Child Psychologist: What They Do to Help Children Thrive

Q: What is the difference between a child psychologist and a child therapist?

A child psychologist is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and evidence based therapy, and typically holds advanced postgraduate qualifications. A child therapist usually provides counselling and therapeutic support but does not conduct formal psychological assessments or diagnoses. Medication, when required, is prescribed by a child psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor.

Q: When should my child see a psychologist?

A child may benefit from seeing a psychologist when emotional or behavioural concerns persist and interfere with daily life at home, school, or with peers. Early intervention is important, as around 50 percent of mental health conditions begin by age 14, and timely support can improve long term outcomes [5].

Q: What happens during child therapy sessions?

Child therapy sessions are individualised and age appropriate. Younger children often use play, drawing, and creative activities to express feelings. Older children and adolescents focus on conversation, goal setting, and practising coping skills. Parents are usually involved through guidance and strategies to support progress at home.

Q: Can a child psychologist prescribe medication?

No. Child psychologists do not prescribe medication. Their role focuses on assessment, therapy, and skills based interventions. When medication is considered, psychologists work collaboratively with child psychiatrists, who manage prescribing and medical care.

Q: How can I find a qualified child psychologist near me?

You can ask your GP, paediatrician, or school counsellor for referrals, or search for local child psychologists online. Check that the psychologist is AHPRA registered, ask about experience with your child’s age and presenting concern, and arrange an initial appointment to assess comfort and fit.

nurturedthoughts
Jan 2
6 min read

When your child struggles emotionally, it affects your entire family. Maybe you have noticed your usually cheerful child becoming withdrawn, anxious, or angry without a clear reason. You might feel unsure about what steps to take next. A child psychologist can offer practical guidance and steady support during challenging times, helping your child rebuild confidence and emotional balance.

In this article, you will learn exactly what a child psychologist does, the common concerns they help with, how therapy works at different ages, what to expect in sessions, and the signs that your child might benefit from professional support.

What Is a Child Psychologist?

A child psychologist is a trained professional who specialises in children’s emotional and behavioural development. Child psychologists hold advanced degrees, typically a PhD or PsyD, and have extensive training in assessing and treating emotional, social, and behavioural challenges.

When you work with a child psychologist, they focus on understanding your child’s unique needs. They provide psychological assessments to identify specific issues and tailor therapeutic interventions to help your child thrive.

Key ways a child psychologist supports your child include:

Identifying and understanding emotional or behavioural concerns through detailed assessments.
Offering specialised therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, play therapy, or family counselling.
Collaborating closely with parents, teachers, and healthcare providers to provide comprehensive support.

Importantly, child psychologists do not prescribe medication. Their focus is on therapeutic interventions to address emotional and behavioural challenges.

Common Concerns a Child Psychologist Can Help With

Child psychologists address a wide range of emotional, behavioural, and developmental issues. The goal is to give children practical tools to manage life’s ups and downs and to support families with clear strategies.

Some of the most common concerns include:

Anxiety and mood disorders: About 7% of Australian children experience anxiety disorders, and about 3% have diagnosed depression, figures drawn from the national child and adolescent survey conducted in Australia [1]. If your child seems frequently worried, overly shy, or withdrawn, therapy can help them manage these feelings and regain confidence.
Behavioural problems and ADHD: Approximately 8% of Australian children aged 4 to 17 have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at some point, based on Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reporting that synthesises national survey data [2]. If your child has trouble focusing, following instructions, or managing impulses, behavioural therapy can improve self regulation and reduce family stress.
Developmental and learning differences: Children can experience developmental or learning differences such as autism or dyslexia. Early assessment and tailored intervention by a psychologist support academic progress, social development, and emotional wellbeing.
Trauma and grief: If your child has experienced trauma, such as the loss of a loved one, exposure to violence, or family separation, a child psychologist provides specialised support to help them process difficult emotions safely and gradually.
Family and social challenges: Bullying, adjusting to a new school, or family conflict can deeply affect a child’s emotional health. Psychologists offer supportive counselling and practical coping strategies to build resilience and improve relationships.

How Therapy Works for Different Ages

Effective therapy meets children where they are developmentally. It uses age appropriate strategies that resonate with your child so they feel safe, understood, and ready to learn new skills.

Preschool and Early School Age 3 to 6 Years

Therapy at this age focuses on play because young children express their feelings naturally through play activities.

Typical therapy sessions for this group include:

Drawing, storytelling, and role playing to express difficult emotions.
Games designed to teach self calming and emotional regulation.
Close involvement from parents so that therapy methods are reinforced at home.

Session length in general psychological practice is often around 50 to 60 minutes, which allows time for engagement, therapeutic activities, and brief parent feedback within a standard appointment structure in Australian settings [4]. As a parent, you will be actively involved, helping reinforce progress and creating a consistent environment for your child.

School Aged Children 7 to 12 Years

As children grow, therapy becomes more structured to help them understand feelings and behaviours clearly.

