GP ADHD Prescribing in Victoria

Not yet for initiation — but reforms are imminent. Currently in Victoria, only psychiatrists and paediatricians can initiate ADHD stimulant prescriptions, while GPs need a government permit plus specialist review every 2 years to continue prescribing. In February 2026, the Victorian Government announced $750,000 to train 150 GPs through RACGP-accredited training by September 2026. Once trained, these specialist GPs will be able to independently diagnose and prescribe for ages 6+.

The Victorian Government announced $750,000 in funding in February 2026, targeting September 2026 for the first cohort of 150 trained GPs to begin independent prescribing. The RACGP-accredited training program is being delivered mid-2026. Once trained, specialist GPs will be able to independently diagnose and prescribe ADHD medication for patients aged 6 and over. RANZCP has endorsed this structured training approach. Victoria follows Queensland (December 2025) and NSW (September 2025 Stage 1) in expanding GP prescribing access.

ADHD specialist wait times in Melbourne are among the longest in Australia, typically 6 to 18 months for a psychiatrist assessment, and often longer for public patients. Some private psychiatrists have wait lists exceeding 12 months. Regional Victoria faces even greater challenges with fewer specialists available. With approximately 163,000 Victorian children and 320,000 adults living with ADHD, these wait times are a key driver behind the $750K reform commitment to train 150 GPs by September 2026.

With reforms targeting September 2026, the wait for GP-level prescribing is nearly over. In the meantime: (1) Ask your GP for a preliminary screening using validated tools like the ASRS or a DSM-5-aligned assessment — this builds your clinical file and will be valuable when trained GPs begin prescribing. (2) Try the free ADHD screener on ClientForms to understand your symptoms. (3) Explore non-medication strategies with your GP, including CBT, exercise, sleep hygiene, and workplace accommodations. (4) Consider telehealth options with interstate specialists who may have shorter wait times. (5) Join ADHD support groups in Melbourne and Victoria for peer advice.

Victorian GPs can use validated ADHD screening tools during consultations to support referrals and build clinical documentation. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) is a common screener, while more comprehensive DSM-5-aligned assessments provide detailed criterion-by-criterion evaluation. ClientForms offers auto-scored DSM-5 ADHD assessments that patients can complete before their appointment, giving GPs structured clinical data to support specialist referrals and, when reforms are enacted, to support direct diagnosis.