Finding the right psychologist for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to make sense of assessments, waitlists and NDIS funding all at once. This guide explains what child psychology involves, how to know if your child might benefit, and what to look for when choosing a provider in the Wollongong region. We feature a range of local clinics to help you start your search.
Bowral Nutrition is a dietitian-led practice in Bowral, NSW offering neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed paediatric and adult nutrition/feeding therapy, including for NDIS participants and tube feeding. Clients of all ages welcome. Services available via telehealth and in-person across Southern Highlands and Wollondilly; no email listed, contact via phone or online form.
Psychological Healthcare Centre in Corrimal, NSW offers psychological therapy and assessment services. No specific ages, NDIS registration, telehealth, or waitlist information provided.
Psychology and allied health counselling clinic in Dapto, NSW, supporting children, adolescents, and adults with issues including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism, plus perinatal support.
Neuro-affirming clinic in Unanderra/Corrimal NSW providing psychological assessments for children and adolescents, including autism, ADHD, learning/IQ, and early development assessments. Reports suitable for NDIS and school. No telehealth, NDIS registration, or waitlist details mentioned.
Marsden Health, Corrimal NSW, offers child/adolescent mental health and developmental services including autism, ADHD, and IQ assessments, plus early intervention, trauma, and behavioural therapy. Team includes psychologists and allied health clinicians. Also provides adult mental health services. No NDIS or telehealth details specified.
Red Point Psychology & Coaching is a registered NDIS provider in Port Kembla, NSW, offering psychology and coaching services for issues like depression, anxiety, wellbeing, life transitions, and gender identity. No specific paediatric age range, telehealth, or waitlist details mentioned.
Dapto-based allied health practice since 2017 offering psychology (ADHD, autism, PDA assessments), occupational therapy, speech and communication assessments, and trauma-informed art therapy. Person-centred, family-centred, trauma-informed approach for children and adults with disability support needs.
Sarah Conway Psychology offers individual therapy for children and teens, parent support sessions, Autism and ADHD assessments, and neuroaffirming group programs (e.g. Brick Club, Boardgame Buddies). Enrolling now for Term 3 group programs. No explicit mention of NDIS registration, telehealth, or specific age range.
Child psychologists support children with their emotional, behavioural and developmental needs. This can include assessments (for example, autism, ADHD, learning or cognitive assessments), as well as therapy to help children manage anxiety, big emotions, friendships, school stress, grief, trauma and behaviour that's tough to live with.
Psychologists use age-appropriate, evidence-based approaches. For younger children this often looks like play-based work, while older children and teens may do more talking-based therapy such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Many psychologists also coach parents, because change often happens fastest when the whole family is involved.
It's worth knowing the difference between an assessment and therapy. An assessment aims to understand your child's profile and may result in a diagnosis or recommendations. Therapy is ongoing support to build skills and wellbeing. Some clinics do both; some focus on one.
Every child has hard days, but you might consider seeking support if you notice patterns such as:
Trust your instincts. If something feels off and it's affecting your child's day-to-day life, it's reasonable to seek professional input. This guide is general information only and is not medical advice — always speak with a qualified professional about your child.
Child psychologists typically work with children and adolescents from around age 3 up to 17 or 18. Some clinics specialise in early childhood, others in primary-aged children or teens. When you enquire, check the practitioner has experience with your child's specific age and needs.
The first appointment is usually about gathering information and building rapport. Often the psychologist will meet with parents or carers first (sometimes without the child) to hear your concerns and history. They may ask about development, family, school, sleep, and what you're hoping to achieve.
For assessments, expect an intake session followed by structured testing across one or more appointments, then a feedback session and a written report. For therapy, early sessions focus on understanding your child and setting goals, before moving into the actual work. Progress with children is rarely linear, so patience helps.
Private psychology sessions in Australia commonly range from around $180 to $300+ per hour, and comprehensive assessments (such as autism or ADHD assessments) can run from roughly $1,000 to $3,000+ depending on what's included. These are general ranges only and vary between providers — always confirm current fees directly with the clinic.
There are several ways to reduce costs:
How you're funded (Agency-managed, plan-managed or self-managed) affects which providers you can use, so check this before booking.
This page features Wollongong-region providers including the Child Assessment Clinic (Unanderra), The Wattle Tree Clinic, Sunny Day Kids Clinic (Figtree), Teresa Henriques and Julie Trista Psychologist, Sense Therapies (Bulli), The Psychology Spot, Real Therapy Solutions (Port Kembla) and others across the area. Ratings and review numbers can be a helpful starting point, but they shouldn't be the only thing you weigh up.
When comparing providers, consider:
Taking the time to ask these questions helps you find a psychologist who's the right fit for your child and family.
Or read the full child psychology guide, or browse all Wollongong providers.
Not always. You can book privately with most psychologists without a referral. However, a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan or paediatrician referral may unlock Medicare rebates, so it's worth speaking with your GP first if cost is a factor.
If your child has an NDIS plan, psychology is generally funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. The NDIS sets price caps that registered providers work within. Check whether your plan is Agency-managed, plan-managed or self-managed, as this affects which providers you can use.
Waitlists vary widely between clinics and can be several weeks to months, particularly for assessments. Always ask the provider directly how long you'll wait for an intake appointment and for a completed report before you commit.
As a general guide, comprehensive assessments such as autism or ADHD assessments in Australia can range from roughly $1,000 to $3,000+, and standard sessions around $180 to $300+ per hour. These are general ranges only, so confirm current fees and what's included with each provider.
Psychologists in Australia must be registered with AHPRA (the Psychology Board of Australia), which you can verify online. Ask about their experience with children and your child's specific needs. If the clinic also offers OT or speech therapy, those practitioners should be registered with AHPRA / OT Australia or Speech Pathology Australia respectively.