Finding the right psychologist for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when you're worried about how they're coping. This guide explains what child psychology involves, when it might help, and how to choose a provider in the Newcastle area. We feature a range of local clinics offering assessments and therapy for emotional, behavioural and developmental needs.
CK Health is a Newcastle-based wellness clinic offering psychology (ages 12+/13+ for anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, eating disorders), naturopathy, and integrative medicine. Telehealth consults available; no NDIS registration or paediatric-specific services or waitlist mentioned.
NDIS-registered provider offering speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, behaviour support and allied health assistance. Services Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Gunnedah, Central Coast, East Maitland, plus telehealth across Eastern Australia.
Unified Health is a registered NDIS provider offering occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, and psychology to both adult and paediatric clients across NSW, via private practice, community, and in-home services.
Newcastle-based psychology practice (New Lambton, NSW) offering therapy and assessments for children, adolescents, and adults. Services include mental health therapy, diagnostic assessments, and clinical supervision. Offers both in-person and telehealth appointments.
Newcastle psychology practice offering therapy and assessments (autism, ADHD, cognitive) for children, adolescents, and adults. NDIS (self- and plan-managed) and WorkCover accepted. Both in-person and telehealth sessions available.
Belmont North, NSW provider offering paediatric occupational therapy for infants, children and adolescents up to 18 years. Not NDIS registered but accepts self-managed/plan-managed participants; Medicare, Team Care Arrangements and Mental Health Care Plans accepted. OTBA registered.
The Hummingbird Centre offers psychology, assessment, and psychiatry services for children and adults, led by psychologist Alikki Russell. No explicit NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details mentioned; primarily mental health focused rather than paediatric allied health specific.
Child psychologists support children with their emotions, behaviour, thinking and development. Depending on your child's needs, a psychologist might carry out assessments (for example, cognitive, learning or developmental assessments), provide talking-based therapy, or coach parents and carers on strategies to use at home.
Common areas of support include anxiety, low mood, big emotions and meltdowns, sleep difficulties, social skills, school refusal, grief, trauma, and adjusting to family changes. Psychologists also play a role in assessment and diagnosis for conditions such as autism or ADHD, often as part of a wider team. It's important to know that a psychologist provides mental health and behavioural support — this guide is general information only and not medical advice.
Every child has ups and downs, but you might consider seeking help if your child shows changes that last for weeks and affect daily life. Signs can include:
Trusting your instincts as a parent matters. If you're concerned, an early conversation with a GP or psychologist can help you work out what's going on.
Psychologists work with children of all ages, from toddlers through to teenagers. The approach changes with age — younger children are often supported through play-based therapy and parent coaching, while older children and teens may do more talking-based work. Assessments are available across the age range, though the type of assessment depends on your child's age and developmental stage.
The first session is usually about gathering information and building rapport. For younger children, a parent or carer often attends. The psychologist will ask about your concerns, your child's development, family background, school and daily routines. They may spend some time getting to know your child through play or conversation.
After this, the psychologist will suggest a plan — this could be a set of therapy sessions, a formal assessment, or a mix of both. You should leave with a clear idea of the next steps, how many sessions might be involved, and what outcomes to aim for. Don't be afraid to ask questions if anything is unclear.
Private psychology sessions in Australia commonly range from around $200 to $300 per hour, though fees vary between clinics. Formal assessments (such as cognitive or diagnostic assessments) are usually charged separately and can run into several hundred or several thousand dollars depending on their scope. These are general ranges only — always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
There are a few funding pathways worth exploring:
Because funding rules and price caps change, confirm the details with your provider and the NDIS before you commit.
This page features providers across the Newcastle area, including Gateshead, Belmont North, Kotara, Cooks Hill, Hamilton, Wallsend, Broadmeadow, Warners Bay and Cardiff. When comparing your options, consider:
Before booking, it can help to ask:
Taking a little time to compare providers helps you find the right fit for your family and gives your child the best chance of getting support that works.
Or read the full child psychology guide, or browse all Newcastle providers.
You don't need a referral to see a psychologist privately. However, if you want to access Medicare rebates, you'll need a GP referral and a Mental Health Treatment Plan. NDIS participants can use their plan funding without a GP referral, though your plan needs to include the relevant support line.
Yes, if your child has an NDIS plan, psychology is generally funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. NDIS price caps apply. Check whether the provider is NDIS registered and confirm how they manage plan-managed or self-managed funding before booking.
Private sessions in Australia commonly range from around $200 to $300 per hour, with assessments charged separately. These are general ranges only, and fees vary between clinics. Medicare rebates, NDIS funding and private health extras may reduce your out-of-pocket cost — confirm current fees with the provider.
Waitlists vary between clinics and can range from a few weeks to several months, as demand is high across the region. It's worth contacting a few providers to compare, and asking whether they offer telehealth or a cancellation list to be seen sooner.
Psychologists work with children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. Younger children are often supported through play-based therapy and parent coaching, while older children and teens may do more talking-based work. If you're unsure, a psychologist can advise on the best approach for your child's age and stage.