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Support for emotions, behaviour, anxiety, social skills and family wellbeing.
Information
What psychology involves
Often sought for big emotions, worries, behaviour changes or school-related distress.
Supports are usually delivered as short blocks of sessions with clear goals, and often include coaching so parents and carers can practise strategies in everyday routines. Delivery may be in a clinic, at home, at kinder or school, in the community, or by telehealth.
When families commonly seek this support
Concerns raised at a maternal and child health check, kinder or school
Progress that seems different to other children of a similar age
Daily routines that are consistently difficult for the child or family
A referral from a GP, paediatrician or support coordinator
Questions worth asking a provider
What experience do you have with children of my child's age and needs?
How do you involve parents and carers between sessions?
What is your current wait time, and how is availability updated?
TK Victorian Providers/Thrivingkidsvic.au is an independent platform associated with Qaswa.au. We are not a Victorian Government, Australian Government, NDIA or NDIS website, and we do not administer the Thriving Kids program.
Published 4 October 2026Last reviewed 4 October 2026
Child Psychology Services: What Families and Referrers Should Know
Children can experience emotional, behavioural, social and developmental challenges that affect life at home, childcare or school. A child psychologist can help families understand these concerns and develop practical strategies that fit the child's age, strengths and circumstances.
Child psychology is not only for severe mental health concerns. Depending on the practitioner and service, psychology can support children and families with emotional regulation, behaviour, anxiety, social difficulties, adjustment, family relationships and broader developmental needs.
What Does a Child Psychologist Do?
A child psychologist may provide:
Services vary significantly between psychologists, so families should check the practitioner's areas of practice.
psychological assessment
emotional wellbeing support
behaviour support
anxiety or worry management
social and emotional skills support
parent guidance
family-focused interventions
support around significant life changes
strategies for home and education settings
When Might a Child See a Psychologist?
Families or referrers may seek support when a child:
A referral does not mean a child has a mental health diagnosis.
experiences persistent worry or distress
has difficulty managing emotions
has significant behavioural challenges
finds social situations difficult
is struggling with changes or transitions
is experiencing difficulties at home or school
has concerns affecting relationships or participation
needs support following a significant event or change
What Happens at the First Appointment?
The first stage may involve talking with parents or carers, understanding the child's history and discussing current concerns. Depending on age and circumstances, the psychologist may also work directly with the child.
The psychologist may explore:
The exact process varies by practitioner.
what is happening
when it happens
what makes it easier or harder
the child's strengths
family and environmental factors
school or childcare experiences
the family's goals
Psychology and Thriving Kids
The Australian Government's current Thriving Kids information lists psychologists among the professionals who may provide targeted allied health support. The Victorian Government also identifies psychologists among professionals involved in the broader Thriving Kids ecosystem. Australian Government
Families should distinguish between general psychology services, Medicare pathways, private services and specific Thriving Kids arrangements. Availability and eligibility are not identical across all pathways.
For Referrers
A useful referral can explain the functional concern and context rather than relying only on a diagnostic label.
Include, where relevant:
child's age
main concern
duration and frequency
impact on home, school or community participation
relevant developmental history
previous supports
family goals
safety concerns requiring urgent attention
For Psychology Providers
Providers can make their listings more useful by stating:
child age range
areas of practice
assessment services
therapy approaches
service locations
clinic, home or community options
parent involvement
referral requirements
current availability
Choosing a Child Psychology Service
Families can ask about the psychologist's qualifications, experience with children of the relevant age, areas of practice, appointment format, parent involvement and fees or funding pathways.
If a concern involves immediate risk of harm, urgent medical or emergency support should be sought rather than relying on an online directory.
Psychology in the Victorian Thriving Kids Context
Victoria's current Thriving Kids information says families may receive allied health support depending on their child's needs, goals and family circumstances. The state also identifies psychologists among professionals who already play a role in supporting children and families.
Common reasons families seek child psychology
Families may look for a psychologist when a child is experiencing:
The exact service offered depends on the psychologist's professional scope.
persistent worry or anxiety
emotional regulation difficulties
behaviour changes
social difficulties
school-related distress
adjustment to major changes
concerns affecting family relationships
For Victorian referrers
Explain the functional impact of the concern, where it occurs and what the family wants help with. Where relevant, include information from kindergarten, school or other professionals.
For Victorian providers
Make age range, areas of practice, assessment services, delivery format, parent involvement, locations and referral requirements clear. Families often need to compare services before deciding whom to contact.
TK Victorian Providers/Thrivingkidsvic.au is an independent platform associated with Qaswa.au. We are not a Victorian Government, Australian Government, NDIA or NDIS website, and we do not administer the Thriving Kids program.
Independent Victorian providers offering services in this category. Availability and response data is shown where measured.
FR
Family Relationships Institute Inc.
Verified information
Psychology
Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Social Work • Family Support Services
Family Relationships Institute Inc., trading as RelateWell, was founded in 1978 and is a not‑for‑profit community organisation delivering essential prevention and early intervention services across key transition points in the family lifecycle. Family and relationship services deliver the strongest outcomes for children by providing early, structured support that strengthens parental wellbeing, reduces conflict, and promotes secure, healthy family relationships.
RelateWell’s services target the major stages of relationship formation, extension and separation, with a focus on strengthening relationships, preventing breakdown, and promoting wellbeing through counselling and psychoeducation. Our specialist mental health services provide structured, evidence‑based interventions tailored to the needs and complexities of adults, adolescents and children requiring targeted psychological support.
