What qualifications should I look for in a child psychologist?

Look for a psychologist who is registered with AHPRA and has completed a minimum of six years of accredited training. Postgraduate qualifications in child or developmental psychology and membership with the Australian Psychological Society are strong indicators of relevant expertise [3].

Choosing a Child Psychologist: Finding the Right Support for Your Child

Q: How can I tell if my child needs therapy?

If emotional or behavioural changes persist for several weeks and begin to affect school performance, friendships, or family life, it may be time to seek professional advice. Parents are encouraged to trust their instincts and consult their GP for initial guidance and referral options.

Q: How can I find a child psychologist in Australia?

You can ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which allows access to up to 10 Medicare subsidised individual psychology sessions per calendar year, with additional group sessions available where clinically appropriate. You may also search the Australian Psychological Society (APS) directory or seek recommendations from schools and community services [2][4][5][6].

Q: What is the difference between psychologists and psychiatrists?

Psychologists provide psychological assessment, therapy, and behavioural interventions. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication, typically for more complex presentations. In some cases, children benefit from coordinated care involving both professionals.

Q: How much does therapy cost and does Medicare help?

Private psychology session fees commonly range from 150 to 250 dollars. Through the Better Access initiative, Medicare provides rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per year, with commonly cited benefits of 98.97 dollars for a registered psychologist and 145.25 dollars for a clinical psychologist, subject to item eligibility and current MBS settings [2][5][6].

nurturedthoughts
Jan 2
7 min read

Choosing a child psychologist is an important step toward supporting your child’s emotional wellbeing. It can also bring clarity and reassurance for you as a parent. Across Australia, around 1 in 7 children, approximately 14 percent, live with a diagnosable mental health condition [1]. The good news is that early intervention during childhood offers the greatest opportunity for recovery and long term emotional health.

In this guide, you’ll learn what to look for in a child psychologist, how to find one who fits your family’s needs, and what to expect in your child’s therapy journey.

Why Early Support Matters for Your Child’s Mental Health

Early support helps children build healthy coping skills before difficulties become entrenched. Research shows that untreated emotional or behavioural challenges in childhood often continue into adolescence and adulthood [1]. Despite this, 56 percent of Australian children with a mental disorder used services for emotional or behavioural problems in the previous 12 months [1].

When children access help early, they gain tools to manage emotions, develop confidence, and feel understood.

Early therapy can help your child to:

Identify and express their emotions safely.
Build strategies to manage anxiety, anger, or sadness.
Strengthen communication within the family.
Improve confidence in school and social settings.

If your child shows signs such as ongoing worry, difficulty sleeping, frequent outbursts, or withdrawal from friends, it might be time to seek guidance. Talking with your GP can be the first step toward arranging a referral to a qualified child psychologist.

For further insight, see our blog on common signs your child might benefit from seeing a psychologist.

What to Look For When Choosing a Child Psychologist

The process of choosing a child psychologist can feel overwhelming at first, but knowing what to look for makes it easier. You want someone who not only has the right qualifications but also connects well with your child’s personality and needs.

1. Qualifications and Registration

Always verify that your psychologist is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, AHPRA. This confirms that they have completed at least 6 years of accredited education and training and meet ethical and professional standards [3]. You can check their registration status through the AHPRA website for peace of mind.

2. Specialisation and Memberships

Look for psychologists who are members of professional bodies such as the Australian Psychological Society, APS, or the APS College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists. These memberships show they engage in ongoing professional development and adhere to high standards in child mental health care.

3. Experience Working with Children

Experience with children of your child’s age group matters. Therapy for a preschooler looks very different from therapy for a teenager.

For example:

Younger children often engage through play based therapy, art, or storytelling.
School aged children might use structured problem solving and emotion regulation exercises.
Adolescents typically prefer conversational approaches that balance privacy with guidance.

4. Rapport and Trust

A child psychologist should create a space where your child feels understood and safe. Watch how your child reacts after the first session, do they seem comfortable, relaxed, or more open? Rapport is one of the most important predictors of therapeutic success.

5. Costs and Rebates

Psychology fees usually range between 150 and 250 dollars per session, depending on the psychologist’s qualifications and location. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you can access Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative [2][4]. Current Medicare benefits commonly cited in practice are 98.97 dollars per session with a registered psychologist and 145.25 dollars with a clinical psychologist [5][6].

Some families may also be eligible for up to 10 group therapy sessions per calendar year in addition to individual sessions, depending on clinical need and item eligibility [2][5][6].

Financial stress should never prevent a child from receiving support. Some clinics offer sliding scale fees, so it is always worth asking about options.

How to Find a Child Psychologist in Australia

Finding the right psychologist can feel like navigating a maze, but reliable pathways exist.

