Child psychologists help children and teens work through emotional, behavioural and developmental challenges using assessments and evidence-based therapy. This guide explains what child psychology involves, how to know if your child might benefit, and how to choose a provider on the Sunshine Coast. We currently feature a range of local clinics across Maroochydore, Nambour, Bokarina and Peregian Beach.
Kobie Allison Psychology offers individual counselling for children, adolescents and adults, covering anxiety, depression, trauma, family and relationship counselling. Services available in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and via Telehealth. No NDIS registration, autism/ADHD assessment, or waitlist information mentioned.
P3 offers child-centred play therapy (ages 4-12), animal-assisted therapy, and counselling/psychotherapy for all ages in Golden Beach, Sunshine Coast, with telehealth appointments available. No NDIS registration, waitlist, or allied-health services from the allowed list are explicitly mentioned.
Maroochydore clinic supporting ages 1-18 with occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, and autism/ADHD assessments. Accepts NDIS-funded, privately-funded, and care plan clients. Offers immediate availability for OT and speech pathology assessments and ongoing therapy, no waitlist mentioned.
Boutique clinical psychology practice with clinics in Maroochydore & Birtinya, Sunshine Coast. Offers psychology services for adults, children and adolescents, tailored treatment plans, and telehealth appointments via online waiting room.
Flourish Psychology, based on the Sunshine Coast, provides clinical psychological therapy to clients of all ages, including relationship and family therapy. They offer telehealth sessions, plus workshops, coaching, and professional supervision. No specific NDIS registration or waitlist details mentioned.
Lifespan Health provides psychological assessments and therapy for children, adolescents, adults and older adults across Maroochydore, Gympie and Caloundra, in-clinic and via telehealth, focusing on emotional wellbeing and mental health support.
Team of psychologists in Maroochydore providing psychology services to children, adolescents and adults, including ADHD/ASD assessments and autism support. Offers in-person and telehealth (Australia-wide/overseas) appointments; runs a group program for girls aged 12-14.
Keeping in Mind Psychology provides psychology services to young people up to 25 years on the Sunshine Coast, addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, developmental/learning difficulties and more. No emergency response, court reports, or work capacity assessments offered.
Child psychology focuses on how children think, feel and behave as they grow. A psychologist can carry out assessments (for example, of cognition, learning, autism, ADHD or emotional wellbeing) and provide therapy tailored to a child's age and development. Rather than simply talking, sessions with younger children often use play, drawing, games and stories to help them express what's going on. With older children and teens, approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be used to build coping skills.
Psychologists work on things like anxiety, low mood, big emotions and meltdowns, friendship and social difficulties, school refusal, sleep, grief and adjustment to family change. They also support parents with practical strategies, because much of a young child's progress happens at home and school.
Every child has hard days, but it may be worth speaking to a professional if you notice patterns such as:
If you're unsure, your GP or paediatrician can help you decide whether a referral is appropriate. This guide is general information only and not a substitute for professional advice.
Many child psychologists work with children from around age three through to adolescence, though some specialise in particular stages, such as early childhood, primary-school years, perinatal and infant mental health, or teens. When you enquire, ask whether the psychologist regularly sees children of your child's age and presenting needs.
The first session is usually about getting to know your family and understanding your concerns. For younger children, parents often attend part or all of the appointment. The psychologist may ask about your child's development, health, family, school and what you've noticed at home. Sometimes they'll gather information from teachers (with your consent) or ask you to complete questionnaires.
From there, the psychologist will suggest a plan, which might include a set number of therapy sessions, a formal assessment, or a combination. It's normal for progress to take time and for parents to be given strategies to practise between sessions.
As a general guide, private psychology sessions in Australia commonly range from around $200 to $300+ per hour. The NDIS publishes price caps that registered providers work within, and actual fees vary by clinic and clinician. Always confirm current pricing directly with the provider, as these figures are indicative only.
Some families access Medicare rebates through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (a limited number of subsidised sessions per year). Private health extras may also contribute, depending on your policy.
Under the NDIS, child psychology usually sits under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. This funding can cover therapy and, in some cases, assessments that support your child's functional goals. Whether a psychologist can bill your child's plan depends on how your plan is managed (self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed) and whether the provider is NDIS registered. Check this before you book.
This page features providers across the region, including clinics in Maroochydore, Nambour, Bokarina and Peregian Beach. When comparing options, consider:
Taking a little time to check credentials, funding and fit can make a real difference to your child's experience and progress.
Or read the full child psychology guide, or browse all Sunshine Coast providers.
Many child psychologists work with children from around age three through to adolescence, using play-based approaches for younger children and talk-based therapies for older ones. When you enquire, ask whether the clinician regularly sees children of your child's age and presenting needs.
Yes, in many cases. Child psychology commonly sits under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living, which can fund therapy and sometimes assessments linked to your child's goals. Whether a provider can bill your plan depends on how it's managed and whether they're NDIS registered, so confirm this before booking.
As a general guide, private sessions in Australia often range from about $200 to $300+ per hour, and NDIS price caps apply for registered providers. Fees vary between clinics, and you may be able to access Medicare rebates or private health extras. Always confirm current pricing directly with the provider.
All psychologists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA (the Psychology Board of Australia), and you can verify this on the AHPRA website. Some also hold endorsement as clinical psychologists or specialise in child and family work.
Demand is often high on the Sunshine Coast, and wait times vary by clinic and clinician. It's worth contacting several providers, asking about current waitlists, and checking whether they keep a cancellation list for earlier appointments.