On 24 June 2025, Medsafe and Pharmac announced a joint decision to change the current assessment and medication prescribing requirements for the treatment of ADHD. Here is an overview of what these changes, coming in February 2026, mean for you.

ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis

ADHD diagnosis can be made by an appropriately qualified clinician with expert knowledge of ADHD. This includes Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Paediatricians (for people under 18 years old), and, as of February 2026, General Practitioners and Nurse Prescribers.

ADHD Medication

Introducing medical treatment will remain within the scope of Psychiatrists and Paediatricians. However, it will now also include General Practitioners and Nurse Prescribers, conditional on them having relevant training and knowledge of stimulant medication for treating ADHD symptoms. They can prescribe if a formal diagnosis has been established by themselves or, for example, by a Clinical Psychologist (you will need to supply evidence of this, such as an assessment report). In some cases, this means you will no longer need to wait for a specialist appointment with a Psychiatrist.

Not every General Practitioner or Nurse Prescriber will be able to initiate medication. You will need to ask your primary health practitioner if this is something they offer. Some are likely to offer medication but not assessment.

Can I Be Diagnosed with ADHD by a Clinical Psychologist?

Yes! Many people prefer assessment with an expert Clinical Psychologist. An ADHD diagnosis made by a Clinical Psychologist is valid and recognised by other health providers. If your General Practitioner or Nurse Prescriber is trained in commencing and monitoring pharmacological treatment for ADHD, having an existing diagnosis may allow you to skip the specialist waitlist and start your treatment sooner.

Why Choose a Clinical Psychologist for ADHD Assessment?

Clinical Psychologists specialising in this area can assess and diagnose ADHD and other mental health and learning conditions, and complete assessments of your thinking abilities. You can expect to receive recommendations on treatment, which may include specific strategies and talking therapies, and you can continue with therapy if you wish.

What Does an ADHD Assessment with a Clinical Psychologist Involve?

An ADHD assessment requires a significant investment of time and money, as it involves a thorough evaluation of information collected from multiple sources to ensure accurate diagnoses that do not overlap with other conditions. These typically include:

A series of interviews with you and someone who has known you since childhood (yes, we have spoken to lots of mums, dads, and partners—but these are not the only options)
A review of your medical, developmental, educational, and family history
Assessment tools and rating scales, such as questionnaires, checklists, or tests, that measure various aspects of your functioning, such as attention, memory, thinking abilities, behaviour, or emotions
Observation of your behaviour (that jacket or umbrella you left behind? We’ve got it)

You will also need a physical health check from your primary health practitioner to rule out any medical conditions (e.g., thyroid problems or blood sugar problems).

Ideally, allow time for self-care after the assessment session. These sessions can be demanding on your thinking, memory, and emotions, and may leave you feeling drained for a period of time. If that is the case, please be kind to yourself—this is a sign that you have done an immense amount of emotional heavy lifting.

Is my ADHD assessment and treatment covered by insurance?

That depends on your provider and policy. In some instances, only therapy is covered.

If you have health insurance that covers Clinical Psychology, you can claim some of your fees back. Kind Psychology is an accredited Southern Cross Easy-Claim Partner. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss what is covered or to make an appointment.

Summary

The changes to ADHD diagnosing and prescribing are welcome and intended to improve timely access to treatment. It is worth getting in touch with your General Practitioner with any questions regarding their requirements and options for ADHD assessment and prescribing.

ADHD Assessment and Medication in 2026: What’s Changing

Adult ADHD Assessment: What You Need to Know