RelateWell is a recognised leader in primary prevention, early intervention, treatment and recovery, working closely with key stakeholders to support community wellbeing during significant life events. We are committed to providing accessible, safe and inclusive services to all members of the community. RelateWell is a registered NDIS provider of Therapeutic Supports, delivering specialised mental health, counselling and therapeutic services to eligible NDIS participants.
Our Family and Relationship Services (FaRS) are funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services (DSS) and have been Commonwealth‑funded since our inception in 1978. RelateWell is also a Commonwealth service provider of contracted mental health services. As a registered NDIS provider of Therapeutic Supports, RelateWell is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based services that support participants to improve wellbeing, build capacity and achieve their individual goals.
Coburg
Telehealth available
Ages 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years, 3-5 years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredNDIS registeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Social Work • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
Care For Your Mind is a private psychology and counselling clinic located in Central Victoria, with two convenient locations in Bendigo and Castlemaine.
We provide specialised therapeutic support for a range of mental health challenges, including:
Abuse (sexual, emotional, psychological, physical & neglect)
Trauma
Relationship breakdowns
Family dysfunction
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Grief and loss
Sexuality and gender identity affirmation
Problematic Sexualised Behaviours
Sensory processing difficulties
Whether you are seeking therapy in Bendigo or Castlemaine, we are here to support you to Care For Your Mind.
Care For Your Mind is grounded in the belief that individuals truly engage and begin to experience significant change when they are seen, heard, validated, and understood.
We utilise a whole-brain approach that emphasises relational, sensory, and emotional safety to ensure our clients feel supported. Our treatment focus is person-centered and evidence-based, recognising that the strength of the therapeutic relationship is crucial for lasting change.
Our practice offers a variety of mental health services tailored to your unique needs, including:
Individual counselling
Couples and Family Therapy
Art and Expressive Therapy
Psychological Assessments
Neuroaffirming Therapy
EMDR therapy
As trusted therapists in Bendigo and Castlemaine, we are committed to guiding you on your journey to well-being.
Bendigo
Telehealth available
Ages 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Short waitlistNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Dr Grace Hancock - Clinical Psychology & Autism Support
Verified information
Psychology
Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
Dr Grace Hancock is a clinical psychologist with over 10 years experience supporting children, teens, and their families. Dr Hancock provides a range of clinical psychology services, with particular experience in autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences. Services are neuro-affirming, evidence-based and focused on helping young people and their families better understand their individual strengths, needs and ways of functioning. She also focuses on balancing acceptance of differences while still working towards progress and growth.
Services include comprehensive developmental and psychological assessments (including autism, ADHD, cognitive (IQ) and adaptive functioning), individual and parent-focused psychology support, and small peer group programs. Support may focus on emotional regulation and wellbeing, anxiety, executive functioning, social understanding and connection, everyday independence, and building a young person’s understanding of their own neurotype.
The practice also works collaboratively with parents, schools and other professionals to help translate this understanding into practical strategies and supports across home, school and community settings.
Williamstown North
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Speech Pathology • Psychology • Developmental Assessments • Parent & Family Support • Behaviour Support • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
Alloy Health is a multidisciplinary allied health practice providing comprehensive assessment, evidence based therapy and consultation for children, adolescents and young adults. Our team works collaboratively with individuals, families, schools and other professionals to develop a clear understanding of each person’s strengths and support needs, and to translate clinical knowledge into practical recommendations that promote meaningful participation at home, in education and within the community.
Niddrie
Telehealth available
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredNDIS registeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
I am a Registered Psychologist with over 27 years of experience, including 19 years in private practice. I provide a warm, supportive and non-judgemental space for children aged 9 years and over, supporting children with developmental delays, autism, AHDH, anxiety, and emotional or behavioural difficulties.
My approach is collaborative and tailored to each child’s needs, incorporating evidence-based behavioural interventions, play-based and age-appropriate CBT strategies, emotional regulation skills, mindfulness and supportive therapy, with parents and carers involved where appropriate.
I offer telehealth Australia-wide in English and Vietnamese, with fully bulk-billed appointments for eligible clients with a valid mental health care plan.
INNER WESTERN & AUSTRALIA WIDE · Melbourne
Telehealth available
Ages 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may applyNDIS services offered
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
Developmental Assessments • Early Childhood Development Support • Parent & Family Support • Family Support Services • Supported Playgroups & Group Programs • Capacity Building & Everyday Skills
The Psych Approach Clinic | Broadmeadows
The Psych Approach Clinic provides warm, neuroaffirming and culturally responsive psychological support for children and families. We support young children experiencing developmental differences, autism, emotional regulation difficulties, ADHD, anxiety, behavioural challenges and other social-emotional needs.
Our approach is family-centred and evidence-based, incorporating play and art-based approaches, CBT, ACT, parent support and skills-based interventions. We work collaboratively with families and other professionals to help children build confidence, emotional skills and meaningful participation at home, school and in the community.
We are committed to making psychological support accessible and culturally safe for diverse families across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Broadmeadows
In person only
Ages 0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-12 years, 13+ years
Response time not yet measured
Accepting enquiriesNDIS services offeredPrivate payment acceptedMedicare rebate may apply
New listing · Availability updated recently · Profile 70% complete
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