Finding the right psychologist for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already juggling appointments, school and everyday family life. This guide explains what child psychology involves, how it's funded, and how to choose a Canberra provider that fits your family. The providers featured on this page span Belconnen, Bruce, Deakin, Phillip and nearby Queanbeyan.
Canberra (Deakin, ACT)-based neurodiversity-affirming psychology clinic working with people of all ages, including children. Offers child psychology services in a warm, non-clinical setting. No explicit mention of NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlists.
Clever Psychology and Assessments provides evidence-based psychological support for children, teens, adults, and families, combining research-backed approaches with person-first, individually tailored care.
Psychology practice in Acton, ACT offering telehealth, in-studio, and outdoor walking sessions (50 minutes). Medicare rebates available with GP referral and mental health care plan; private health rebates vary. No specific ages or NDIS registration mentioned.
Canberra Psychology Clinic offers psychological services for both children and adults, including autism, ADHD, cognitive and educational assessments, EMDR, trauma-focused therapy, and couples counselling. No NDIS, telehealth, or waitlist details specified.
Offers IQ, cognitive, academic and behavioural assessments for children aged 4–16 in Belconnen, Canberra, including ADHD screening and school admission testing. Monthly weekend appointments, written reports in 2-3 weeks, phone/email follow-up support Monday to Saturday.
No factual information available; the provided website text was blocked and contained no content about services, practitioners, ages seen, or NDIS registration.
Eriksson Psychology is a psychology practice offering evidence-based therapy in a warm, client-focused environment. No specific ages, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details are mentioned on the site.
Discourse Psychology is a psychology practice in Turner, ACT. The provided website text is minimal and does not explicitly detail ages seen, NDIS registration, telehealth availability, or waitlist information.
Child psychology focuses on how children think, feel, learn and relate to others. A child psychologist can carry out assessments (for example, cognitive, learning, emotional or developmental assessments) and provide therapy for emotional, behavioural and developmental needs. Rather than the 'talk therapy' many adults picture, sessions with younger children often use play, drawing, stories and structured activities, alongside plenty of coaching for parents and carers.
Common reasons families seek support include anxiety, low mood, big emotions and meltdowns, difficulties with friendships, school refusal, sleep issues, trauma, grief, and behaviours that are hard to manage at home or in the classroom. Psychologists also complete assessments that help clarify what's going on — for instance, exploring learning difficulties, developmental concerns or whether a referral for further assessment (such as for autism or ADHD) may be helpful.
Every child has tough days. It may be worth seeking help when changes are persistent, intense or getting in the way of everyday life. Possible signs include:
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.
Psychologists work with children across a wide range of ages, from toddlers and preschoolers through to primary and high-school students. The approach shifts with development — more play-based for little ones, more conversation and skill-building for older children and teens. When you enquire, ask whether the psychologist has experience with your child's specific age group and concern.
The first session is usually about gathering information and building rapport. Often the psychologist will meet with parents or carers first (sometimes without the child) to hear your concerns, history and goals. They may ask you to complete questionnaires beforehand, and with your consent may seek information from your child's school. From there, they'll suggest a plan — this might be a course of therapy sessions, a formal assessment, or a combination. Assessments can involve several appointments plus a written report and feedback session.
Private psychology fees in Australia commonly range from around $200 to $300+ per session, and formal assessments (which involve testing, scoring and report writing) can run into the hundreds or low thousands depending on their scope. These are general ranges only — always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
Under Medicare, eligible children may access rebated sessions through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (ask your GP whether your child qualifies). For NDIS participants, psychology usually sits under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living, funding therapy and assessments that build skills and independence. The NDIS sets price caps each year, and registered providers must work within them; plan-managed and self-managed participants may also see some providers who aren't NDIS-registered. Check how your plan is managed and what your funding covers before booking.
A few practical checks go a long way:
Taking a little time to compare providers, check credentials and confirm costs helps you feel confident in your choice — and gives your child the best chance of getting the right support.
Or read the full child psychology guide, or browse all Canberra providers.
You don't need a referral to see a psychologist privately. However, if you want Medicare rebates you'll usually need a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, and for NDIS-funded therapy you'll draw on your child's plan. Some clinics also accept referrals from paediatricians or schools.
Psychology is typically funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living when it helps build your child's skills and independence. NDIS price caps apply and registered providers must work within them. Check how your plan is managed (agency, plan or self-managed) and what your funding covers before booking.
Private sessions commonly range from around $200 to $300+, and formal assessments can cost significantly more due to testing and report writing. These are general ranges only — always confirm current fees with the provider, and ask about Medicare rebates or NDIS funding.
All practising psychologists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA, which you can verify online. Some hold area-of-practice endorsements such as clinical or educational and developmental psychology. If speech or occupational therapy is also involved, check Speech Pathology Australia or OT Australia membership.
Waitlists vary between Canberra clinics and can be lengthy given high demand, so ask about current wait times and cancellation lists when you enquire. Many providers offer telehealth, which can suit older children or families outside the inner suburbs — ask whether it's appropriate for your child.