If you or someone you love has ever tried to seek help for a condition that affects focus, emotions, and daily functioning, you’ll know the process can feel like running a marathon in thongs—slow, frustrating, and full of obstacles.
But change could finally be on the horizon in one Australian state, where a bold move aims to shift how care is delivered and who gets to provide it.
In a decision described as ‘life-changing’ by both doctors and pharmacists, up to 1000 GPs across New South Wales will soon be trained to diagnose, treat, prescribe, and manage ADHD in both children and adults.
This is a significant shift from the current system, where most people seeking an ADHD diagnosis or treatment are forced to see a specialist—a process that can take months, sometimes years, and cost thousands of dollars.
Why the change?
Health Minister Ryan Park summed it up: ‘We know that people endure long wait times as well as significant expenses just to see a specialist to receive a diagnosis. We’re not going to stand idly by while people struggle to access life-changing treatment.’
The new reforms will see NSW Health open up expressions of interest for GPs, with up to 1000 selected to undergo specialised training.
These GPs will choose between two tiers of accreditation, depending on their level of involvement and expertise.
Training is set to begin in the coming months, with a staged rollout planned. The initial focus will be on children, with GPs expected to be able to provide ongoing prescriptions for children with ADHD by early 2026.
What does this mean for you?
For families and individuals, this could mean the end of endless waiting lists and eye-watering bills.
Premier Chris Minns said the reforms are about ’tilting the scales in favour of fairness—reducing the cost of getting treatment by hundreds of dollars, removing red tape for thousands of families and young people, and giving people the support they need to live happier, healthier lives.’
The impact is especially significant for those in rural and regional areas. Dr Rebekah Hoffman, NSW Branch Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, highlighted the struggle: ‘As I travel across New South Wales, I hear from my colleagues about families in rural areas who travel more than seven hours to see a paediatrician, and of families in Sydney spending more than $5000 on assessments and diagnosis for ADHD.’
Pharmacies, too, see the fallout daily. Mario Barone, President of the Pharmacy Guild NSW, said, ‘Community pharmacies see ADHD patients every day who are struggling to access a psychiatrist. This means that many ADHD patients are going without important medication.’
What about psychologists?
While the move has been widely welcomed, some in the mental health sector are calling for even broader reforms.
Amanda Curran, Chief Services Officer at the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc, said, ‘Psychologists and GPs are the ideal partners to work together with diagnostic and therapeutic supports for those investigating a diagnosis of ADHD.’
There’s hope that future changes will make it easier for people to access psychological assessment and support, not just medical treatment.
How does NSW compare to other states?
NSW isn’t the first to make these changes. Queensland and Western Australia have already implemented similar reforms, recognising the urgent need to make ADHD care more accessible and affordable.
The hope is that other states and territories will soon follow suit, creating a more consistent and compassionate approach to ADHD care across Australia.
Why is this so important?
ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects people of all ages. Left untreated, it can impact education, employment, relationships, and mental health.
While ADHD is often associated with children and younger adults, it can persist into later life, presenting unique challenges for older Australians.
According to the Australian Psychological Society, international studies estimate that about 3% of adults worldwide have been diagnosed with ADHD, with the condition becoming less common in older age groups.
However, symptoms in seniors—such as forgetfulness, disorganisation, and restlessness—are frequently misattributed to normal ageing or conditions like dementia, leading to underdiagnosis.
This misattribution can result in seniors not receiving appropriate treatment, impacting their quality of life.
Recognising and addressing ADHD in older adults is crucial, as effective management can significantly improve daily functioning and overall well-being.
By empowering GPs—the trusted frontline of our healthcare system—NSW is taking a big step towards making ADHD care more accessible, affordable, and effective.
As the NSW government moves forward with these changes, the landscape of ADHD care in Australia may be on the verge of significant transformation.
What are your thoughts on this initiative? Do you think training more GPs will improve access to ADHD care across age groups? Have you or someone you know experienced challenges in seeking ADHD support—whether as a child, adult, or older Australian? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
