Accessing ADHD Care in Surry Hills: NSW GP Prescribing Pathways, ADHD Treatment and Ongoing Care
Although awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has increased substantially across Australia, many patients continue to face significant barriers when trying to access diagnosis, treatment and ongoing medication management. Long waiting times to see psychiatrists, high specialist consultation fees and the need for regular prescriptions can make managing ADHD stressful, expensive and time-consuming.
Fortunately, recent reforms introduced by NSW Health are improving access to ADHD care by expanding the role of appropriately trained General Practitioners (GPs) in the ongoing management of ADHD. These changes are helping many patients receive convenient, affordable, evidence-based care closer to home.
At Crown St Medical Centre, our experienced GPs provide comprehensive ADHD care for patients living throughout Surry Hills, Paddington, Darlinghurst, Redfern, Green Square, Alexandria, Woollahra and surrounding Inner Sydney suburbs. We work collaboratively with psychiatrists and other specialists to ensure eligible patients receive safe, coordinated, long-term ADHD management.
If you have been searching for a Surry Hills Medical Practice, Surry Hills Doctors, Surry Hills Medical Centre, or experienced Darlinghurst doctors to assist with ADHD management, Crown St Medical Centre is committed to providing personalised, patient-centred care.
ADHD Prescribing Pathways in NSW
NSW now has three distinct ADHD prescribing pathways, reflecting reforms introduced from September 2025 and expanded during 2026. These pathways improve access to treatment while ensuring patients with more complex ADHD continue to receive specialist care.
- Specialist Pathway
Specialists including psychiatrists, paediatricians and neurologists can:
- Diagnose ADHD
- Initiate stimulant medications
- Continue stimulant prescribing
- Prescribe stimulant and non-stimulant medications
- Manage complex ADHD presentations
- Adjust medication regimens
- Manage significant medication side effects
This pathway remains appropriate for patients with:
- New ADHD assessments
- Diagnostic uncertainty
- Significant psychiatric co-existing conditions
- Treatment-resistant ADHD
- Complex medication regimens
- Substance use disorders
- Significant cardiovascular disease
- Children or adults requiring multidisciplinary care
- GP Continuation Prescriber Pathway
Introduced on 1 September 2025, this pathway was designed to reduce unnecessary specialist review appointments for patients whose ADHD is stable.
To become an authorised continuation prescriber, a GP must:
- Complete NSW-approved ADHD education
- Apply to NSW Health
- Receive General Authority approval
- Meet NSW prescribing requirements
Eligible patients generally:
- Are aged six years or older
- Have an established ADHD diagnosis
- Have an existing treatment plan
- Are clinically stable on medication
GP Continuation Prescribers may:
- Continue prescribing dexamphetamine
- Continue prescribing lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- Continue prescribing methylphenidate preparations
- Prescribe appropriate non-stimulant medications
- Monitor blood pressure
- Monitor weight
- Review medication effectiveness
- Assess side effects
- Provide ongoing repeat prescriptions where appropriate
- Perform routine ADHD reviews
They generally cannot independently:
- Diagnose new ADHD
- Commence stimulant medication in newly diagnosed patients
- Significantly alter complex medication regimens outside approved NSW criteria
Patients usually continue periodic review with either their psychiatrist or managing GP depending upon the agreed shared-care arrangement.
- GP Endorsed Prescriber Pathway
Expanded during 2026, this pathway allows selected GPs who complete advanced NSW-approved training to independently manage many uncomplicated ADHD cases.
GP Endorsed Prescribers may:
- Diagnose ADHD
- Initiate stimulant medications
- Titrate medication
- Continue prescribing
- Independently manage uncomplicated ADHD
Patients with more complex presentations continue to require specialist involvement.
Shared-Care ADHD Management
Many patients receive ADHD treatment using a collaborative shared-care model.
Typically:
- A psychiatrist diagnoses ADHD and commences medication.
- Once treatment is stable, an appropriately authorised GP provides ongoing monitoring and repeat prescriptions where clinically appropriate.
- The psychiatrist reviews treatment if symptoms worsen, medication requires adjustment or diagnostic uncertainty develops.
This collaborative approach improves convenience while maintaining specialist oversight.
Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications
Non-stimulant medications including:
- Atomoxetine
- Guanfacine
- Clonidine
are not subject to the same NSW psychostimulant authority requirements as Schedule 8 stimulant medications and are prescribed according to usual prescribing standards.
Schedule 8 Stimulant Prescribing Requirements
NSW stimulant prescribing requirements include:
- NSW Health authorisation where required
- Compliance with Schedule 8 prescribing legislation
- Appropriate authority numbers
- Correct repeat intervals
- Pharmacy verification before dispensing
Which Patients Are Suitable for GP Management?
Patients appropriate for ongoing GP management generally include those who:
- Have an established ADHD diagnosis
- Are stable on treatment
- Have good symptom control
- Require routine monitoring
- Do not have significant psychiatric instability
- Do not have major cardiovascular concerns
Patients Who Usually Require Specialist Care
Continued specialist involvement is recommended when patients have:
- Diagnostic uncertainty
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychosis
- Severe depression
- Complex anxiety disorders
- Active substance dependence
- Multiple failed stimulant trials
- Treatment-resistant ADHD
- Significant cardiovascular disease
- Complex medication regimens
What Do These NSW Reforms Mean for Patients?
