For years, getting an ADHD diagnosis in Queensland meant one thing: wait for a psychiatrist. The average public waitlist ran 6 to 18 months. Private psychiatrist assessments cost $1,075 or more out of pocket. For adults in regional Queensland, the barriers were even higher.
Quick links
- What actually changed
- Why telehealth makes this even bigger
- What the GP does that a psychiatrist used to
- What this means if you are waiting for a diagnosis
That changed on 1 December 2025. Queensland became the first Australian state to allow specialist GPs to initiate, modify, and continue ADHD medication prescriptions for adults — without needing to refer to a psychiatrist first.
What actually changed
The Queensland Government amended the Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulation 2021. Previously, only psychiatrists could start ADHD medication in adults. GPs could only continue a prescription that a psychiatrist had already initiated. Now, a GP who has trained in ADHD assessment can diagnose adult ADHD and prescribe medication from the first appointment. No psychiatrist referral. No prior approval from Queensland Health.
The Australian Medical Association of Queensland called it “a positive change for patients.” The Queensland Government said it would mean “less Queenslanders will need to wait on specialist waitlists.”
Why telehealth makes this even bigger
Combined with Medicare telehealth provisions, this reform means that a patient anywhere in Queensland can now see a GP trained in ADHD assessment via video, receive a diagnosis, and start treatment — without ever leaving home. For regional and rural Queenslanders, this is not a minor improvement. The nearest psychiatrist was previously a 3-hour drive away and booked out for a year.
What the GP does that a psychiatrist used to
A trained GP conducting an ADHD assessment uses the same validated tools a psychiatrist uses. The ASRS v1.1 — the WHO-validated screener — is the foundation. On top of that, the GP collects observer reports, childhood evidence, medical and mental health history, and reviews a structured clinical summary before your appointment even starts. Watch a walkthrough to see what that looks like.
What this means if you are waiting for a diagnosis
If you are on a psychiatrist waitlist in Queensland, you no longer have to wait. Book with a GP trained in ADHD assessment, complete your intake at home, and have your first telehealth appointment within weeks. The two-appointment GP pathway costs approximately $535 to $635 out of pocket after Medicare rebates — compared to $1,075 to $1,590 for a private psychiatrist. The clinical evidence collected is the same. The diagnosis carries the same weight. Read more in our FAQ.
Queensland GPs trained in ADHD assessment are listed on MySpecialistGP. Find a GP and request an appointment today. GPs: learn how Velluto was built for practices like yours, or get in touch.
Clinical information disclaimer
This article contains general clinical information for healthcare professionals. It is not a substitute for individual clinical judgement, professional guidelines, or specific patient assessment. Always apply your own clinical reasoning when making treatment decisions.
Velluto is a clinical intake platform. It does not diagnose, recommend treatment, or make clinical decisions. All clinical decisions remain with the treating GP.