Can psychology services be accessed without NDIS funding?

Yes. Psychology services can be accessed privately, and some families may be eligible for Medicare rebates with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Paediatric psychology Adelaide

When can psychology support your child?

Psychology plays a vital role in supporting a child’s emotional, mental, and behavioural well-being. If your child struggles with managing emotions, stress, anxiety, or social interactions, our child psychologists can provide guidance and support. Using a compassionate, neuro-affirming approach, we help children develop coping strategies, build resilience, and enhance their overall mental health. By addressing the root causes of emotional or behavioural challenges, psychology empowers children to navigate life’s difficulties with confidence and thrive in their daily activities.

Recognising signs that your child may benefit from psychological support can help address their unique needs and foster emotional, social, and behavioural development. Early intervention equips children with the tools to manage challenges, strengthen resilience, and build positive life skills.

Below are some common signs that may indicate your child could benefit from psychological support:

Emotional and Behavioural Challenges

If your child experiences frequent mood swings, struggles to regulate their emotions, or exhibits challenging behaviours like aggression or extreme frustration, psychology can provide support.

Psychologists can help them develop healthy coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.

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Social Skills Difficulties

If your child finds it challenging to interact with peers, has trouble making or keeping friends, or struggles to understand social cues, psychology can help.

A psychologist can work with them to improve communication, empathy, and appropriate social behaviour.

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Anxiety and Stress

If your child shows signs of excessive worry, fear, or stress about school, social situations, or family life, psychology can provide support.

Through therapy, children can learn effective relaxation techniques and ways to manage anxious thoughts and behaviours.

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Trauma or Loss

If your child has experienced trauma, loss, or significant changes in their life, psychology can help them process these events.

A psychologist can provide a safe space for them to talk about their feelings and develop strategies to cope with the emotional impact of trauma or loss.

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Difficulty with Transitions or Change

If your child struggles with change, such as transitioning to a new school, moving homes, or dealing with family changes, psychology can offer support.

Psychologists can help children understand and adapt to new situations, reducing feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.

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Low Self-Esteem or Confidence

If your child struggles with self-esteem or a lack of confidence, psychology can help boost their sense of self-worth.

A psychologist can work with your child to build a positive self-image, resilience, and develop strategies for overcoming challenges.

Why Choose us:

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Celebrating Neurodiversity

We believe that neurodiversity is a natural and valuable aspect of human variation. Our neuroaffirming practice embraces the understanding that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, are a part of the diverse fabric of humanity.

We celebrate and value the unique strengths and perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to our society.

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Creating an Inclusive Environment

Our approach creates a safe and accepting environment for all children, regardless of their neurological differences. We strive to foster a sense of belonging, where children feel understood, accepted, and valued for who they are. We empower children to express themselves authentically and engage in their therapeutic journey with confidence.

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Respecting Individual Needs

We understand that each child has their own unique way of experiencing the world and engaging with daily activities. Our therapists take the time to listen, observe, and adapt interventions to meet the specific needs and sensory sensitivities of each child.

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Supporting Self-Advocacy

We empower children to become self-advocates by nurturing their self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-advocacy skills. We encourage children to actively participate in their therapy, make choices, and express their opinions. This prepares them to advocate for their needs and rights throughout their lives.

Collaborating with Families and Support Networks

We actively involve parents, caregivers, and family members in the therapy process, valuing their insights and perspectives. We work together as a team, fostering open communication and mutual respect to create a cohesive and supportive network around the child.

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Working Closely with Educators and Schools

We understand the pivotal role that educators and schools play in a child's development and success. We are dedicated to collaborating closely with educators to ensure a coordinated and supportive approach to the child's therapy needs. By working together, we can maximise the child's potential and create a seamless experience across different environments.

Your First Steps:

Step 1
Parent/guardian planning meeting.

These sessions are designed for parents and carers to openly discuss their child’s needs, strengths, and priorities without interruption. We encourage children not to attend so that caregivers can speak freely and have the space to explore concerns in depth with the therapist.

During the session, your therapist will gather key information, including medical history, family dynamics, current supports, and your child’s abilities in areas such as social communication, motor skills, sensory processing, emotional development, self-care, and learning. Together, we identify meaningful goals for the therapy plan to ensure everyone is aligned.

Sessions typically run for 60–90 minutes.

Step 2
Initial meet and greet with the child.

We prioritise creating a safe, welcoming space where your child feels comfortable engaging in therapy. Our first goal is to build trust and rapport, laying the foundation for a successful therapeutic relationship.

This initial session, attended with a parent or trusted caregiver, involves play, conversation, and exploration of the purpose of therapy. During this time, the therapist will observe your child’s strengths, preferences, and challenges to help shape their Therapy Plan.

Session length varies based on the child’s needs, typically lasting 30 to 45 minutes.

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Step 3
A therapy plan will be formulated.

After the initial steps (and sometimes a few additional sessions), the therapist will create a Therapy Plan outlining key goals, strategies to achieve them, and important details for structuring sessions.

This comprehensive report typically takes 90 to 120 minutes to complete.

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Step 4
Sessions will commence.

Ongoing sessions will be scheduled based on an agreed frequency, with most clients opting for weekly or fortnightly sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is paediatric psychology?

Paediatric psychology supports children and adolescents with emotional, behavioural, social, and mental health challenges. Psychologists work with children and families to support wellbeing, coping skills, and healthy development.

How do I know if my child may benefit from seeing a psychologist?

Your child may benefit from psychology support if they experience ongoing emotional distress, anxiety, low mood, behavioural challenges, difficulties with emotional regulation, social difficulties, or challenges adjusting to life changes.

What age can children see a psychologist?

Children and adolescents can see a psychologist from early childhood through to adolescence. Support is tailored to the child’s developmental stage and individual needs.

What happens during a paediatric psychology assessment or session?

Sessions may include conversations, play-based or activity-based approaches, observations, and collaboration with parents or caregivers to understand the child’s emotional and behavioural needs.

Can paediatric psychology services be funded through the NDIS?

In some cases, psychology services may be funded through the NDIS if the support is considered reasonable and necessary for the child’s disability-related needs. Funding availability depends on individual NDIS plans.

Can my child access psychology support without NDIS funding?

Yes. Psychology services can be accessed privately without NDIS funding. Some families may also be eligible for Medicare rebates with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Will parents or caregivers be involved in psychology sessions?

Yes. Parents and caregivers play an important role in the therapy process. Psychologists work collaboratively with families and provide guidance to support children outside of sessions.

How do I get started with paediatric psychology services?

You can get started by completing our intake form or contacting our team to discuss your child’s needs and determine the most appropriate next steps.

Remember, every child is unique

The presence of one or more of these signs does not automatically mean that therapy is needed. However, if you have concerns about your child's development, motor skills, sensory processing, self-care abilities, or overall functional performance, it is recommended to consult with a therapist. They can assess your child's needs and recommend appropriate therapy interventions to support their growth and development.