Finding the right psychologist for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure what support they need. This guide explains what child psychology involves, how to recognise when a child might benefit, and how to choose a provider in Sydney. It features psychologists we currently list, including New Vision Psychology, Sydney Children's Practice and Associated Counsellors & Psychologists.
Neutral Bay clinic of clinical psychologists offering child/adolescent psychology, including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and cognitive assessments, plus CBT, DBT, ACT and parent strategies. AHPRA-registered team, weekday and Saturday appointments; no telehealth, NDIS or waitlist details mentioned.
Sydney-based ABA/behaviour consultancy in Gladesville, serving children 18 months–12 years with autism or developmental delays. Offers early intensive behavioural intervention, toilet training, and behaviour management, plus psychology and speech pathology referrals. Mobile, in-centre, and telehealth options. Not NDIS-registered but funding usable via self- or plan-managed plans.
Bloom Healthcare provides NDIS allied health services in Sydney including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, behavioural support, psychology, and speech pathology, delivered in-home, community, or via telehealth. Also offers aged care programs. Mentions low to no wait times; no specific paediatric age range stated.
Sydney CBD psychology clinic offering counselling and psychological services for individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families, including ASD/ADHD diagnosis, cognitive assessments, and NDIS reports. Medicare rebates available with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Telehealth offered Australia-wide; open Monday–Saturday.
The Therapy Studio offers Clinical Psychology, Positive Behaviour Support, and Group Therapy for people of all ages, via in-clinic, telehealth, and mobile community services. Registered NDIS provider, supporting neurodivergent clients for over 12 years; accepts Medicare, NDIS, and private health insurance.
Castle Hill, NSW clinic offering psychology (including psychometric assessment) and occupational therapy to adults, children, adolescents and families. Displays NDIS, Medicare and AHPRA logos indicating possible NDIS/Medicare support. No telehealth or waitlist details specified.
Joplin Clinic is a Surry Hills, NSW psychology practice offering trauma-informed therapy for stress, anxiety, depression and cognitive difficulties. Registered NDIS provider accepting Medicare, health insurance, WorkCover, DVA and EAP funding. Available 7 days a week including after-hours; no specific age range, telehealth, or waitlist details stated.
NDIS-registered provider in Epping, NSW offering occupational therapy, speech pathology, psychology, and autism/cognitive/ADHD assessments for ages 0-17. Multidisciplinary team, telehealth and mobile services available, group programs offered, no waitlist mentioned; multilingual staff.
Child psychology focuses on how children think, feel and behave as they grow. A registered psychologist can carry out assessments and provide therapy for a range of emotional, behavioural and developmental needs. This might include anxiety, low mood, difficulties with friendships, big emotions and meltdowns, sleep struggles, school refusal, trauma, or challenges linked to conditions such as autism or ADHD.
Depending on your child's needs, a psychologist might use approaches like play-based therapy for younger children, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for older kids and teens, or parent-focused strategies that help you support your child at home. Some psychologists also complete formal assessments — for example cognitive, learning or developmental assessments — that can inform diagnosis, school planning or NDIS applications.
Every child has hard days, but it can be worth reaching out if you notice patterns that persist for several weeks or start affecting daily life. Common signs include:
Trust your instincts. If you're worried, an early conversation with your GP or a psychologist can help you understand what's going on and whether support is needed.
Child psychologists work with a broad age range, often from around 3 or 4 years through to adolescence. The approach changes with age — younger children benefit from play and parent-led strategies, while older children and teens may engage more in talking therapies. Some practices specialise in early childhood, others in teens, so it's worth checking a provider works with your child's age group.
The first session is usually about getting to know your family and understanding your concerns. Often this begins with the parents or carers, either with or without the child present, so you can speak openly about what's been happening. The psychologist may ask about your child's development, health, family situation, school and any specific worries.
From there, they'll usually suggest a plan — this might be a set of therapy sessions, a formal assessment, or a combination. It's completely reasonable to ask how many sessions they'd expect, what progress might look like, and how they'll keep you involved.
As a general guide, private psychology sessions in Australia often range from around $200 to $300+ per session, and formal assessments can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on their scope. These are general ranges only and vary by provider — always confirm current fees directly.
There are a few ways to reduce out-of-pocket costs:
A quick note: NDIS price limits change over time, so ask any provider how they charge and whether they bill NDIS directly, use plan management, or require self-management.
When comparing psychologists, look for a good fit for your child alongside solid credentials and practical logistics.
This page features a range of Sydney child psychology providers ranked by rating, so you can compare options and reach out to those that suit your family.
Or read the full child psychology guide, or browse all Sydney providers.
You don't need a referral to see a psychologist privately. However, if you'd like Medicare rebates, you'll need a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan first. For NDIS-funded sessions, your child will need an active plan with relevant funding.
Yes, if your child has an NDIS plan and psychology aligns with their goals. It's usually funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. Check whether the provider is NDIS registered or can work with plan-managed or self-managed participants, and confirm how they bill.
As a general guide, sessions often range from around $200 to $300+, and assessments can cost more depending on their scope. NDIS price caps apply for participants, and Medicare or private health may reduce costs. Always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
Many child psychologists work with children from around 3 or 4 years through to the teen years. The approach changes with age, so it's worth checking that a provider regularly works with children in your child's age group.
All practising psychologists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA, which you can verify online. You can also ask about their experience working with children and any additional training or clinical endorsements relevant to your child's needs.