Victorians will no longer need to face lengthy wait times or spend thousands of dollars to get care for ADHD.
On Monday, expressions of interest will open for GPs to undertake training to safely diagnose, treat and prescribe medication for ADHD.
Currently, adults can only be diagnosed and prescribed medication by a psychiatrist, while children must see a paediatrician or a psychiatrist.
That means too many people facing high out-of-pocket costs and long wait times of up to six to 12 months.
Right now, the average comprehensive assessment costs upwards of $2,000.
The training which starts from September will be delivered by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
It will mean GPs can diagnose and treat ADHD in adults and children six years and over.
This saves families time and money.
It also helps people get the support they need sooner to tackle the challenges of living with ADHD – giving them the best chance to excel at school, in the workplace, and throughout their lives.
The training will also help ease pressure on specialty areas, including psychiatry and paediatrics.
As more people better understand the condition, the demand for ADHD assessments is growing.
It’s estimated up to 163,000 Victorian children and 320,000 adults may be living with ADHD.
This is all part of Labor’s plan to make health care work better for families, so it’s easier and cheaper to access.
While Labor is investing in health, Jess Wilson’s Liberals $40 billion worth of cuts will hit our healthcare system hard.
It will mean cuts to hospitals, cuts to nurses and cuts to care.
As stated by Minister for Health Harriet Shing
“Getting an ADHD diagnosis shouldn’t cost thousands of dollars or take a year of waiting.”
“By training GPs to diagnose and treat ADHD, we’re helping people get the support they need, closer to home.”
As stated by Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt
“We are making it cheaper and easier for families to access timely ADHD care.”
“These changes are important – giving more Victorians the chance to thrive.”
