The specialist training begins on Friday and will equip the first cohort of doctors to diagnose and treat ADHD.
A pioneering program set to transform the way ADHD is diagnosed and managed in Western Australia gets underway on Friday as the first group of GPs begins specialist training.
The state’s new ADHD GP Training Program aims to empower GPs to safely assess and treat patients aged 10 and older, dramatically improving access to care and reducing long waits for specialist appointments.
WA was one of the first states to announce an initiative geared toward allowing GP-led diagnosis and prescribing for ADHD, and nearly every other state has followed suit. This is the first training program to get underway.
NSW GPs have already started prescribing following the state’s 1 September introduction of GP continuation prescribing for both adults and children who are already on medication for ADHD.
NSW Health told The Medical Republic in September that the second phase of the reforms – which will allow GPs to diagnose ADHD and initiate treatment with psychostimulant medicines – would kick in before the year is out.
Chair of the RACGP WA ADHD working group Dr Sean Stevens said the response from the GP community to the program had been overwhelming.
“We’re blown away by the interest – more than 400 GPs applied for just 65 places,” he said.
“This program is a groundbreaking initiative that shows what’s possible when GPs advocate for change.
“We know our patients, and with the right resources, we can be part of the solution to long wait times and inequitable access. This is about delivering care where it’s needed most.”
The program was developed by RACGP WA in partnership with the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) and the WA Department of Health. It has backing from the WA government, which has chipped in $1.3 million.
The program combines evidence-based education with hands-on support to ensure GPs are confident in diagnosing ADHD and initiating treatment, including prescribing stimulant medications when appropriate.
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Training involves two online RACGP modules on diagnosis, management, and pharmacology, six peer-group sessions co-facilitated by AADPA specialists, paediatricians, and psychiatrists, and supervised case discussions and shared-care conferences.
Participants will also receive mentorship and access to AADPA clinical guidelines.
RACGP vice president and WA chair Dr Ramya Raman said the program represented a major milestone in improving ADHD care.
“This initiative by the WA Government is a great example of concrete changes coming out of the RACGP’s advocacy on ADHD,” Dr Raman said.
“Western Australia has led the way nationally, and this program ensures that GPs are not only trained but supported through real-world case discussions and specialist mentorship.
“Patient safety is paramount, and this model ensures that care is delivered with clinical rigour and compassion.”
The first cohort includes 17 GPs, prioritising those in rural, remote, and underserved communities. By August 2026, 65 GPs across the state will be trained, helping ensure patients can access consistent, high-quality ADHD care closer to home, Dr Raman said.
Dr Stevens said ongoing collaboration with government and specialist organisations would be key to ensuring future training rounds reflect the diversity of Western Australia’s regions and communities.
