Should I see a psychiatrist or psychologist for ADHD in Australia?

For ADHD diagnosis and medication management, you typically need a psychiatrist or paediatrician. Psychologists can provide behavioural therapy and support strategies but cannot diagnose ADHD for medication purposes or prescribe stimulant medications. Many families use both: a psychiatrist for diagnosis and medication, and a psychologist for ongoing therapy.

What is the difference in Medicare rebates for psychiatrists vs psychologists?

Both psychiatrists and psychologists attract Medicare rebates in Australia. Psychiatrists are covered under the Medicare Benefits Schedule as medical specialists (requiring a GP referral). Psychologists are covered under the Better Access initiative through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, which provides rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

How long does it take to become a psychiatrist vs psychologist in Australia?

A psychiatrist completes 11-13 years of training: a medical degree (5-6 years), internship (1 year), and psychiatry specialty training (5-6 years) through RANZCP. A psychologist completes 6-8 years: an undergraduate degree (3-4 years) and postgraduate training (2-4 years) through AHPRA-approved programs.

Can a psychologist diagnose autism or ADHD in Australia?

Psychologists can conduct assessments and provide diagnostic opinions for autism and ADHD. However, if medication is required for ADHD, the diagnosis typically needs confirmation by a psychiatrist or paediatrician who can prescribe. For NDIS purposes, autism diagnosis is often accepted from psychologists using tools like ADOS-2, but requirements may vary.

Psychiatrist vs Psychologist in Australia: What's the Difference?

Understanding whether your child needs a psychiatrist or psychologist can be confusing. This guide explains the key differences in qualifications, what each professional can do, Medicare rebates, and which one is right for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and autism.

Quick Answer

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and diagnose mental health conditions. Psychologists cannot prescribe medication but provide therapy and psychological assessments. For ADHD medication, you need a psychiatrist or paediatrician. For therapy alone, a psychologist may be sufficient.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Psychiatrist	Psychologist
Base Qualification	Medical degree (MBBS/MD)	Psychology degree (Honours)
Training Time	11-14 years total	6-8 years total
Registration Body	RANZCP + Medical Board	AHPRA Psychology Board
Can Prescribe Medication
Can Diagnose ADHD (for medication)		Assessment only*
Can Diagnose Autism
Can Provide Therapy
Medicare Rebate	Yes (with GP referral)	Yes (via Mental Health Treatment Plan, up to 10 sessions/year)
Typical Wait Time (Private)	4-12 weeks	1-4 weeks
Typical Fee Range	$400-$700 initial	$180-$300 per session

* Psychologists can assess for ADHD but cannot prescribe medication. Medication requires a psychiatrist or paediatrician.

When Should You See Each Professional?

See a Psychiatrist If:

Your child may need medication for ADHD, anxiety, depression, or other conditions
You need a formal diagnosis for ADHD that enables stimulant medication
Your child has complex or severe symptoms
Previous therapy hasn't been effective alone
There are multiple conditions (e.g., ADHD + anxiety)

See a Psychologist If:

Your child needs talk therapy (CBT, DBT, etc.)
Symptoms are mild to moderate
You want behavioural strategies for ADHD management
You need an autism assessment (ADOS-2)
Ongoing support is needed (regular sessions)

Which Professional for Each Condition?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

For diagnosis and medication: See a psychiatrist or paediatrician. They can diagnose ADHD and prescribe stimulant medications (Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta).

For behavioural strategies: A psychologist can help with organisational skills, study strategies, and emotional regulation.

Common approach: Psychiatrist for initial diagnosis + medication, psychologist for ongoing therapy.

Anxiety Disorders

For mild to moderate anxiety: Start with a psychologist for CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), which is the evidence-based first-line treatment.

For severe anxiety or if therapy alone isn't working: A psychiatrist can assess whether medication (SSRIs) might help alongside therapy.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

For diagnosis: Either a psychologist (using ADOS-2) or a psychiatrist can diagnose autism. Both are accepted for NDIS applications.

For associated conditions (anxiety, ADHD, emotional dysregulation): A psychiatrist may be needed if medication could help.

Depression

For mild to moderate depression: A psychologist can provide evidence-based therapy (CBT, IPT).

For moderate to severe depression: A psychiatrist can assess whether antidepressant medication is appropriate, particularly in adolescents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a psychologist prescribe medication in Australia?

No, psychologists cannot prescribe medication in Australia. Only psychiatrists (who are medical doctors) can prescribe psychiatric medications. If your child needs medication for ADHD, anxiety, or other conditions, they will need to see a psychiatrist, paediatrician, or in some cases their GP.

Should I see a psychiatrist or psychologist for ADHD?

For ADHD diagnosis that enables medication, you typically need a psychiatrist or paediatrician. Psychologists can conduct assessments and identify ADHD characteristics, but the diagnosis for stimulant medication purposes requires a medical doctor.

Many families use both professionals: a psychiatrist for diagnosis and medication management, and a psychologist for ongoing therapy and strategies.

What Medicare rebates are available?

Psychiatrists: Covered under the Medicare Benefits Schedule as medical specialists. You need a GP referral to access rebates.

Psychologists: Covered under the Better Access initiative. Your GP creates a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which provides rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

Neither typically bulk bills, so there will be out-of-pocket costs after the rebate.

How long does training take for each profession?

Psychiatrist (11-14 years): Medical degree (5-6 years) + internship (1-2 years) + psychiatry specialty training through RANZCP (5-6 years).

Psychologist (6-8 years): Undergraduate psychology degree with Honours (4 years) + postgraduate training (2-4 years) through AHPRA-approved pathways.

Can a psychologist diagnose autism?

Yes, psychologists (particularly those trained in ADOS-2) can diagnose autism spectrum disorder. This diagnosis is generally accepted for NDIS applications. Psychiatrists can also diagnose autism and may be preferred if there are co-occurring conditions that might benefit from medication.

The Best Approach: Often Both

Combined Care Model

Many Australian families find the best outcomes come from using both professionals:

Psychiatrist: Initial assessment, diagnosis, medication management, periodic reviews
Psychologist: Regular therapy sessions, behavioural strategies, school liaison, ongoing support

This approach ensures comprehensive care: the medical expertise of a psychiatrist combined with the therapeutic support of a psychologist.

Need a Child Psychiatrist in Australia?

Lionheart Clinic provides telehealth child and adolescent psychiatry across Australia. Our RANZCP-qualified psychiatrists specialise in ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression assessments.

Book an Assessment View Our Services

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you're concerned about your child's mental health, please consult with your GP for a referral to the appropriate specialist.