How long is the wait for an ADHD psychiatrist?

A national study described by the University of Wollongong in March 2026 found that the average wait for an adult's first ADHD assessment appointment was just over ten weeks, with some waits reaching a year. That figure covered different clinician types; it was not a psychiatrist-only average. Psychiatrists had longer waits than psychologists in the study. University of Wollongong: A 12-month wait and a $1400 bill: ADHD diagnosis in Australia

Those findings describe access at the time of the research. They cannot predict the next available appointment at a particular clinic today.

Which wait is being quoted, and why does it vary?

Ask whether the estimate is for the first contact, a screening appointment or the diagnostic assessment itself. These may be separate steps. RANZCP Your Health in Mind: Your first appointment

You may also need further appointments, information from another clinician or time for a written report after the first assessment. If treatment is recommended, a treatment review may have its own booking arrangements.

Useful questions are:

• Are you accepting new adult ADHD referrals?
• What is the next available assessment appointment?
• Is there a triage or screening step before that appointment?
• How many assessment sessions might be needed?
• When would feedback or a report usually be provided?
• If ongoing medical care is needed, is that available through this practice?

Write down the answers and the date you received them. Availability can change, so confirm the details when booking.

Why do waits differ so much?

Different clinicians see different age groups, conditions and levels of complexity. Some offer ongoing treatment; others mainly provide an assessment and recommendations to the referring doctor. A clinic's capacity depends on both new assessments and the needs of existing patients. Australian ADHD guideline: How should ADHD be assessed, diagnosed, and monitored

Location also affects which services you can access. Telehealth may broaden the options, but check whether a provider can assess and manage someone in your state or territory. The earliest advertised appointment is only useful if the service is appropriate for you.

Clinical urgency can affect triage. Tell your doctor accurately about any deterioration or safety concerns rather than trying to secure a routine assessment through exaggerated urgency.

Can an online referral shorten the specialist wait?

An online consultation may help you discuss referral needs without travelling to a clinic. It does not give access to a separate specialist waiting list or guarantee priority.

Doccio provides ADHD referral consultations, not specialist ADHD assessments. If a referral is issued, the receiving clinic decides whether to accept it and when to offer an appointment. A quick referral and a quick assessment are different things.

How can I avoid delays and compare other options?

Check a clinic's eligibility and availability before arranging a referral specifically for it. Submit requested forms and relevant records, and confirm that the referral has actually been received. An unanswered enquiry is not the same as being on a waiting list.

Ask about cancellation appointments if you can attend at short notice. You can also ask your referring doctor whether another appropriate service is available. If you accept an earlier appointment elsewhere, cancel any bookings you no longer need in line with the clinic's policy.

When contacting several clinics, keep a simple list of names, fees, responses and next steps. This can make the process easier to manage and reduce repeated calls.

Should I see a psychologist while I wait?

That depends on your goals. Psychological support may help with current difficulties, and appropriately trained psychologists can assess ADHD. However, they do not prescribe medicines. A later medical assessment may still be needed if medication is being considered.

Before booking a separate diagnostic assessment, ask how the receiving psychiatrist would use its report. This can help you understand possible duplication, costs and the value of the assessment for your circumstances.

What support can I get while I wait?

Keep your usual doctor involved. Ask for a plan covering current symptoms, existing treatment and when to seek earlier review. You do not need to wait for an ADHD diagnosis before asking for help with distress, sleep or other health concerns.

If you're having thoughts of self-harm, call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14. Lifeline: Lifeline crisis support - 13 11 14

For help understanding the assessment process, read our adult ADHD assessment guide. You can also discuss a referral with Doccio.

Doccio's psychiatry partner is SetMind, an Australian online psychiatry practice for adults offering ADHD assessments and shared-care plans by telehealth. Your doctor can address a referral to SetMind or to any clinic you prefer; SetMind confirms its fees and any Medicare rebate in writing before you book.

Where to go next

Read about our ADHD referral service or start a Doccio referral consultation.