Child psychologist

Our child psychologists provide guidance to support learning and development, helping children and young people better understand their emotions and thoughts. Through tailored strategies, they empower individuals to function well in their communities, be able to regulate emotions, maintain and enhance their mental health, fostering resilience, and overall wellbeing.

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Understanding child psychology 

Child psychology provides essential support for learning, development, managing behaviours, emotions, and thoughts. It can address functional skills as well as helps maintain and improve mental health, while equipping individuals with effective thinking strategies and problem-solving techniques.

Our child psychologists are highly experienced in working with children, adolescents, and families. They provide professional guidance for a range of diagnosed mental health disorders and other presentations, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental needs, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, low mood, and learning and school difficulties.

Beyond clinical conditions, our child psychologists also support families in navigating everyday challenges. Whether it is supporting behaviour needs or adjusting to significant life changes, we provide compassionate guidance tailored to your family’s needs.

We can assist with:

  • Functional life skills
  • Self-acceptance
  • Friendship and relationship difficulties
  • Transitions and managing change 

Our approach begins with a parent/guardian appointment to best understand the child (where appropriate). To learn more about our psychology services or to book an appointment, contact your nearest Early Start Australia clinic today.

Our approach is based on an initial assessment and is then tailored to the needs and circumstances of you and your family.

To learn more about our psychology services or to book an appointment contact your nearest Early Start Australia clinic.

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Common conditions addressed by child psychologists

  • Autism, developmental needs, ADHD, neurodiversity 
  • Social and emotional learning, including promoting resilience and coping skills
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Coping with transitions and change
  • Anxiety, fears and phobias
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Low mood
  • Managing anger
  • Social competence and friendships
  • Developmental delays
  • Family supports
  • Parent coaching and training
  • Diagnostic assessments (autism, ADHD, learning, cognitive, developmental)

Finding the right psychologist for your child

At Early Start Australia, our psychology team comprises psychologists and provisional psychologists. 

Our multidisciplinary approach ensures that your family receives comprehensive support, helping children and adolescents develop new skills, manage thoughts and emotions, and navigate challenges. We focus on each child’s strengths, fostering growth and resilience in a nurturing environment.

You don’t need a diagnosed mental health disorder to benefit from our services—our child psychologists provide tailored therapy and support for any child or adolescent facing difficulties, ensuring interventions meet their unique needs.

Our process typically begins with an initial consultation, where we gather background information and a comprehensive developmental history to better understand your child’s needs. Therapy sessions may include:

  • One-on-one sessions with the child
  • Parent or caregiver consultations
  • Combined family sessions to support progress and strengthen relationships

Through a personalised approach, our child psychologists help families build the tools they need for long-term wellbeing.

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How can psychology support your child?

Psychology can help your child unlock their full potential by building confidence, strengthening life skills, and fostering emotional resilience. It enhances their ability to understand and communicate their feelings, wants and needs, and provides strategies to overcome challenges.

Simply put, psychological support equips children with the tools and insights needed to lead a fulfilling life.

Through therapy, children and families gain a better understanding of why certain thoughts, emotions, and behaviours arise—and more importantly, how to manage them together in a supportive way.

Our child psychologists provide tailored solutions to help children feel calmer, more resilient, and equipped with valuable skills that last a lifetime. These skills include:

  • Problem-solving and healthy coping strategies
  • Breaking unhelpful thinking patterns
  • Understanding and expressing emotions effectively
  • Developing positive communication habits
  • Navigating situations that may impact mental health

    With the right psychological support, children can achieve their potential emotionally, socially, and academically.

Supporting children’s emotional and psychological wellbeing: the role of a child psychologist 

A child psychologist plays a vital role in helping children and families navigate emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges. 

The work of a paediatric psychologist is highly varied, but at its core, it focuses on helping children develop resilience, confidence, and effective coping skills while ensuring families are equipped with the right support systems.

Support for parents and guardians

Parenting comes with unique challenges, and at Early Start Australia, we recognise the vital role parents and guardians play in their child’s emotional and psychological development. Our child psychologists provide guidance to help families create a supportive and nurturing home environment that fosters growth and resilience.

