Child psychological services
Child psychology is a specialised field that focuses on the mental, emotional and developmental wellbeing of children.
Child psychologists can help families and children address many of the issues associated with childhood development, like:
- mental, emotional and physical issues
- grief or relationship issues
- gifted or talented children
- mental health issues
- learning difficulties
- difficult behaviour.
They will work with the child and the parents to assess the situation before recommending a suitable treatment option, for example:
- parent counselling, support and education
- disability and learning difficulties support
- educational counselling and consultancy
- individual child counselling
- family or group therapy.
They can also help to identify, diagnose and manage more specific concerns like mental illness in children.
Identifying mental illness
Signs of mental illness are quite broad and can often be confused with signs of physical illness. It is also important to consider whether behaviours are appropriate for their developmental level. If you are concerned about your child, you should talk to your doctor.
Some of the common signs of mental illness include:
- having problems academically at school
- an inability to concentrate, remember things, process information or solve problems
- constant anxiety
- intense worry or stress
- fearfulness
- compulsive or repetitive behaviour
- physical or emotional outbursts
- poor social skills
- low frustration tolerance
- low mood
- irritability
- social withdrawal
- disrupted sleep and eating patterns
It’s important to remember that these signs can mean any number of things. Your doctor will be able to make a proper assessment and refer your child to a psychologist if further assessment is required.
Find a service
Child psychological services are available across Queensland. You can talk to your doctor or phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for advice on services in your area.
A referral can also be accessed through the Australian Psychological Society by:
- searching for a psychologist in your area—answer a brief questionnaire to find a list of suitable psychologists
- calling 1800 333 497.
Read more about their referral service.
Financial support
The Australian Government’s Better Access initiative offers a Medicare rebate for some mental health care services provided by a registered psychologist.
