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ADHD assessments for adults. 

From 1st February 2026, vocationally trained GPs with additional training and capacity will be able to diagnose and treat ADHD for adults aged 18 and above.  

Halswellhealth will not be offering diagnostic ADHD assessments.  

Whilst this change will hopefully improve access to an assessment, ADHD is a complex diagnosis, and it requires time and care to diagnose properly. Halswellhealth is currently unable to provide this service. 

If you wish to be referred for an assessment, then please make a dedicated appointment to discuss your concerns and your GP will discuss the appropriate next steps. 

 Ongoing prescribing of stimulant medication. 

  • If your diagnosis is confirmed and stimulant medication is recommended by your specialist (this may include a specialist GP working elsewhere), continuation of stimulant prescribing may be considered by your GP. This decision is made at the GP’s discretion and will depend on individual clinical factors, including co-existing conditions and other medications 
  • If you have seen a psychologist for an assessment, you may still need to see a psychiatrist or an ADHD trained prescriber for your medication. 
  • If your case is complex, we will require your medication plan to be stable before we accept a transfer of care from the specialist. 
  • Prescribing stimulant medication requires regular monitoring, especially in the early stages and if patients have other co-existing diseases. You will need regular in-person GP appointments for this. This will need a dedicated appointment. 
  • Your GP will discuss appropriate prescribing intervals with you. 

If you wish for further information on this topic, the RNZCGP framework is attached here. https://www.rnzcgp.org.nz/our-voice/hot-topics/gp-adhd-prescribing/#Guidelines-and-resources 

ADHD assessments in Children under 18. 

GPs are unable to diagnose ADHD and initiate stimulant medication in the under 18s. If you need to discuss a referral for an assessment for this age group, please make a dedicated appointment to see your GP.  

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