Finding the right psychologist for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when you're worried and unsure where to start. This guide explains what child psychology involves, how to spot when your child might benefit, and how to choose a Toowoomba provider that suits your family. We currently feature a range of local practices to help you begin your search.
Neuroaffirming multi-disciplinary practice in Toowoomba offering psychology, occupational therapy, group programs, and caregiver coaching for neurodivergent children, teens and young adults, including autistic and ADHD youth. Services available with or without NDIS funding; no diagnosis required.
Greater Heights Therapy Services in South Toowoomba offers speech pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, and dietetics for clients from birth to adulthood, providing coordinated, evidence-based therapy involving family and carers.
Susan Long Psychology & Associates offers psychology and counselling services with a supportive, practical approach, helping individuals cope and improve wellbeing. No specific ages, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist details mentioned.
Toowoomba-based team of trauma-informed, neuroaffirming psychologists supporting children, adolescents, and young adults with mental health and developmental concerns. Accepts Medicare, NDIS, private health insurance, and Victims of Crime funding. Sessions by appointment only; limited availability noted.
Houston House, Toowoomba QLD, offers psychological assistance via Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists to individuals and groups. Open weekdays 9am-5pm; home visits available for mobility issues. Bookings via reception.
Toowoomba psychology practice offering individual therapy, assessments, and group programs/workshops for organisations, families, couples and individuals; mentions NDIS plans, GP mental health plan rebates, and private health rebates.
Assessment-only clinical psychology practice offering neurodevelopmental evaluations, including autism assessments for children up to 5 and teens 14–18, plus cognitive/learning assessments for all ages. No ongoing therapy provided. Currently not accepting new referrals; books closed.
Private clinical psychology practice led by Dr Victoria Barclay-Timmis, offering individual therapy (CBT, ACT, EMDR, EFT) and assessments (cognitive, learning, ADHD, parenting capacity) across the lifespan. Also offers clinical supervision via telehealth or face-to-face and professional development workshops. NDIS and Workcover clients accepted.
Child psychology focuses on how children think, feel, behave and develop. A child psychologist can carry out assessments and provide therapy for a wide range of emotional, behavioural and developmental needs — from anxiety, low mood and big emotions, to friendship difficulties, school refusal, sleep issues, and concerns about attention, learning or development. Psychologists use approaches tailored to a child's age and stage, often including play-based techniques for younger children and talk-based strategies for older kids and teens.
Assessments (such as cognitive, learning or developmental assessments) can help understand a child's strengths and challenges, and may support diagnosis or school planning. Therapy usually works on practical skills — recognising feelings, managing worries, improving behaviour and building confidence. Many psychologists also coach parents, because families are a key part of a child's progress.
Every child has ups and downs, but it may be worth seeking support if you notice:
Trust your instincts. You don't need a formal diagnosis to reach out, and early support often makes a real difference.
Psychologists work with children of all ages, from toddlers through to teenagers. The approach changes with development — play therapy and parent coaching for younger children, and more direct, collaborative work with older children and adolescents. Some practices specialise in particular age groups or presentations, so it's worth asking whether a provider regularly sees children your child's age.
The first session is usually about getting to know your child and family and understanding your concerns. Depending on your child's age, you might attend together, or the psychologist may spend part of the session with you alone. Expect questions about development, family, school, sleep, friendships and any recent changes. The psychologist may use play, drawing or gentle conversation to help your child feel comfortable.
By the end, you should have an initial sense of what's going on and a suggested plan — this might mean further sessions, an assessment, or referral to another service. Bring along any relevant reports (school, GP, paediatrician) and a list of your questions.
Fees vary between practices. As a general guide, private psychology sessions in Australia often range from around $180 to $300+ per session, and assessments (which take several hours plus report writing) can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars. These are broad estimates only — always confirm current fees directly with the provider.
If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for a set number of sessions each calendar year. For NDIS participants, psychology usually falls under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living. The NDIS sets price caps for these supports, and registered providers must work within them. Whether psychology is funded depends on your child's plan goals, so check your plan and, if needed, speak with your support coordinator or planner. Not all psychologists are NDIS-registered, though self-managed and plan-managed participants can often access non-registered providers too.
This page features Toowoomba providers including Liza's Place, Wills Key Psychology, Mind Science & My Health (MSMH), Kaizenats, Thoughtful Therapy Toowoomba, Thrive Wellness, Self-Led Psychology, Magnolia House Psychology and Therapies Centre, Dr Ingrid Hawkins – IKH Psychology, Alicia Jane Psychology, ClearSky Allied Health Toowoomba, and Lisa Hudson. Ratings and review numbers can be a useful starting point, but a small number of reviews doesn't necessarily reflect quality — it's worth contacting a few practices directly.
When comparing providers, consider:
This guide is general information only and not medical advice. For concerns about your child's health or development, speak with your GP or paediatrician.
Or read the full child psychology guide, or browse all Toowoomba providers.
You don't need a referral to see a psychologist privately. However, a GP Mental Health Care Plan is required to claim Medicare rebates, and NDIS participants should check their plan goals and funding. It's worth calling the practice to confirm what they need before your first visit.
Psychology is often funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living, but this depends on your child's plan goals. The NDIS sets price caps for these supports. Check your plan, and if you're unsure, speak with your support coordinator, plan manager or planner about what's covered.
As a general guide, private sessions in Australia often range from about $180 to $300+ per session, while assessments can cost significantly more due to the time involved. These are broad estimates only — always confirm current fees with the provider, and ask about Medicare rebates or NDIS invoicing.
Check that they're registered with AHPRA through the Psychology Board of Australia. Some psychologists also hold endorsements, such as clinical or educational and developmental psychology. Don't hesitate to ask about their experience working with children your child's age.
Waitlists vary between practices and can change quickly with demand. Some providers may have availability within a few weeks, while others are longer. Ask about current wait times when you call, and consider contacting several featured providers to compare options.