Therapists often use activities such as:

Journaling and emotion charts to identify and manage difficult feelings.
Cognitive behavioural therapy techniques that help children notice and challenge unhelpful thoughts.
Therapeutic games and role play to practise managing social situations and conflicts.

Your involvement as a parent remains important. You will receive guidance on strategies like praise, rewards, and consistent routines to help your child maintain progress.

Adolescents 13 to 17 Years

Teenagers value independence, so therapy emphasises trust, confidentiality, and open communication.

Sessions often include:

Structured conversations around friendships, identity, study pressure, and self esteem.
Techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy to manage emotions, anxiety, or depression.
Family sessions designed to improve communication and rebuild stronger relationships.

Adolescents often value a neutral adult to talk to about complex feelings. As a parent, you will receive practical ideas for staying connected and supportive while your teen develops healthy independence.

What to Expect in a Child Psychology Session

A child psychology session is warm, welcoming, and personalised. The aim is for your child to feel safe and understood while learning tools that make daily life easier.

During the initial session, the psychologist learns about your child’s background, daily life, and current challenges. Together you set clear therapeutic goals tailored to your child’s needs.

Future sessions usually involve:

Young children using play or creative activities to communicate emotions and practise calming skills.
Older children engaging in structured conversations and exercises to build coping skills and problem solving.
Teenagers participating in focused discussions to strengthen emotional regulation and healthy independence.

You will receive practical strategies to support your child between sessions, with regular feedback on progress.

How to Know if Your Child Could Benefit From Seeing a Psychologist

Knowing when to seek professional support is not always easy. Watch for patterns and persistence rather than isolated moments.

Common signs include:

Persistent sadness, anxiety, or mood swings lasting weeks or months.
Frequent emotional outbursts or difficulty calming down after frustration.
Withdrawal from social activities, friends, or family events.
Unexplained physical symptoms such as stomach aches or headaches without a medical cause.
Regression in developmental milestones such as toileting or speech.

In Australia, almost 1 in 7 children aged 4 to 17 experience a mental health disorder each year, a headline figure from the national child and adolescent mental health survey [1]. Early support provides skills that help children thrive socially and emotionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a child psychologist and a child therapist?

A child psychologist typically has a doctoral degree, such as a PhD or PsyD, and is trained to provide psychological assessments and formal diagnoses. A child therapist usually holds a master’s degree and provides therapeutic counselling but does not conduct diagnostic assessments. Medication is prescribed by a child psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor.

When should my child see a psychologist?

Your child may benefit from seeing a psychologist if emotional or behavioural concerns are persistent and interfere with daily life. Early action matters because 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14, a figure summarised in Australia’s National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy [5]. Early intervention can prevent difficulties from becoming more entrenched and can improve outcomes at home and school.

What happens during child therapy sessions?

Child therapy sessions are tailored and engaging. Younger children use play and creativity to express emotions. Older children and adolescents talk openly, set goals, and practise coping skills. Parents receive practical guidance so that supportive routines and strategies continue at home between sessions.

Can a child psychologist prescribe medication?

No. Child psychologists do not prescribe medication. They focus on therapy, skills training, and behavioural strategies. When medication is considered, psychologists collaborate with child psychiatrists who manage prescriptions and medical monitoring.

How can I find a qualified child psychologist near me?

Ask your GP, school counsellor, or paediatrician for recommendations. You can also search online using terms such as child psychologist near me to identify local options. Confirm credentials, ask about experience with your child’s age and concern, and arrange a first appointment to check for a comfortable fit.

At Nurtured Thoughts Psychology, we understand how stressful it is to see a child in distress. Our child psychologists

offer compassionate, evidence based support tailored to your child’s strengths and needs. If you feel your child might benefit from professional guidance, our team can help your family build resilience, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.

To learn more or to arrange an appointment, contact our team at Nurtured Thoughts Psychology.

If your child’s distress is severe or you fear for their immediate safety, please contact your GP or emergency services immediately.

References

[1] Lawrence, D., Johnson, S., Hafekost, J., Boterhoven De Haan, K., Sawyer, M., Ainley, J., and Zubrick, S. R. 2015. The mental health of children and adolescents, report on the second Australian child and adolescent survey of mental health and wellbeing. Canberra, ACT, Department of Health. Link: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/11/the-mental-health-of-children-and-adolescents_0.pdf

[2] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2022. Australia’s children, children with mental illness, key findings including ADHD and anxiety disorder prevalence. Canberra, ACT, AIHW. Link: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-children/contents/health/children-mental-illness

[4] Australian Psychological Society. 2025. How much does seeing a psychologist cost, APS National Schedule of Suggested Fees and standard 46 to 60 minute consultation. Melbourne, VIC, APS. Link: https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/what-it-costs

[5] National Mental Health Commission. 2021. National children’s mental health and wellbeing strategy. Canberra, ACT, NMHC. Link: https://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-03/national-children-s-mental-health-and-wellbeing-strategy---full-report.pdf