Finding the right psychologist for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure what support they need or how funding works. This guide explains what child psychology involves, how to choose a provider in Geelong, and what to expect at a first appointment. We feature a range of local practices to help you get started.
Multidisciplinary clinic offering Podiatry, Physiotherapy, and Psychology services. No explicit mention of paediatric age range, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist in provided text.
General multidisciplinary health centre in Geelong offering chiropractic, dietetics, podiatry, myotherapy, acupuncture, psychology, laser therapy and remedial massage for adults, children and babies; no paediatric-specific therapy types, NDIS registration, telehealth or waitlist details mentioned.
Neurodiversity-affirming speech pathology and occupational therapy for children in Melbourne. Chelsea Heights clinic sees ages 0–12; Glenroy clinic ages 0–16. Offers group programs, autism assessments, and mobile services in homes, schools, and community settings. Waitlist available via intake form.
Provides speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, dietetics, play therapy, autism assessments and groups for children aged 0-18 in Surf Coast, Geelong and Bellarine. Offers one-off assessments and free Wiggle and Grow drop-in program for children 0-3 while awaiting services.
Geelong-based private psychology practice offering trauma-informed, evidence-based psychological therapy including EMDR. Requires GP/Psychiatrist referral; no bulk billing. Large team of clinical, associate, and provisional psychologists. No explicit mention of paediatric-specific services, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist.
Multidisciplinary clinic in Newtown, Geelong supporting children/young people aged 2–17 (early intervention to 9 years) with OT, speech pathology, psychology and assessments. NDIS registered (agency, self- and plan-managed), telehealth and mobile services available; immediate availability noted, no waitlist mentioned.
Multidisciplinary paediatric practice in Geelong CBD offering Speech Pathology, OT, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dietetics, Positive Behaviour Support, Support Coordination, Plan Management and Allied Health Assistance. Physiotherapy treats from 1-day-old babies to adolescents. NDIS-related services mentioned; no explicit NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details stated.
Geelong-based psychology practice in Drysdale offering in-person and Australia-wide telehealth counselling for adults, adolescents and children. Services include anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD/ASD coaching. Medicare rebates available via Mental Health Care Plan; no NDIS registration or waitlist mentioned.
Child psychology focuses on how children think, feel, learn and behave, and how these change as they grow. Psychologists working with children provide assessments (which can help identify things like anxiety, ADHD, autism, learning difficulties or developmental concerns) as well as therapy to support emotional, behavioural and developmental needs.
Unlike adult therapy, work with children is often play-based, creative and practical. Younger children may express themselves through play, drawing or games, while older children and teens may talk through problems more directly. Psychologists also work closely with parents and carers, because families are central to a child's wellbeing and progress.
Every child has ups and downs, but you might consider seeing a psychologist if your child shows ongoing patterns such as:
Trust your instincts. You don't need to wait for a crisis to seek advice, and an early conversation with a professional can be reassuring even if no ongoing support is needed.
Psychologists support children across all ages, from toddlers and preschoolers through to primary-aged children and teenagers. The approach is tailored to a child's developmental stage. Some practices specialise in early childhood, while others focus on adolescents, so it's worth asking whether a provider regularly works with your child's age group.
The first session is usually about getting to know your family and understanding your concerns. Often the psychologist will meet with parents first (sometimes without the child present) to gather background, then meet the child in a relaxed, low-pressure way. There's rarely any pressure to "fix" everything in one visit.
From there, the psychologist may recommend an assessment, a course of therapy sessions, or simply some strategies to try at home. They'll usually explain a plan and rough timeframe, and how they'll involve you along the way.
As a general guide, private psychology sessions in Australia often range from around $200 to $300+ per hour. Assessments (such as cognitive or diagnostic assessments) are usually charged separately and can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on their scope. These are general ranges only and vary between providers, so always confirm fees directly.
There are a few common ways families reduce out-of-pocket costs:
If you're unsure which pathway fits, a GP or your NDIS support coordinator can help you weigh up the options.
Geelong has a growing number of psychology practices, and this page features several highly rated local options including Early Start Australia – Geelong (Newtown), Language For Life (Geelong CBD), Life Connect Therapy (Belmont), Clover Psychology, The Youth Mind Collective, Lean In Psychology, Blue Space Psychology, Dr Cahal Meegan Clinical Psychologist (Newtown), Step 2 Allied Health (South Geelong) and others. When comparing them, consider:
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you feel confident you've found the right support for your child and family.
Or read the full child psychology guide, or browse all Geelong providers.
You don't need a referral to book privately with a psychologist. However, if you'd like Medicare rebates, you'll need a GP to prepare a Mental Health Care Plan first. For NDIS-funded support, check how your plan is managed and whether the provider can bill your plan.
As a general guide, sessions often range from around $200 to $300+ per hour, and assessments are charged separately. Medicare rebates, private health extras and NDIS funding can reduce out-of-pocket costs. NDIS price caps apply, so always confirm current fees with the provider directly.
Yes, for eligible children psychology is often funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. Confirm whether your plan is agency-managed, plan-managed or self-managed, and check whether the provider is NDIS-registered or can work with your plan type.
All psychologists must be registered with AHPRA, and you can search the public register to confirm this. Some hold a clinical psychology endorsement. Ask about their experience with your child's age and needs when you make contact.
Wait times vary widely between practices and can be several weeks or longer during busy periods. It's best to contact providers directly to ask about their current waitlist, and to ask whether telehealth appointments are available if you need support sooner.