Finding the right psychologist for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when you're worried about their emotions, behaviour or development. This guide explains what child psychology involves, when it might help, what to expect and how to choose a provider in the Launceston area. It also features a range of local practices to help you start your search.
Multidisciplinary paediatric provider in Launceston offering speech pathology, OT, physiotherapy, psychology, dietetics, early intervention, art/music therapy and allied health assistants for ages 0-16, plus adult services. Offers in-clinic, off-site and state-wide telehealth appointments across Tasmania.
Zoe Leavitt is a Counselling Psychologist with over 25 years experience, using psychological science and holistic mind/body modalities. No specific ages, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details are mentioned on the website.
Synapse Psychology is a group psychology practice in Launceston and Devonport, Tasmania, offering mental health assessment and treatment with multiple clinicians, evidence-based approaches, and telehealth available with all clinicians.
Psychology clinic in Launceston, TAS serving children, adolescents and adults, using CBT, DBT, EMDR, Schema Therapy and developmental/educational assessments. Accepts Medicare, private health, workers comp and third-party referrals; psychiatry available via collaboration with NeuroCentrix.
Emerge Allied Health is a Tasmanian, family-focused multidisciplinary practice for children and young people, offering Psychology, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and early childhood intervention services, aiming to provide holistic, evidence-based supports under one roof.
Launceston-based child counselling/play therapy practice run by an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker. Accepts self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants (not NDIA-managed); Medicare rebates available with GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. No cognitive/neurodevelopmental assessments offered. Currently closed indefinitely from August 2026 for maternity leave.
Solo psychology practice in Launceston, TAS offering therapy and psychological assessments. Therapy available for adults and children from age 8; younger children may access play-based therapy or parenting skills sessions. No mention of NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist.
Squiggle Psychology offers individual therapy and psychological assessments (autism, ADHD, cognitive, specific learning disorders) for children and adults. In-person sessions in Launceston, TAS, plus telehealth Australia-wide. No NDIS registration or waitlist details mentioned.
Child psychology focuses on how children think, feel and behave as they grow. A child psychologist can carry out assessments and provide therapy for emotional, behavioural and developmental needs. This might include support for anxiety, low mood, big emotions, trouble with friendships, school refusal, sleep difficulties, or behaviour that feels hard to manage at home.
Psychologists also complete formal assessments — for example cognitive (IQ) assessments, learning assessments, or contributing to a broader team assessment for autism or ADHD. The approach is tailored to your child's age and stage, and often involves working closely with parents and, with your consent, schools.
Every child has ups and downs, but it may be worth seeking help if you notice patterns that last for weeks, get worse, or start affecting daily life. Common signs include:
You don't need to wait for a crisis. Seeking support early can make a real difference, and a psychologist can also reassure you when a behaviour is developmentally normal.
Psychologists work with children of all ages, from toddlers through to teenagers. For younger children, therapy is often play-based and heavily involves parents. For older children and teens, sessions may involve more direct conversation and strategies the child can practise themselves. When you contact a provider, ask which age ranges and presentations they specialise in, as this varies between clinicians.
The first appointment is usually an intake session. Depending on your child's age, this may be with parents only, or with your child present for part of it. The psychologist will ask about your concerns, your child's history, family situation, school and any previous support. It's a chance for you to ask questions too.
From there, the psychologist may recommend a few therapy sessions, a formal assessment, or a period of "watchful waiting". Bring along any relevant reports, school communications or referral letters. It can help to write down your main concerns beforehand so you don't forget anything.
Psychology fees in Australia generally range from around $200 to $300+ per session, though this varies by clinician and session type. Assessments are usually charged separately and can run into the hundreds or low thousands depending on their scope.
There are a few ways to reduce out-of-pocket costs:
The NDIS sets price caps for registered providers, and these are reviewed regularly. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider, as figures above are general guidance only and not a quote.
This page features several Launceston-area practices, including Early Start Australia - Tasmania North, Zoe Leavitt Psychologist, Synapse Psychology, Launceston Psychology Clinic - Lucy Wise, Emerge Allied Health, Bright Space Therapy, Nature Nurture Psychology, Squiggle Psychology, Wellington Street Clinic, Wild Minds Allied Health, Tamar Valley Psychology and Windsor Allied Health. Ratings and review numbers can be a useful starting point, but they don't tell the whole story — a practice with few or no reviews may still be an excellent fit for your child.
When comparing providers, check:
Taking a little time to ask these questions upfront helps you find a good match — which matters, because the relationship between your child and their psychologist is a big part of what makes therapy work.
Or read the full child psychology guide, or browse all Launceston providers.
Not always. You can book privately without a referral, but a GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan may give you access to Medicare rebates for a set number of sessions each year. Ask the provider what they require.
Yes, if psychology is included in your child's plan, it usually falls under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. Check whether your provider is NDIS-registered and whether your plan is agency-, plan- or self-managed, as this affects who you can see.
Fees generally range from around $200 to $300+ per session, with assessments charged separately. NDIS price caps apply to registered providers and are reviewed regularly. Always confirm current fees with the provider, as these are general ranges only.
Psychologists work with children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. Approaches differ by age — younger children often do play-based therapy with parent involvement, while teens may have more direct sessions. Ask each provider which ages they specialise in.
Waitlists vary between clinics and can be several weeks or months. It's worth contacting a few providers, asking about their current wait times, and requesting to join a cancellation list to be seen sooner.