Building a supportive home environment

A positive, emotionally secure home is essential to a child’s wellbeing. Our paediatric psychologists work with families to:

  • Encourage open discussions about thoughts and feelings
  • Foster healthy coping strategies for anxiety and to promote helpful behaviours
  • Strengthen parent-child relationships through effective guidance and collaboration
  • Support transitions such as school changes and social challenges

By working together, parents and guardians can help their child develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and confidence—laying the foundation for lifelong wellbeing

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Psychology programs

As part of your therapy journey your psychologist may recommend some therapy programs to assist in achieving your goals including:

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Clinic contact details

2/60 Wises Road
Buderim QLD 4556

Opening hours

Monday : 8am - 5.30pm
Tuesday : 8am - 5.30pm
Wednesday : 8am - 5.30pm
Thursday : 8am - 5.30pm
Friday : 8am - 4pm

Find a clinic near you

We have clinics in every state and territory providing assessments, early childhood intervention therapies, and support to help you thrive.

Find a clinic

Frequently asked questions about psychology services

Psychology can support your child to reach their full potential by building confidence and life skills, validating their feelings, improving understanding and communication, and overcoming challenges.

In simple terms, they will develop the understanding and tools to help them maintain their mental health and live a good life.

It can help you and your child learn why they are feeling or behaving the way they do and how you can manage them together.

Psychologists will provide solutions and strategies to help your child feel calmer and more resilient, and help them learn valuable skills.

These skills can help them problem-solve and cope healthily, avoid negative thinking patterns, understand their emotions, express their feelings appropriately, and avoid situations that can harm their mental health.

Yes, it’s always good for the psychologist to work out the best way to approach your child’s needs.

However, if your child has a mental health care plan, your child needs to be there as you cannot claim on Medicare if it’s a parent only session.

If it is a private session or NDIS, it’s fine for a parent to come to a session alone

This can vary as it depends on the treatment, which is tailored to your child and family.

Parents are involved in treatment and intervention but may not be in every appointment.

Sometimes a child needs space to feel safe and connected.

There is no set time frame as each child is different and presents with their own set of challenges.

A tailored approach will move at their pace.

It’s crucial that they feel safe, heard and validated first before allowing them to work through the challenges they may be experiencing.

As soon as you have any concerns, or if your child’s behaviour or emotional state has been noted by someone such as GP, teacher or caregiver, you can seek help.

It’s best to do it as soon as you have a concern, as early intervention has been proven to have better outcomes.

However, we offer our services to anyone at any stage of their condition.

It’s always best to be honest and transparent.

Tell them you are going to a safe place where we will all work and learn together about you.

We will support you to achieve the best outcome for you, with the help and support of someone who knows about what you are going through.

NDIS Psychology and Counselling services

We support the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government initiative that provides funding and support to individuals with disabilities, enabling them to access services to enhance their quality of life and independence.

Early Start Australia is a registered NDIS provider delivering NDIS Psychology and Counselling services across Australia. 

Depending on your goals and individual needs, the NDIS may provide funding for allied health therapy supports such as psychology or counselling to enhance emotional regulation, mental health, social skills and learning abilities. 

In your NDIS plan, psychology and counselling services are usually covered under the Capacity Building Supports budget (Improved Daily Living).

As a registered NDIS provider, our psychologists are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and our Counsellors are also registered with the Australian Counselling Association.

At Early Start Australia our NDIS Psychology and Counselling services support children and adults with a range of diagnosed mental health disorders as well as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, behavioural concerns and learning difficulties. 

We can provide assessments as well as make recommendations for therapeutic interventions tailored to individual needs.

To learn more about our NDIS Psychology and Counselling services please contact us on 1300 372 439 or complete the online form.

The Early Start Australia promise

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Holistic care and treatment plans

Our multi-disciplinary team works together with you to understand your child’s needs. From there, we’ll develop a plan with evidence-based strategies. Work with us to achieve your goals and enjoy a better quality of life.

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Australia-wide reach

With clinics in every state and territory, and an experienced team of therapists. Find help when you need it, where you need it.

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Registered NDIS provider

We are a registered NDIS provider and are here to help you on your NDIS journey. We provide quality and safe services, follow NDIS requirements, and support your needs and goals.

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Early intervention at all stages

Early intervention is not just for young children. We offer therapies that cater to all ages, needs and abilities, and we know the sooner you start your therapy journey, the better your outcomes. With us, you can learn new skills and enjoy more freedom and control in your life.