Tasmania faces long waits and high costs for ADHD assessments, report says

A parliamentary report on ADHD assessment and treatment in Tasmania revealed extensive waiting periods, with almost 3,000 children awaiting public evaluation and adult wait lists exceeding two years. Public services lack capacity, pushing most patients toward private psychiatrists whose fees range from $500 to $3,000, a burden for lower-income households. The report noted that many families travel interstate or use telehealth providers, whose quality varies and costs are high.

It made over 100 findings and 31 recommendations, urging increased public funding, diagnostic services in child-family centres, and greater federal involvement. The government has recently authorized GPs to diagnose ADHD, a step intended to shorten wait times and reduce costs, while also planning further training and support initiatives.