ADHD Care
Practical, local ADHD GP care in Canberra — from first concerns through to ongoing treatment.
Assessment support
If you are unsure whether an ADHD assessment may be appropriate for yourself or your child, our GPs can provide a structured assessment, including symptom review, screening, and consideration of other possible causes.
We offer clear, evidence-based guidance on the most appropriate next steps, including referral to appropriate local specialists when clinically indicated, helping patients move through the assessment pathway as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Ongoing Care
ADHD care does not end with a diagnosis. Many patients experience long waits for routine ADHD medication reviews, dose adjustments, and follow-up care after diagnosis.
Our GPs provide ongoing ADHD management under the ACT framework, helping reduce delays in treatment management and provide safe support between specialist reviews.
FAQs For
Why This Service Matters
The real ADHD care challenge
For some patients, the first step is understanding whether their symptoms may relate to ADHD or another condition. Others already diagnosed often require medication adjustments, monitoring, and follow-up.
When each step depends on specialist availability, delays can extend for months. ACT reforms aim to improve access by enabling Stage 1 ADHD trained GPs to provide ongoing care and help guide patients appropriately through the assessment and treatment pathway.
Who This Service is For
You may benefit from this service if you:
- Are experiencing symptoms, unsure where to start and would like a structured GP assessment and guidance on next steps
- Are unsure whether ADHD or another condition may be contributing to your symptoms
- Have an existing ADHD diagnosis and require ongoing medication review
- Have already commenced treatment and need timely follow-up care closer to home
Assessment Support (Before Diagnosis)
A structured, supportive starting point
If you are considering whether an ADHD assessment may be appropriate, our Stage 1 ADHD-trained GPs can provide an initial clinical assessment and help guide the next steps in the assessment process.
This may include:
- Reviewing your history and current concerns
- Considering other conditions with similar symptoms
- Using appropriate screening tools where relevant
- Pathology tests and clinic examinations where required
- Advising whether specialist assessment is appropriate
- Providing a referral to a psychiatrist or paediatrician when clinically indicated
Our aim is to provide clear, evidence-based guidance so you can move forward with confidence.
Ongoing Care (After Diagnosis)
GP-led ADHD follow-up
We have GPs that have completed Stage 1 ADHD prescribing training (ACT) and provides ongoing care for eligible patients with an established diagnosis.
This includes:
- ADHD medication review and optimisation
- Reviewing and fine-tuning medication doses where appropriate within ACT guidelines
- Monitoring treatment response over time
- Side-effect monitoring and management
- Coordination of relevant tests where clinically indicated
- Practical follow-up between specialist appointments
Communication with your psychiatrist, paediatrician, or neurologist as needed
Benefits for You
Practical advantages
- A clear, structured starting point if you are exploring ADHD
- Access to ADHD GP care locally in Canberra
- Reduced wait times and costs for routine medication review
- Ongoing support from a consistent GP who understands your history
- Medicare rebates may apply for eligible consultations
- Coordinated care with your specialist and allied health team
What To Expect
Book your appointment
Book an appointment depending on your needs (assessment support or medication review).
Prepare your information
Bring any relevant medical history, previous reports, or medication details if available.
GP consultation
We assess your symptoms, current situation, and goals, and discuss appropriate next steps.
Plan, coordination and Referrals
Depending on your individual circumstances , this may include referral for specialist assessment or ongoing management within GP scope. We can assist with coordinating care and communication between your healthcare providers to support continuity of care.
Follow-up care
On going support is provided as clinically appropriate.
Important Information
This service includes both initial assessment support and ongoing ADHD care.
- ADHD diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist or paediatrician
- GP care is provided within ACT Stage 1 prescribing requirements
- Ongoing medication management is for eligible patients with an existing diagnosis
- All care is subject to clinical suitability and regulatory requirements
We work collaboratively with your specialist to ensure safe, appropriate, and continuous care.
FAQ
For Referring GPs & Specialists
What is the scope of this ADHD service?
GP-led continuation care for patients with an established ADHD diagnosis, focusing on medication review, monitoring, and titration support within ACT Stage 1 prescribing requirements.
Which patients are suitable for referral?
Patients with a confirmed diagnosis, commenced on medication, and clinically stable or suitable for GP-managed follow-up, with clear documentation of diagnosis and treatment plan.
Does the GP initiate ADHD medication?
This service is not positioned for unrestricted initiation. It supports continuation prescribing and management for patients already commenced on treatment by a psychiatrist or paediatrician.
What does Stage 1 ACT ADHD training allow?
Stage 1 enables GPs to provide continuation prescribing and structured follow-up care for eligible patients, in accordance with ACT regulatory and clinical governance requirements.
How is care coordinated with the treating specialist?
Care is collaborative. We provide updates where appropriate, follow the established treatment plan, and refer back if complexity increases or specialist input is required.
What information should be included with referral?
Diagnostic report, medication history, current regimen, prior titration details, comorbidities, and any monitoring recommendations to support safe continuation of care.
Is this Medicare-rebatable?
Medicare rebates may apply where you are eligible, in accordance with standard Medicare billing arrangements.
For Patients
What is this ADHD service?
Do I need a psychiatrist referral first?
What does "Stage 1training" mean?
Stage 1 ACT ADHD training allows GPs to provide continuation prescribing and ongoing management for eligible patients with an established diagnosis, within a regulated and collaborative care framework.
Can you diagnose ADHD or start medication?
This service does not offer unrestricted new ADHD diagnoses. It is designed for patients already diagnosed and commenced on treatment by a specialist, where GP follow-up is appropriate.
Is this Medicare-rebatable?
Medicare rebates may apply where you are eligible, in accordance with standard Medicare billing arrangements.
What do I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your ADHD diagnosis report, current and past medication details, and any recent specialist letters to help ensure safe, appropriate continuation of care.
Is this Medicare-rebatable?
Medicare rebates may apply where you are eligible, in accordance with standard Medicare billing arrangements.
What ages do you see?
We see children aged 6 years and older, adolescents, and adults with ADHD, provided they meet eligibility and clinical suitability requirements under the ACT framework.
How does this work with my specialist?
We work collaboratively with your psychiatrist or paediatrician, providing updates where appropriate and supporting ongoing care between specialist reviews to ensure continuity and safety.
What monitoring responsibilities are undertaken by the GP?
The GP undertakes routine monitoring of efficacy, side effects, vitals and other parameters as indicated, and organises relevant investigations in line with ACT guidance and your specialist recommendations.
How are prescribing authorities and permits managed?
Prescribing is undertaken in accordance with ACT controlled medicines requirements. The GP ensures appropriate approvals, documentation, and compliance with any conditions attached to the patient’s treatment plan.
How frequently are patients reviewed in GP-led care?
Review intervals are individualised based on stability, medication changes, and risk profile. More frequent reviews occur during titration, with periodic follow-up once treatment is stable.