GP ADHD Prescribing in Western Australia

Yes — trained GPs can now prescribe ADHD stimulant medication in Western Australia. The WA Government committed $1.3 million to train 65 specialist GPs from rural and metro locations. These GPs completed RACGP-developed online modules and a mandatory 6-month co-management period with specialist mentorship. The first GPs began operating independently in early 2026 after completing co-management. They prescribe within the existing WA Stimulant Regulatory Scheme (SRS) and can treat patients aged 10 years and older.

The Stimulant Regulatory Scheme (SRS) is Western Australia's regulatory framework for managing the prescribing of Schedule 8 stimulant medications, including methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine. The SRS remains in place — trained GPs gain authorisation to prescribe within it, rather than bypassing it. The scheme requires prescribers to be authorised by the WA Department of Health and mandates specific record-keeping, patient monitoring, and reporting requirements. ScriptCheckWA provides voluntary real-time prescription monitoring as an additional safeguard.

ADHD specialist wait times in Perth have historically ranged from 6 to 18 months, depending on the practitioner and whether you are seeking a public or private assessment. Regional WA faces even longer wait times due to limited specialist availability. With the first trained GPs now operating independently as of early 2026, patients aged 10 and older have an alternative pathway that is expected to reduce these wait times, particularly in areas where the 65 trained GPs are located across rural and metro WA.

The WA Government funded $1.3 million for RACGP-developed ADHD training. The program includes online learning modules, a mandatory 6-month co-management period with specialist mentorship from paediatricians and psychiatrists, monthly peer-learning sessions, asynchronous case discussions, and access to AADPA clinical guidelines. This 6-month co-management model is unique to WA — no other Australian state requires this extended supervised practice period. 65 GPs from both rural and metro locations were trained in the initial cohort.

If your GP is one of the 65 trained specialist GPs, they can now independently diagnose and prescribe ADHD stimulant medication for patients aged 10 years and older. These GPs completed the RACGP training program and a 6-month co-management period with specialist mentorship. If your GP has not completed the training, they can still refer you to a trained GP or specialist, and can participate in shared-care continuation once treatment is initiated. Non-stimulant medications (e.g. atomoxetine) can be prescribed by any GP with fewer restrictions.