For many patients, these reforms provide:
- Fewer psychiatrist appointments for routine prescriptions
- Better continuity of care with their regular GP
- Easier access to medication reviews
- Reduced travel
- Improved appointment availability
- Lower ongoing healthcare costs for many patients
Not every GP is authorised to prescribe ADHD stimulant medications. Eligibility depends upon both the patient’s circumstances and the GP meeting NSW Health prescribing requirements.
Can My GP Diagnose ADHD?
Most patients still require assessment and diagnosis by a psychiatrist or paediatrician before stimulant medication is commenced.
NSW continues to expand the role of specially trained GPs. While continuation prescribing is already available through authorised GPs, newer pathways allow some specially trained GPs to diagnose ADHD and initiate treatment under defined eligibility criteria.
Your GP can advise which pathway best suits your circumstances.
How Crown St Medical Centre Can Help
At Crown St Medical Centre, our experienced doctors provide compassionate, evidence-based ADHD care tailored to each patient’s needs.
For patients who already have an established ADHD diagnosis from a psychiatrist or appropriate specialist, we work collaboratively to provide ongoing monitoring and long-term management in accordance with current NSW prescribing requirements.
Depending on your circumstances, your ADHD review appointments may include:
- Monitoring symptom control
- Monitoring blood pressure, heart rate and weight
- Assessing medication effectiveness
- Reviewing medication side effects
- Monitoring mental health and wellbeing
- Coordinating care with your psychiatrist
- Providing ongoing prescriptions where clinically appropriate and permitted under NSW Health requirements
- Supporting long-term treatment and follow-up
This collaborative model allows eligible patients to continue specialist oversight while enjoying the convenience of seeing their regular GP closer to home.
Why Choose Crown St Medical Centre?
Patients throughout Surry Hills and Sydney’s Inner City choose Crown St Medical Centre because we provide:
- Experienced and approachable GPs
- Evidence-based ADHD management
- Collaborative care with psychiatrists and specialists
- Modern medical facilities
- Convenient online bookings
- Continuity of care
- Personalised treatment plans
We proudly care for patients living in:
- Surry Hills
- Paddington
- Darlinghurst
- Redfern
- Green Square
- Alexandria
- Woollahra
- Moore Park
- Waterloo
- Zetland
- Chippendale
- Haymarket
- The wider Inner Sydney community
Whether you require a referral for ADHD assessment, ongoing ADHD management or collaborative medication monitoring, our experienced team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD?
Yes. Many Australians receive their first ADHD diagnosis during adulthood after experiencing lifelong challenges with concentration, organisation and executive functioning.
Does ADHD affect women differently?
Yes. Women more commonly present with inattentive symptoms, which may lead to diagnosis later in life.
Can my GP diagnose ADHD?
GPs can identify symptoms, exclude alternative medical causes and arrange referral to an appropriate specialist. Depending on the applicable NSW pathway and GP authorisation, some specially trained GPs may also diagnose ADHD under defined eligibility criteria.
Can my GP prescribe ADHD medication?
Yes, in appropriate circumstances. Authorised NSW GP continuation prescribers can continue stimulant prescriptions for eligible patients with an established diagnosis and stable treatment plan.
Is my GP an ADHD continuation prescriber?
Currently, Dr Thao Nguyen, Dr Kate van Berlo and Dr Duncan Loi are Authorised NSW GP continuation prescribers.
Are ADHD medications addictive?
When prescribed appropriately and monitored carefully, stimulant medications are considered safe and effective for treating ADHD.
Will I need medication forever?
Not necessarily. Treatment is individualised and reviewed regularly. Some patients remain on medication long-term while others reduce or cease treatment under medical supervision.
Can ADHD be treated without medication?
Yes. Many patients benefit from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ADHD coaching, lifestyle modification, workplace adjustments and educational support.
Is ADHD hereditary?
Yes. ADHD has a strong genetic component and often occurs within families.
What should I bring to my first ADHD appointment?
Bring previous psychiatric reports, referral letters, school reports (if available), medication lists and psychological assessments to assist your treating doctor.
Can Crown St Medical Centre assist if I already have an ADHD diagnosis?
Yes. Patients with an established ADHD diagnosis may be eligible for ongoing collaborative care and medication monitoring in accordance with NSW Health prescribing requirements.
Comprehensive Healthcare at Crown St Medical Centre
Many patients with ADHD also benefit from broader general practice services.
Crown St Medical Centre also provides:
- Women’s Health
- Men’s Health
- Mental Health Care Plans
- Chronic Disease Management
- Preventative Health Assessments
- Weight Management
- Travel Medicine
- Childhood and Adult Immunisations
- Sexual Health
- General Practice Consultations
Our holistic approach ensures we consider both physical and mental wellbeing.
Book an ADHD Appointment in Surry Hills
If you are concerned that you or your child may have ADHD, require referral for assessment, or already have a diagnosis and are seeking ongoing collaborative care, the team at Crown St Medical Centre is here to help.
We proudly care for patients throughout Surry Hills, Paddington, Darlinghurst, Redfern, Alexandria, Green Square and Woollahra, providing compassionate, evidence-based medical care close to home.
If you have been searching for Surry Hills Doctors, Surry Hills Medical Practice, Surry Hills Medical Centre, or experienced Darlinghurst doctors, our team is committed to providing accessible, high-quality ADHD care.
Book your appointment online today: https://crownstmedicalcentre.com.au/book/
Take the next step towards personalised ADHD care with the experienced team at Crown St Medical Centre.
Last medically reviewed: 13 August 2026
Reviewed by: Doctors at Crown St Medical Centre – Surry Hill’s Local Medical Centre
Location: Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW
