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ADHD Support in Australia

ADHD in adults is underdiagnosed and poorly understood in Australia. Getting a diagnosis can take months, and finding the right support is confusing. This page gives you a clear path — from screening to diagnosis to treatment to ongoing support.

Start Here

Take the ADHD Screening Test

The ASRS v1.1 is a WHO-developed screening tool used by GPs worldwide. It takes 2 minutes and gives you results you can print for your GP.

Take the ADHD Screener

Key Support Services

Newly added: Read our complete guide — How to get an ADHD diagnosis in Australia in 2026 →

ADHD Australia

The national peak body for ADHD. Provides information, advocacy, and a directory of ADHD-aware clinicians. Their website is the most reliable Australian source for ADHD information.

adhd.org.au

ADHD Support Australia (Facebook Groups)

Several active peer support communities on Facebook for Australian adults with ADHD. Search "ADHD Adults Australia" — these can be invaluable while waiting for diagnosis.

How to Get Diagnosed

1. See your GP. Bring your ASRS screening results. Ask for a referral to a psychiatrist who specialises in adult ADHD. GPs cannot diagnose ADHD in Australia (except in some states under specific conditions) but they are the gateway to a specialist.

2. Get a psychiatrist referral. A GP referral to a psychiatrist attracts a Medicare rebate. Be specific — ask for a psychiatrist with adult ADHD experience. General psychiatrists may not be familiar with ADHD presentation in adults.

3. Prepare for the wait. Wait times for adult ADHD assessment are typically 3–12 months in Australia. Some private clinics offer shorter waits at higher cost. Telehealth has expanded options — you can see a psychiatrist in another state.

4. The assessment. A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically takes 1–2 hours and includes clinical interview, symptom history (including childhood), validated rating scales, and ruling out other conditions. You may be asked to bring school reports or a family member who knew you as a child.

5. Treatment. Treatment usually involves medication (stimulant or non-stimulant), psychological strategies, or both. Medication requires ongoing psychiatrist or GP monitoring. Psychology (especially CBT adapted for ADHD) is accessible via a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

While You Wait for Assessment

Learn about ADHD. Understanding your brain is powerful. ADHD Australia and trusted YouTube channels (How to ADHD) are good starting points.

Try practical strategies. External structure helps — timers, calendars, body doubling, breaking tasks into small steps. These work whether or not you get a diagnosis.

Track your symptoms. Use the Energy Tracker and Wellbeing Journal to document patterns. This data is valuable for your assessment.

ADHD and Mental Health

ADHD commonly co-occurs with anxiety (50%), depression (30%), and sleep disorders. If you're struggling emotionally, these free tools can help you understand what's going on.

ADHD Screener DASS-21 Sleep Calculator Get a Mental Health Plan

AskMyGP

Free Australian health tools & information

What am I eligible for? How Medicare works Prepare for your GP visit What to bring to your appointment More free tools at askmygp.com.au →

Information only, not medical advice.

Common Questions About Adult ADHD

How much does an adult ADHD assessment cost in Australia?

Private psychiatrist assessments typically range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, with a partial Medicare rebate if you have a GP referral. Public mental health services and some community health centres offer lower-cost or bulk-billed assessment pathways, though waitlists are often longer. Costs and Medicare rebate amounts change periodically, so confirm current figures with the specific provider.

Can a GP diagnose ADHD, or do I need a psychiatrist?

In most Australian states, a formal ADHD diagnosis in adults requires a psychiatrist (and in some states, a specific subset of psychiatrists for prescribing stimulant medication). A GP can conduct initial screening, refer you appropriately, and manage ongoing prescriptions once a specialist has established a treatment plan, depending on state regulations.

Are ADHD medications subsidised by the PBS?

Yes, common ADHD medications are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, though authority requirements and out-of-pocket costs vary by medication and prescriber type. Ask your prescribing psychiatrist or GP about current PBS listing and cost for your specific medication.

What's the typical wait time for an ADHD diagnosis in the public system?

Public system waits for adult ADHD assessment are often long — commonly many months to over a year, depending on your state and local service capacity. Private assessment is faster but costs more. Some GPs can help triage urgency if symptoms are significantly affecting work, study, or safety.