Child psychologists help kids work through emotional, behavioural and developmental challenges using assessments and evidence-based therapy tailored to their age. This guide explains how child psychology works, what it costs in Australia, how NDIS funding can help, and how to choose the right Brisbane provider. It also features a selection of local practices to help you start your search.
Woolloongabba-based provider offering occupational therapy, speech pathology, and psychology for children, teens, and young adults under 18, including those without formal diagnosis. Mobile therapy available for clients unable to attend clinic. No NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details explicitly stated.
Australia-wide provider (in-clinic Brisbane location) offering psychology, counselling, behaviour support and speech therapy via telehealth, in-clinic and at-home; supports children, adolescents, adults and seniors; NDIS plan-managed and self-managed funding accepted, with NDIS supports including early intervention and support coordination.
Psychology clinic in Milton, QLD offering child psychology for ages 5-13, treating ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression and more. Also sees adults and adolescents. General psychology bookings available; no telehealth, NDIS registration, or waitlist mentioned.
Private psychology practice in East Brisbane offering psychological therapy and neuropsychological assessments (including ADHD and Autism) to adults and young people aged 13+. Services delivered in person or via telehealth. Assessments can support NDIS access; no waitlist mentioned.
Child and adult psychology and occupational therapy service in Holland Park West, Brisbane. Provides individual counselling (ages 3-18), assessments, and therapy for clients aged 4 and up. Available appointments including after-school slots; not stated as NDIS-registered or offering telehealth.
Brisbane psychology clinic in Woolloongabba offering psychological therapy (CBT, DBT) to adults, couples, children and adolescents. Treats depression, anxiety, anger management, eating disorders, OCD. Offers face-to-face and telehealth consultations.
Nest Psychology is a family-centred psychology clinic in Toowong, Brisbane offering child, teen, and perinatal psychology support, counselling, and learning assessments. Services available via in-clinic or telehealth appointments. No NDIS registration, waitlist, or practitioner names mentioned.
Our Space Psychology in Annerley, QLD offers individual counselling for adults, adolescents and children, plus family therapy, clinical supervision and training. Zoom telehealth sessions available. Currently accepting new referrals.
Child psychology focuses on how children think, feel and behave. A psychologist works with your child (and usually the whole family) to understand what's going on and to build practical skills. This can include assessments — such as cognitive, learning, developmental or social-emotional assessments — as well as therapy for issues like anxiety, big emotions, behaviour that's hard to manage, trauma, grief, friendship difficulties, or adjusting to a diagnosis like autism or ADHD.
Unlike adult therapy, work with children is often play-based, hands-on and creative. Younger kids may express themselves through games, drawing or stories, while older children and teens may do more talk-based work. Parents are almost always part of the process, because the strategies need to carry over into home and school.
Every child has tough days, but it may be worth speaking to a psychologist if you notice patterns such as:
If you're ever worried about your child's immediate safety, contact your GP, Lifeline (13 11 14) or emergency services. This guide is general information, not medical advice — a GP or paediatrician is a good first port of call.
Child psychologists typically see children from around age 3 or 4 up to adolescence, with some practices specialising in early childhood and others in teens. Approaches are matched to your child's developmental stage, so it's worth asking a provider what ages they work with and whether they have experience with your child's specific needs.
The first session is usually an intake or information-gathering appointment. Often the psychologist meets with parents first (sometimes without the child) to hear the background, history and your goals. From there they may spend sessions getting to know your child, then set a plan.
If an assessment is involved, expect several appointments — an intake interview, testing sessions with your child, and a feedback session where results and recommendations are explained, usually with a written report. Bring along any previous reports, school feedback or a list of your main concerns.
In Australia, private psychology sessions commonly range from around $180 to $280+ per session, and formal assessments (which involve multiple appointments and a report) can run from several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on complexity. The Australian Psychological Society publishes a recommended fee that sits higher again. These are general ranges only — always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
If your child has a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP, Medicare rebates may apply for a set number of sessions each calendar year. Some families also use private health extras.
Under the NDIS, psychology usually falls under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. NDIS price caps apply to registered providers, and the scheme reviews these limits regularly. If you're self-managed or plan-managed, you may also be able to use non-registered providers. Assessments for diagnosis are generally not funded by the NDIS, so check what your plan covers before booking.
This page features Brisbane-based practices including Our Space Psychology (Annerley), Chelsea Perks Brisbane Psychologist (Spring Hill), A to Z Psychology (Toowong), Speld QLD (Woolloongabba), Nexus CAP (Woolloongabba), Carina Medical & Specialist Centre (Cannon Hill), The Psych Edit (Kenmore), Brisbane ACT Centre (Milton), Woodside Centre – Brisbane (Toowong), Mind Wise Psychology Services (Milton), SpeechNet Speech Pathology & Learning Centre (Holland Park West) and Brisbane Psychologists (Kangaroo Point). Ratings and review counts vary, so treat them as one signal among many.
When comparing options, consider:
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you find a psychologist your child feels comfortable with — which matters more than almost anything else for good outcomes.
Or read the full child psychology guide, or browse all Brisbane providers.
Most child psychologists work with children from around age 3 or 4 through to adolescence. Approaches are matched to your child's developmental stage, so ask each provider what ages they specialise in and whether they have experience with your child's particular needs.
Private sessions commonly range from around $180 to $280 or more, while formal assessments can cost from several hundred to a few thousand dollars. NDIS price caps apply to registered providers. These are general ranges only — confirm current fees directly with each practice.
Yes, psychology usually sits under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living in an NDIS plan. Agency-managed families need a registered provider, while plan- and self-managed families have more flexibility. Diagnostic assessments are often not NDIS-funded, so check your plan first.
All practising psychologists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA (the Psychology Board of Australia). You can search the AHPRA register online. Some psychologists also hold endorsement in areas such as clinical or educational and developmental psychology.
Waitlists vary between practices and can be several weeks to a few months, especially for popular providers. Always ask about current wait times when you enquire, and ask whether they keep a cancellation list you can join for an earlier appointment.