Psychology for Young People
Children & Adolescent Psychology
Specialised, evidence-based psychology for children and teenagers from early childhood through to late adolescence. Our experienced team provides compassionate, age-appropriate support at our Sippy Downs and Maroochydore clinics, and via Telehealth.
What We Help With
Common Childhood & Adolescent Concerns
Our psychologists are experienced across a wide range of childhood and adolescent presentations, from early developmental concerns to complex mental health conditions in teenagers.
Anxiety & Worry
School refusal, separation anxiety, social anxiety, generalised worry, panic, and fearfulness that interferes with daily life and development.
Depression & Low Mood
Persistent sadness, irritability, loss of interest in friends and activities, withdrawal, and changes in sleep and appetite.
ADHD
Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, difficulty following instructions, and challenges with organisation, focus, and emotional regulation.
Autism Spectrum
Social communication differences, sensory sensitivities, rigid routines, meltdowns or shutdowns, and difficulty with peer relationships.
Behavioural Challenges
Temper tantrums, aggression, defiance, school refusal, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties following rules or instructions.
Learning Difficulties
Reading, writing, and arithmetic challenges, processing difficulties, and support for children whose academic achievement doesn't match their potential.
Trauma & Adverse Experiences
Processing traumatic events, family breakdown, abuse, accidents, medical trauma, and other distressing experiences.
Self-Harm & Eating Concerns
Self-harming behaviours, disordered eating, body image concerns, and emotional dysregulation in adolescents.
Social Skills & Friendships
Difficulty making or maintaining friendships, bullying, social withdrawal, and building confidence in social situations.
Recognising the Signs
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Support
Children and teenagers often express distress differently to adults. Here are some signs that may indicate your child would benefit from speaking with a psychologist.
Anxiety Signs in Children
- Refusing to attend school or activities
- Excessive worry about everyday situations
- Clinging to parents or separation distress
- Frequent stomach aches or headaches
- Nightmares or difficulty sleeping
- Social withdrawal and timidity
- Avoiding new situations or people
Depression Signs in Children
- Persistent sadness or irritability
- Loss of interest in friends, toys, activities
- Decline in school performance
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Low energy and fatigue
- Negative self-talk or low self-esteem
- Withdrawal from family and friends
ADHD Signs
- Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks
- Frequently losing things or being forgetful
- Easily distracted by surroundings
- Fidgeting, restlessness, difficulty staying seated
- Impulsive behaviour or interrupting others
- Difficulty following multi-step instructions
- Struggles with organisation and planning
Autism Signs
- Delayed speech or language development
- Difficulty with social interactions and friendships
- Repetitive behaviours or strong routines
- Sensory sensitivities (sounds, textures, lights)
- Meltdowns or shutdowns when overwhelmed
- Difficulty understanding others' emotions
- Intense, narrow interests
If you are concerned about your child's wellbeing, please speak with your GP or paediatrician, or contact us directly to discuss whether an assessment or therapy referral is appropriate.
Specialist Programs
Programs & Group Therapy
In addition to individual therapy, we offer specialist programs designed to support children and families in targeted areas.
Secret Agent Society (SAS)
The Secret Agent Society is an evidence-based social skills program for children aged 8-12 with autism, ADHD, or social anxiety. Using a spy-themed format, children learn to identify emotions, manage social situations, and build friendships in a fun, engaging group environment.
Circle of Security
The Circle of Security is an evidence-based parenting program that helps parents understand and respond to their child's emotional needs. It builds secure attachment, reduces behavioural difficulties, and strengthens the parent-child relationship.
Psychological Assessment
Comprehensive assessments for ADHD, autism spectrum, cognitive functioning, learning difficulties, and giftedness. Assessments provide clarity, inform school support plans, and guide therapeutic interventions.
Play Therapy & Individual Sessions
For younger children, play therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way to process emotions and experiences. Older children and adolescents engage in structured individual therapy tailored to their age and needs.
Supporting the Whole Family
Parenting & Family Support
We work closely with parents and caregivers as essential partners in their child's wellbeing. While we do not offer standalone family therapy, our clinicians integrate parenting support throughout the therapeutic process.
Parents Are Central to the Process
Children and young people do not exist in isolation. Their wellbeing is deeply connected to the relationships and environment around them. That is why we involve parents and caregivers throughout the therapeutic journey — not as bystanders, but as active participants in change.
Our psychologists provide parents with practical strategies, psychoeducation, and support to reinforce therapeutic gains at home. Where parenting itself is a source of stress or uncertainty, we offer dedicated parenting support sessions to build confidence, consistency, and connection.
We also support families navigating significant transitions — separation, divorce, blended families, new siblings, and school changes — helping parents and children adapt with resilience and mutual understanding.
"Children thrive when the adults around them feel supported, informed, and equipped. We work with the whole family system — not just the child in the therapy room — to create lasting, meaningful change."
Parenting Skills & Strategies
Practical, evidence-based strategies for managing challenging behaviour, building routines, and responding to your child's emotional needs with confidence.
Attachment & Bonding
Support for parents who want to strengthen their relationship with their child, build secure attachment, and understand their child's emotional world.
Separation & Blended Families
Guidance for families navigating separation, co-parenting, and blended family dynamics, with a focus on protecting children's wellbeing through transition.
Parenting a Neurodiverse Child
Tailored support for parents of children with ADHD, autism, or learning differences — understanding your child's needs and advocating effectively for them.
Perinatal & Early Parenting
Support for new parents navigating postnatal anxiety or depression, adjustment to parenthood, and building a secure foundation in the early years.
School & Learning Support
Working with parents and schools to support children with learning difficulties, school refusal, and social challenges in the educational environment.
Our Process
How We Work With Young People
We involve parents and caregivers throughout the process, ensuring therapy is consistent and supported at home.
Initial Consultation
We begin with a parent consultation to understand your child's history, current concerns, and your goals for therapy.
Assessment (if needed)
Where appropriate, a psychological assessment provides clarity on diagnosis and informs the treatment approach.
Personalised Therapy
Age-appropriate, evidence-based therapy sessions tailored to your child's unique needs, strengths, and goals.
Family Involvement
We provide regular feedback and strategies to support your child's progress at home and at school.
Making Therapy Accessible
Funding & Rebate Options
A range of funding options are available to support access to psychology services for children and young people.
Mental Health Care Plan
Children and adolescents with a GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan may be eligible for Medicare rebates on up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.
NDIS Funding
We are registered NDIS providers. Psychology and assessment services for children with disability may be funded under Improved Daily Living or Capacity Building supports.
Private Health & Self-Funded
Private health insurance may provide rebates for psychology services. Self-funded sessions are also available with no referral required.
Concerned About Your Child?
Early intervention makes a significant difference. Our team will work with you and your child to understand their needs and create a pathway forward.
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