NewDocLog in

Adult ADHD Assessment Pathway Online

Start an adult ADHD assessment pathway with a bulk billed telehealth GP. Initial discussion, screening, and referrals to an appropriate specialist.

Can a telehealth GP help with adult ADHD?

Yes — for the first step of the pathway. An AHPRA-registered GP at NewDoc can conduct initial ADHD screening, take a history, exclude or manage coexisting conditions (anxiety, depression, sleep issues), create a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and issue a psychiatrist referral for formal diagnosis.

Formal adult ADHD diagnosis in Australia is generally made by a psychiatrist, and ADHD medications (stimulants are Schedule 8) are tightly regulated and require specialist initiation. The consultation and referrals are bulk billed for eligible Medicare cardholders.

Adult ADHD in Australia

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can persist into adulthood. Adults with ADHD may experience difficulties with attention, organisation, impulsivity, and emotional regulation. Because presentations vary widely and symptoms often overlap with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, careful assessment is important.

In Australia, formal diagnosis of adult ADHD is generally undertaken by a psychiatrist or other appropriately qualified specialist. A GP plays an important role in the pathway: by listening, screening, identifying coexisting conditions, and providing the referral.

How a telehealth GP can help

A NewDoc GP can take a detailed history, discuss your concerns, use validated screening tools where appropriate, and consider other conditions that may explain or contribute to your symptoms. Your GP can issue a referral to a psychiatrist for formal assessment. Wait times for specialists vary; your GP can help you navigate options.

A GP can also create a Mental Health Treatment Plan for access to Medicare-rebated psychology sessions, which may help with coping strategies, coexisting anxiety or depression, and life skills such as time management and organisation.

Medication pathways

Medications used to treat ADHD are classified as controlled substances in Australia and are subject to strict state-based regulations. Initial prescribing is typically undertaken by a psychiatrist. Once stable, shared-care arrangements with a GP may be possible in some states. Your GP can explain the process that applies in your state and help coordinate your care.

Coexisting conditions to consider

ADHD commonly coexists with other mental health conditions. Many adults present with symptoms that overlap with anxiety, depression, or sleep difficulties. Identifying and managing these alongside an ADHD assessment is an important part of the GP role, and may influence treatment decisions made by your specialist.

Other conditions to consider include learning differences, trauma history, substance use, and thyroid or other medical contributors to concentration difficulties. Your GP may order blood tests or other investigations to exclude medical causes where clinically relevant.

Tips while awaiting specialist assessment

Specialist wait times can be significant. In the meantime, psychology input through a Mental Health Treatment Plan can help build coping strategies and address coexisting mood or anxiety symptoms. Practical tools such as structured routines, external reminders, breaking tasks into small steps, and managing sleep, exercise, and caffeine may help some people reduce daily impact.

Connecting with evidence-based ADHD resources and peer support networks can help with understanding the condition and navigating the system. If you feel overwhelmed or notice worsening mental health, reach out to your GP sooner rather than later. If you are in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 in an emergency.

Monitoring and follow-up

Once a specialist has completed assessment, ongoing care often involves coordination between the specialist, GP, and allied health providers. Where shared-care arrangements apply, your GP may review progress, side effects, and coexisting conditions, and liaise with the specialist as needed. Regular follow-ups help keep the plan aligned with your goals. Our mental health telehealth service offers ongoing support alongside your GP care.

References

This content is informational and does not replace individual medical advice. For personal assessment, book a consultation with your GP. In emergencies, call 000.

Reviewed by Dr. Jason Yu FRACGP

Last reviewed 22 April 2026. Editorial policy

Ready to see a GP?

Book a bulk-billed telehealth consult in under 2 minutes — $0 with Medicare if eligible.

Or call 0481 615 998

Frequently asked questions

Can a telehealth GP diagnose adult ADHD?

In Australia, formal ADHD diagnosis in adults is generally made by a psychiatrist, paediatrician (for younger people), or, in some states, another appropriately qualified specialist. A GP can conduct initial screening, take a history, and refer you for specialist assessment.

Can ADHD medication be prescribed via telehealth?

Medications used to treat ADHD are tightly regulated in Australia and generally require specialist involvement for initial prescription. State regulations vary on who can continue prescribing once stable. A GP can discuss the pathway and what is permissible in your state.

How long does specialist assessment take?

Waiting times for psychiatrists vary significantly. A GP can provide a referral and, where appropriate, suggest strategies to support you while you wait. Some specialists offer telehealth assessment, which may reduce wait times.

What other support can a GP provide?

A GP can help you understand your symptoms, exclude or manage conditions that can coexist (such as anxiety, depression, sleep issues), connect you with psychology via a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and provide ongoing coordination of your care.

Is the consultation bulk billed?

Yes. NewDoc bulk bills telehealth consultations for eligible Medicare cardholders. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the consultation or the referral.

How does the online adult ADHD pathway work in Australia?

You book a bulk billed telehealth appointment with an AHPRA-registered GP who will take a developmental and symptom history, use validated screening tools, consider coexisting conditions, and issue a referral to a psychiatrist or other appropriate specialist for formal assessment.

What should I have ready for my adult ADHD consult?

It may help to have information about childhood symptoms (school reports or recollections can be useful), any previous mental health assessments, a list of current medications, and examples of how symptoms affect your work, study, and relationships. Family history of ADHD is also useful to mention.

Can a telehealth GP create a Mental Health Treatment Plan?

Yes. Where clinically appropriate, a GP can prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan during a telehealth consultation. This provides access to Medicare-rebated psychology sessions, which may help with coexisting anxiety, depression, or coping strategies while awaiting specialist assessment.

When does telehealth not work for adult ADHD?

Telehealth is suitable for the initial GP pathway, screening, and ongoing coordination. Formal diagnosis, controlled-substance prescribing, and some specialist reviews may require in-person attendance depending on the specialist and state regulations. Your GP will explain the pathway.

Other services