Up to 2,500 people will be able to access free GP consultations for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), potentially saving up to $1,500 a year in out-of-pocket costs and making essential healthcare more accessible through a $1.5 million investment from the Minns Labor Government.
The $1.5 million investment is part of a broader $11.7 million package in the 2026-27 NSW Budget, which builds on the reforms the Minns Government has already made to make ADHD care and diagnosis more accessible, and delivers real relief for people who need it.
Children and adults seeking an ADHD assessment typically require multiple long appointments, which can cost between $500 and $1,500 with large gap fees.
As a result of this funding, GPs who are trained as endorsed prescribers will be able to provide free ADHD assessments and follow up appointments for up to 2,500 patients aged 6 and older, ensuring more timely and more affordable access to a potentially life-changing diagnosis.
These GPs will receive up to $600 per patient to help cover the cost of support activities such as clinic administration, pre-assessment tools or input from other clinicians such as dietitians or psychologists.
The $11.7 million package also includes:
- $2.7 million to support GPs to complete endorsed prescriber training
- $5.7 million to fund specialist paediatric and psychiatry services to provide clinical support for GPs
- $1.8 million to encourage ongoing uptake of the reforms and give GPs access to allied health assessments and support to aid in diagnosis.
The Minns Government's reforms have made it possible for GPs to diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for ADHD. These important changes are helping patients, particularly children and young people, access more timely care and treatment.
Since our reforms:
- More than 1,400 GPs have signed up as continuing prescribers
- More than 15,000 people have accessed ADHD medications more easily, filling more than 70,000 scripts
- Previously, people seeking ADHD care had to navigate a costly and overloaded non-GP specialist system, experiencing long wait times and high fees which could delay treatment, particularly for children.
Free ADHD assessments in select GP clinics are expected to be available from early 2027.
Quotes attributable to Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:
"These are simple changes to the way healthcare is delivered that will make it easier and more affordable for families to access the care they need.
"For many families, when times are tough every dollar counts and healthcare may not be a priority. By making these free ADHD consultations available we hope this means families won't have to go without critical healthcare.
"This is also about expanding and using the skills of our already highly trained healthcare professionals like our GPs and our community pharmacists."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"We are making access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment even easier by taking the cost out of the equation and delivering free GP assessments for up to 2,500 people.
"Our reforms have already helped thousands of people and families access the care they need faster and at a lower cost. This investment in the Budget takes this even further, with funding for free assessments and to support more GPs coming on board.
"We are hearing time and time again about the stress and anxiety many people and their families feel whilst waiting for an ADHD diagnosis. These free assessments will make a huge difference to reducing that for thousands of people in our state."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:
"This is just another step towards building a system where ADHD care can be delivered based on need, not income.
"We're investing $11.7 million to help more people get earlier diagnosis, better support and the chance to thrive at school, at work and in life.
"Affordability is a fundamental part of a strong public health system, not an optional extra."
Quotes attributable to RACGP NSW&ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman:
"This is a landmark investment in ADHD care that will significantly expand access for patients across New South Wales. By investing in specialist GPs to provide ADHD assessments and diagnoses, particularly in Western Sydney, South Western Sydney and other high-need communities, more patients will be able to access high-quality, timely care closer to home. This is an exciting opportunity for GPs to help meet growing community need, and I strongly encourage eligible GPs to apply.
"Medicare funding often doesn't match the cost of the longer consultations which patients need for more complex care like ADHD assessments, and patients are typically left to cover the gap. This investment from the NSW Government will help to reduce or eliminate that gap for many patients, which is a win for health equity.
"We're excited to work alongside the Minister and NSW Health to implement this initiative and ensure it delivers the best possible outcomes for GPs, their patients and communities across the state."
