Child psychology offers assessments and therapy to support children with emotional, behavioural and developmental needs. This guide explains what to expect, typical costs and NDIS funding, and how to choose the right provider in Melbourne. The page also features a selection of local providers to help you start your search.
Melbourne-based NDIS provider offering early childhood therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, allied health assistance, and referrals for dietetics, psychology and physiotherapy. Serves children across northern, south-east, inner-eastern and western Melbourne with immediate capacity; currently taking new referrals.
Melbourne CBD multidisciplinary practice offering Speech Pathology, OT, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Dietetics, Allied Health Assistance, Positive Behaviour Support, and NDIS Support Coordination/Plan Management for children, including babies. NDIS-funded services mentioned; no explicit ages, telehealth, or waitlist details given.
Melbourne clinic (Caulfield, VIC) offering child-centred play therapy and related approaches (AutPlay, DIR Floor Time, filial therapy) for children aged 2–9 with autism, ADHD, behavioural, emotional and developmental difficulties. No NDIS, telehealth, or waitlist details specified.
Bloom Healthcare provides NDIS allied health services in Melbourne including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, behavioural support, psychology, and speech pathology, delivered at home, school, or via telehealth. NDIS provider with low to no wait times; also offers aged care programs.
NDIS-registered paediatric physiotherapy clinic in Yarraville (and Malvern), Melbourne, treating newborns to adolescents. Offers clinic, home/community, and hydrotherapy sessions, neurodevelopmental assessments, equipment prescription, and NDIS planning support. Accepts Medicare EPC plans and private health rebates.
Lumos Paediatric Therapy in Box Hill, VIC supports children, teens, and young adults with occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychology, counselling, play therapy, and weekly therapy groups. Services offered in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. No NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details specified.
LGBTQIA+ and neuroaffirming psychology clinic in Carlton offering general psychology, autism and ADHD assessments, cognitive/academic assessments, and group therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, with in-person and telehealth options.
Smiley Days Psychology is a child psychology practice in Port Melbourne, VIC. Limited details are provided on the website beyond identifying as a Child Psychologist service.
Child psychologists help children understand and manage their emotions, thoughts and behaviour. Their work can include formal assessments (for example, cognitive, learning, autism or ADHD assessments), as well as one-on-one therapy using approaches tailored to a child's age and stage. Sessions often look quite different from adult therapy — a psychologist might use play, drawing, stories or games to help a younger child express what's going on and build coping skills.
Much of the work also involves parents and carers. A good psychologist will coach you on strategies to use at home and, with your consent, may liaise with your child's school, GP or paediatrician so everyone is working towards the same goals.
Every child has ups and downs, but you might consider seeing a psychologist if your child is showing patterns that persist and affect daily life. Common reasons families seek support include:
If you're ever worried about your child's immediate safety or wellbeing, contact your GP or call Lifeline (13 11 14) or, in an emergency, 000. This guide is general information and not medical advice.
Child psychologists typically work with children and adolescents from around age 3 up to 18, though the approach shifts with age. Younger children benefit from play-based and parent-focused work, while primary and high-school-aged children can engage more directly in talking therapies. Some clinics also see very young children where developmental concerns are involved.
The first session is usually an intake or assessment appointment. For younger children, the psychologist often meets with parents first to understand your concerns, your child's history and what you'd like to achieve. They may then spend time with your child, and may ask you or your child's teacher to complete questionnaires.
From there, the psychologist will discuss what they've observed and suggest a plan — this might be a course of therapy sessions, a more detailed assessment, or a referral to another professional such as a speech pathologist, occupational therapist or paediatrician. Bring along any reports, school feedback or referral letters you already have.
Fees vary between clinics and by whether the psychologist is registered or clinically endorsed. As a general guide, private psychology sessions in Australia often range from around $180 to $300 per session, and assessments (such as cognitive or autism assessments) can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on their complexity. These figures are indicative only — always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
Some families access Medicare rebates through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, which can subsidise a set number of sessions each calendar year. If your child has an NDIS plan, psychology is generally funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. The NDIS sets price caps for registered providers, and these are updated periodically, so check the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and confirm how your child's plan is managed (agency-managed, plan-managed or self-managed) before booking.
This page features Melbourne providers including Language For Life (CBD), Bloom Healthcare (CBD), Lumos Paediatric Therapy (Box Hill), Melbourne KiDS' Developmental Services (Brunswick), Sum Of Us Kids Therapy Hub (Yarraville), Karista (South Yarra), Scribble Children's Therapy (Moonee Ponds), Early Start Australia (Hawthorn), D.O.T.S. (Footscray), Splash Paediatric Therapy (Essendon and Hawthorn East) and Offspring Child Health Specialists (Hawthorn). Ratings and review counts can help you compare, but the best fit depends on your child's needs. When choosing, consider:
Or read the full child psychology guide, or browse all Melbourne providers.
You don't need a referral to see a psychologist privately. However, a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan is required if you want to access Medicare rebates for a set number of sessions each year, and some assessments may need a paediatrician's involvement.
Yes. Psychology is generally funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living in an NDIS plan. Check whether your plan is agency-managed, plan-managed or self-managed, and confirm the provider's NDIS registration and current price caps before booking.
As a general guide, private sessions often range from around $180 to $300, and assessments can cost from several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on complexity. These are indicative only — confirm current fees with each provider, and ask about Medicare or NDIS options.
Child psychologists typically work with children from around age 3 through to 18. Younger children usually benefit from play-based and parent-focused approaches, while older children can engage more directly in talking therapies.
All psychologists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA, which you can verify online. Some hold clinical endorsement, reflecting advanced training. If the clinic also offers speech or occupational therapy, check membership with Speech Pathology Australia or Occupational Therapy Australia.