09/02/2026
A message from Dr Sarah Watson - Clinic Director for Totally Psyched , Board Member of AADPA and Clinical Advisor for ADHD New Zealand regarding the changes to ADHD care in New Zealand.
Dear Totally Psyched Whānau,
We are writing to let you know about upcoming national changes to ADHD prescribing and diagnostic rules, announced by the Ministry of Health, and—importantly—what this does and does not mean for families receiving care at Totally Psyched.
What’s changing nationally?
From 1 February 2026, changes to prescribing regulations will allow:
Specialist General Practitioners and Nurse Practitioners who have undergone the appropriate training to diagnose and prescribe for adults with ADHD, and
Nurse Practitioners working in paediatric or mental health services who have undergone the appropriate training to diagnose and prescribe for children and adolescents, provided this is within their scope of practice.
These changes are intended to improve access and reduce wait times for people living with ADHD across New Zealand.
In a recent media release the Ministry of Health has reassured the public that prescribing will continue to follow existing clinical and regulatory guidelines, and safeguards remain in place to ensure high-quality care and minimise medication misuse Ministry of Health - Changes to ADHD prescribing rules from 1 February 2026. Pharmac is also actively managing medication supply and exploring alternatives to support increasing demand.
It is important to note that:
Participation by GPs and Nurse Practitioners is voluntary
Not all clinicians will offer ADHD services
New services will develop gradually, as clinicians undertake training and build expertise in ADHD care
What does this mean for Totally Psyched families?
As a center of excellence for neuro-affirming neurodiverse care, nothing is changing in how ADHD care is delivered at Totally Psyched just yet.
Our assessment pathways, clinical standards, and prescribing practices remain exactly the same
ADHD diagnoses and medication decisions will continue to be overseen by our highly skilled Psychologists and Consultant Psychiatrists
Our multidisciplinary, evidence-based, and child-centered model of care remains unchanged
If a medication treatment option is preferred, this will be initiated as normal by our Consultant Psychiatrists and once optimally stabilized will be transferred for long term support by your family GP
These national changes are largely focused on improving adult ADHD access at this stage, rather than altering paediatric or adolescent specialist services such as ours.
Looking ahead
In line with these changes—and to further strengthen our service—we are actively seeking a Nurse Practitioner to join the Totally Psyched team, working alongside our Consultant Psychiatrists and broader multidisciplinary clinicians. This reflects our ongoing commitment to:
Safe, high-quality ADHD care
Timely access for families
Continuity and depth of clinical expertise
Offering cost effective options of care
Questions?
The Ministry of Health has released an information sheet addressing frequently asked questions, which we have attached for your reference MOH ADHD Changes Information Sheet 2026
As always, if you have questions or concerns about your child’s care, please don’t hesitate to contact our team—we are very happy to talk this through with you.
Warm regards,
Dr Sarah Watson, CEO & Senior Clinical Psychologist
On behalf of the Totally Psyched Team
Totally Psyched | Neurodiversity-affirming care for children, adolescents, and families