Play is the language of children
We're trained in play therapy & active psychology
Children experience anxiety, behavioural challenges, and emotional difficulties just as adults do — but they often lack the language to describe what’s happening. Our psychologists work in ways that feel natural to children, building trust and creating change from the inside out.
Children can heal through play, and play therapy is gold standard, clinically proven and effective for a range of presenting issues.
- Parents and guardians involved throughout
- Medicare rebates may apply
- No referral necessary
- Telehealth Available
SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY BENEFIT FROM SUPPORT
Children show distress differently to adults. Look for changes in behaviour, not just words.
- Increased worry, clinginess or separation anxiety
- Frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts
- Withdrawal from friends, play or activities
- Declining school performance or school refusal
- Sleep difficulties or frequent nightmares
- Aggression, defiance or oppositional behaviour
- Developmental or social concerns
- Suspected ADHD, autism or learning difficulties
Your concern is valid.
And early support matters more than you think.
We understand and empathise with the difficulties that can present with raising a child and are here to understand and support you and your child.
Get in touch, and we can assist you, even if it starts with just an enquiry. The earlier a child receives support for anxiety, behavioural difficulties, developmental concerns, or emotional challenges, the better the outcome. Children’s brains are highly adaptable — which means early intervention is particularly powerful.
You don’t need a crisis to justify asking for help. Concern is enough.
"We all have challenges and difficulties that arise in life, it is a part of the human experience, and we are here to support you to develop the skills to cope with these moments."
- Active Health Psychology
Parents & guardians are central to the process
We work with parents and guardians as active partners — sharing insights, providing strategies for home, and keeping you informed throughout your child's support.
Everything is age-appropriate
Our psychologists use play, activity, and child-centred techniques that meet children where they are.
Assessments available if needed
If your child may have ADHD, autism spectrum, or learning difficulties, we offer comprehensive diagnostic assessments with clear, actionable recommendations.
Medicare rebates may apply
With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan, Medicare rebates are available for psychological sessions. Call us and we'll explain exactly how this works for your situation.
How we work
with children.
Children don’t process the world the way adults do — and child psychology that works understands this. Our psychologists use approaches that are natural, engaging, and age-appropriate.
Play is often central to the process for younger children. For older children and pre-teens, we combine conversation with activity-based techniques. Active Psychology — our signature movement-based approach — is available and often particularly effective for children who struggle to sit still in a traditional therapy room. Interventions are tailored and built into active psychology sessions.
Parents and guardians are kept informed and involved throughout. We provide home strategies, regular feedback, and guidance so that what happens in sessions is supported by what happens at home.
Play-based and activity-led sessions
Children engage through doing, not just talking. Sessions use age-appropriate methods that feel natural and safe.
Active Psychology options
Movement-based sessions available — particularly effective for children with anxiety, ADHD, or those who struggle with sitting still.
Parent & guardian involvement throughout
Regular parent and guardian updates, home strategy guidance, and parent and guardian sessions available so support continues beyond the clinic.
Diagnostic assessments when needed
If a formal assessment is indicated (ADHD, autism, learning difficulties), we conduct comprehensive evaluations with practical recommendations.
What we offer
for children aged 0–12.
All services are tailored to your child’s age and developmental stage. Not sure which is right? Just call us.
Active Psychology
Movement-based sessions — particularly effective for children with anxiety, ADHD, or high energy. Walk & Talk and activity-led approaches available.
Traditional Psychology
Play-based and child-centred psychological support for anxiety, behaviour, emotional regulation, trauma, and developmental challenges.
Diagnostic Assessments
Comprehensive psychological assessments for ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, learning difficulties, and emotional and behavioural concerns.
Group Programs
Structured group programs for children — social skills, anxiety management, and resilience in an age-appropriate group environment.
How to get your child
the support they need.
Parents and guardians book on behalf of their child. Here’s what the process looks like from your first contact.
5 MINUTES
Contact Us
Call or use the online form. Tell us your child’s age, what you’ve been noticing, and what you’re hoping for. We’ll handle the rest.
WITHIN 1 BUSINESS DAY
We Match Your Child
We confirm the appointment, match your child with the most appropriate psychologist, and answer your questions before the first session.
50 MINUTES
First Session
Often includes a parent/guardian component and a child component. The psychologist builds rapport with your child and develops an understanding of their world and goals.
- No referral needed
- Medicare rebates may apply
- Parents kept informed
- Child-centred approach
- Telehealth available
Who works with
children at Active Health Psychology.
Our child psychologists are experienced, warm, and skilled at building trust with young people quickly.
Not sure where to start?
Many parents and guardians aren’t sure whether their child needs an assessment, psychology, or something else. That’s completely normal — call us and we’ll help you work out the right path.
Questions parents & guardians
most often ask us.
The things parents and guardians most commonly want to understand before booking their child’s first appointment.
My child won't talk about their feelings. Will therapy even work?
This is one of the most common concerns parents and guardians have. Child psychology doesn’t require children to be verbally articulate about their emotions. Our psychologists use play, activity, drawing, and movement-based approaches that allow children to process and express without needing to find the words. Change often happens through the process, not the talking.
How involved will I be as a parent/guardian?
Very involved. We see parents and guardians as active partners, not waiting room observers. You’ll be included in the first session, given regular updates on progress, and provided with strategies to support your child at home. For younger children especially, parent/guardian involvement is central to the work — change at home is as important as change in the clinic.
Should I get an assessment or traditional psychology — how do I know?
This is a very common question and it depends on what you’re concerned about. If you’re noticing behavioural or emotional difficulties and want to address them directly, counselling is usually the starting point. If you’re wanting to explore whether there is a diagnosis present, an assessment is the right path. Not sure? Call us — we’ll help you work out which is appropriate based on what you’re observing.
How much does it cost? Are there rebates for children?
Children can access Medicare rebates for psychological sessions with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan — which covers up to 10 sessions per calendar year. Session fees are listed on our fees page. Diagnostic assessments have separate pricing. Call us and we’ll give you a clear picture of costs before you commit to anything.
What age can children start seeing a psychologist?
There’s no minimum age. We work with children from very young ages, adapting our approach based on developmental stage. For very young children (under 5), sessions often focus heavily on parent guidance and parenting strategies alongside direct work with the child. The approach looks quite different for a 3 year old versus a 10 year old — and both are equally valid.
Early support makes
a lasting difference.
You don’t need to be certain something is wrong. If you’ve noticed a change in your child — trust that instinct and give us a call.
Medicare Rebates May Apply . No Referral Needed . Parents & Guardians Involved Throughout
Adolescents (13–17)
Support for teenagers
Families
Whole-family support
Diagnostic Assessments
ADHD, autism & learning assessments
Fees & Medicare
Costs and rebate information