The Australian Psychological Society (APS) welcomes the Victorian Government’s increased focus on improving support for people with ADHD but cautions that reforms set to be introduced this year must go further to deliver meaningful, system-wide change.
APS President Dr Kelly Gough is calling for consistent recognition of psychologists’ role across Australia which would significantly improve patient outcomes, while easing pressure on GPs, paediatricians and psychiatrists.
“A truly collaborative model where psychologists provide assessment, diagnosis and psychological treatment, and GPs oversee medication management has the potential to reduce system strain, shorten wait times and deliver more accessible, effective support for individuals and families,” said Dr Gough.
“Many psychologists have completed specific training to assess and diagnose ADHD and routinely provide comprehensive, evidence-based assessments and non-pharmacological interventions that consider the full picture, including co-occurring mental health or learning conditions that impact more than two thirds of people with ADHD.
“Psychologists are ready to help Australians who need support now.
“Psychologists are uniquely trained and qualified to work together with their medical colleagues to provide a comprehensive approach to support people with ADHD.
“The psychological impact of ADHD and its treatment, including on emotions, relationships and work and study, is best managed by a psychologist.
“We call on all governments to address the under-recognised contribution of psychologists and to work with us to design initiatives that enable psychologists to provide these much-needed services to the Australian community,” Dr Gough added.
The APS encourages governments to invest in the development of services which allow health and allied health professionals (and particularly psychologists) to give effect to evidence-based and best-practice assessment and intervention methods, as outlined in the Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD.
For more information, or to arrange an interview call the APS Media team on 03 8662 3358 / 0435 896 444, or email.
The APS is the largest professional organisation for psychologists in Australia, representing more than 25,000 members. The APS is committed to advancing psychology as a discipline and profession. It spreads the message that psychologists make a difference to people’s lives, through improving psychological knowledge and community wellbeing.