Child psychologists help children and families work through emotional, behavioural and developmental challenges using assessments and evidence-based therapy. This guide explains what child psychology involves, how to spot when a child might benefit, and how to choose a Cairns provider. It also features a shortlist of local psychology services to get you started.
TalkNTap Therapy provides counselling and EFT Tapping for children and youth aged 5-25, using CBT and Play Therapy to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioural issues. No NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details mentioned.
NDIS-registered provider offering occupational therapy, speech pathology, positive behaviour support, psychology, and physiotherapy across North Queensland clinics including Cairns. Services offered in-clinic, at home, school, community, or via telehealth. No referral required except for Medicare subsidy claims.
Cairns-based psychology, counselling and assessment service for individuals and families, including kids, teens and adults. Offers clinical psychology, behaviour support, early childhood intervention, and autism/ADHD/learning difficulty assessments. Medicare, NDIS and WorkCover accepted. Psychology waitlist closed; NDIS and counselling limited availability; assessments available with short wait.
Provides speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, behaviour support and early intervention (ages 0-7) for autistic children through adults. Offers diagnostic assessments, therapy groups, AQ School (Prep-Year 6), and telepractice/face-to-face options.
Cairns-based psychology practice offering counselling, psychological assessment, and professional supervision for individuals, couples, and families. Explicitly does not provide stand-alone ADHD or Autism diagnoses. No bulk-billing. Telehealth/phone supervision available; no specific paediatric or NDIS registration details mentioned.
Cairns Psychology Group is winding down, becoming a single practice (Kevin Colahan, Psychologist); other practitioners have moved to independent practices at 120 Hoare Street or elsewhere. One practitioner, Klaudija Tomic, will offer telehealth from August 2026. No paediatric-specific services or NDIS registration mentioned.
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Cairns-based trauma-informed counselling and EMDR therapy practice offering support for adults, children, teens and families, including parenting support. Delivered in-person and via telehealth. No NDIS registration, waitlist, or specific age range explicitly stated.
Clinical psychology practice in Cairns offering therapy for personal challenges in a calm setting. No specific age range, telehealth availability, NDIS registration, or waitlist information provided.
Child psychology focuses on how children think, feel and behave, and how those patterns affect their day-to-day life at home, at school and with friends. A psychologist may carry out assessments (for example cognitive, learning, emotional or developmental assessments) and provide therapy to build skills and support wellbeing. Common approaches include play-based therapy for younger children, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for older kids and teens, and parent-focused strategies so families can support progress at home.
Psychologists don't prescribe medication. If medication is being considered, they'll often work alongside a GP or paediatrician. This page is general information only and isn't medical advice — always discuss your child's specific situation with a qualified professional.
Every child has ups and downs, but it can be worth seeking support when difficulties are persistent, intense or getting in the way of everyday life. Signs parents often notice include:
If you're unsure, a GP or your child's school can help you decide whether an assessment or a chat with a psychologist would be useful.
Psychologists work with children across all ages — from toddlers and preschoolers through to primary school children and teenagers. The approach is tailored to the child's age and stage: younger children often engage through play and drawing, while older children and teens may do more talking-based work. Parent and family involvement is usually a key part of therapy, especially for younger kids.
The first session is usually about gathering background and building trust rather than diving straight into therapy. Expect the psychologist to:
For assessments, the process may run across several appointments and include questionnaires for parents and teachers, plus structured testing with your child. You'll usually receive a written report and a feedback session explaining the results and recommendations.
Fees vary between providers. As a general guide, private psychology sessions in Australia often range from around $180 to $300+ per hour, and formal assessments can cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on their scope. These are general ranges only — always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
Some pathways can reduce out-of-pocket costs:
This page features Cairns and surrounds providers including Allied Therapeutic Services Cairns (Bungalow), Rainforest Clinical Psychology, Megan Colahan Psychologist and Danae Owen (Cairns City), Gumleaf Psychology and Education and Shine Strong Psychology (Parramatta Park), Dr Jane Buschkens, Psychologist (Manoora), Royal Rehab LifeWorks Cairns, Autism Queensland Cairns – Bungalow, Bellarine Psychology and The Whole Family (Cairns North), among others.
When comparing options, look at:
Taking a little time to check registration, credentials and waitlists helps you find the right fit for your child and family.
Or read the full child psychology guide, or browse all Cairns providers.
You don't need a referral to see a psychologist privately. However, a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan may make you eligible for Medicare rebates. If you're using NDIS funding, check your plan and how the provider invoices.
As a general guide, private sessions often range from around $180 to $300+ per hour, and assessments can cost more depending on scope. NDIS price caps apply to registered providers. Always confirm current fees with the provider, as costs vary.
Yes, psychology often falls under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living in an NDIS plan. Check whether the provider is NDIS-registered and how they bill, especially if your plan is agency-managed. Plan-managed and self-managed participants may have more flexibility.
Psychologists work with children of all ages, from toddlers through to teenagers. The approach is tailored to the child's stage — play-based for younger children and more talking-based for older kids. Parents are usually closely involved.
All psychologists must be registered with AHPRA (the Psychology Board of Australia), and you can search their name on the AHPRA register. Some hold endorsements such as clinical or educational and developmental psychology. Ask about their experience with children too.