Here are several trusted options:

Ask your GP or paediatrician: They can create a Mental Health Treatment Plan, allowing you to access Medicare rebates, and they often recommend psychologists suited to your child’s age and concerns [4].
Use the APS Find a Psychologist directory: This online tool helps you search by location, specialty, and therapy type.
Consult your child’s school: School counsellors or wellbeing coordinators often know experienced psychologists in your area.
Ask within parent networks: Many parents find excellent practitioners through word of mouth and community recommendations.

When contacting a clinic, try asking:

“Have you worked with children experiencing similar difficulties?”
“What therapy methods do you use with children?”
“Do you provide telehealth as well as in person sessions?”

These questions help ensure the psychologist’s expertise aligns with your child’s needs.

For more details, you can also read our blog on how therapy works for children.

Preparing for the First Session and What to Expect

The first session is about building understanding and connection. It is normal for children to feel nervous or unsure, but a good psychologist will make the experience welcoming.

You can expect the psychologist to:

Speak briefly with you about your child’s background, routines, and specific challenges.
Use creative, age appropriate techniques like drawing, games, or stories to help your child relax.
Explain therapy clearly so both you and your child understand what to expect moving forward.

Over time, you may notice changes such as your child expressing emotions more calmly, coping better in stressful situations, or showing renewed confidence at school. Progress is gradual but meaningful.

If you feel unsure after several sessions, discuss your concerns with the psychologist. A supportive professional will guide you through adjustments or referrals if needed.

In Person vs Online Sessions: What Works Best for Kids

Both in person and telehealth sessions can be effective, and each has its benefits. Australian families are increasingly using telehealth for child health, with around 27 percent of parents reporting telehealth use for children in the prior year in national polling, which provides useful access and convenience context for families considering this option [7].

Telehealth can be beneficial when:

Your child feels more comfortable at home.
Travel or scheduling is difficult.
You live in a regional or remote area.

In person sessions may be ideal when:

Your child needs play based or hands on engagement.
Privacy or focus is easier to maintain outside the home environment.
You prefer a traditional clinic setting.

Some families find a combination of both approaches works best. Discuss these options with your psychologist so the format suits your child’s comfort and attention span.

FAQs About Choosing a Child Psychologist

How can I tell if my child needs therapy?

If emotional or behavioural changes continue for several weeks and affect school, friendships, or family life, it may be time to seek professional advice. Trust your instincts and consult your GP for guidance.

How can I find a child psychologist in Australia?

Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan to access up to 10 Medicare subsidised individual sessions per year, with possible access to group sessions where clinically indicated [2][4][5][6]. You can also search through the APS directory or ask for school and community recommendations.

What qualifications should I look for?

Choose an AHPRA registered psychologist with at least 6 years of accredited training [3]. Postgraduate qualifications in child psychology and APS membership are strong indicators of expertise.

What is the difference between psychologists and psychiatrists?

Psychologists provide therapy and behavioural interventions, while psychiatrists, as medical doctors, can prescribe medication for more complex conditions. In many cases, children benefit from both working together.

How much does therapy cost and does Medicare help?

Session costs often range from 150 to 250 dollars. Under Better Access, Medicare provides annual support for up to 10 individual sessions, with benefits commonly cited as 98.97 dollars for a registered psychologist and 145.25 dollars for a clinical psychologist, subject to item eligibility and MBS settings [2][5][6].

At Nurtured Thoughts Psychology, we understand how deeply you care about your child’s wellbeing. Our compassionate team specialises in child and adolescent mental health, providing evidence based care designed to help children thrive. Whether your child is navigating anxiety, behavioural challenges, or emotional distress, we will work with you to create a personalised plan that supports your family.

To learn more, visit our services page or reach out to our friendly team. Seeking support early can help your child feel more secure, confident, and ready to grow.

Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult your GP or specialist for personal care.

References

[1] Lawrence, D., Johnson, S., Hafekost, J., Boterhoven De Haan, K., Sawyer, M., Ainley, J., & 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. https://youngmindsmatter.thekids.org.au

[2] Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care. (2025, November 12). Better Access initiative. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/better-access-initiative

[3] Psychology Board of Australia. (2025). General registration. https://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Registration/General.aspx

[4] Services Australia. (2025, August 15). Mental health care and Medicare. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-and-medicare

[5] Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care. (2025, July 1). Medicare Benefits Schedule, Item 80110. https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?q=80110&type=item

[6] Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care. (2025, July 1). Medicare Benefits Schedule, Item 80010. https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?q=80010&qt=item&type=item

[7] The Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll. (2021). Telehealth for kids, Experiences of Australian parents. Poll 21. https://www.rchpoll.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/nchp-telehealth-poll21.pdf