eating, appetite changes from medication, and nutrition.

The limit · Choose eating-disorder-informed. Doesn't diagnose ADHD.

Pharmacist

Explains your medication — how to take it, storage, interactions — and flags concerns.

The limit · Any dose changes go through your prescriber.

Protect yourself

Before you pay for an assessment, ask this.

1Which guidelines and criteria do you use?
2How do you establish childhood onset and impact across settings?
3How do you factor in autism, trauma, sleep, mood, anxiety and substances?
4What records do you need — and what if I don't have them?
5What's included in the fee: report, feedback, follow-up?
6Will your report be accepted by the prescriber or service I need?
7Who handles medication monitoring after diagnosis?

Common questions

The things people actually ask.

Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Australia?: Sometimes. Some GPs assess and prescribe where their training and state rules allow; many refer you to a psychiatrist or paediatrician. Ask your GP what they offer.
Do I need a referral to be assessed?: For a Medicare-rebated psychiatrist assessment, yes — a GP referral. You can see some clinicians without one, but rebates need the right referral or plan.
How much does an ADHD assessment cost?: It varies a lot. Before you pay, ask exactly what's included — the report, feedback, and follow-up — and whether the report will be accepted where you need it.
Can I get support while I wait for an assessment?: Yes. You don't need a diagnosis to start working on sleep, eating, routines, study, work or distress. Support doesn't have to wait.
Does Body Belonging Clinic diagnose ADHD or prescribe medication?: No. We provide therapy and support, and we can point you to who does the diagnosing and prescribing.

Not sure where you fit on the map?

Start with a free 15-minute call — we'll help you find the right next step.

Book a free intro call Open the free prep guide →

The rules aren't the same everywhere.

Diagnosis, stimulant prescribing, permits and GP shared-care can differ by profession and by state or territory. We won't flatten those differences into one national promise — always confirm the current pathway with your clinician and the relevant health department before you pay or change care.

Primary reference (Australia)

Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD (AADPA) ↗

If eating is part of it

Two places that go further than this map can:

Autism, ARFID & eating therapy, Perth and telehealth ↗ADHD & disordered eating therapy, Perth and telehealth ↗

General education only. This page does not determine diagnosis, eligibility, prescribing authority or an individual treatment plan. Published 26 July 2026 · Review due 26 January 2027.