What does a child psychologist do?

A child psychologist assesses, diagnoses and treats emotional, behavioural and developmental challenges in children and adolescents. At Anna Cohen & Co, our clinical psychologists use evidence-based therapies including CBT, DBT, play therapy and EMDR to help children with anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, trauma and behavioural difficulties. We also offer comprehensive psychometric assessments (WISC-V, ADOS-2, ADI-R) and family therapy.

How much does a child psychologist cost in Sydney?

At Anna Cohen & Co, initial consultations range from $215 to $450 depending on the clinician, and subsequent sessions cost $150 to $420. Psychometric assessments typically cost between $1,250 and $2,500 (including testing at $180-$270/hour and reporting at $820-$1,144). Medicare rebates of $98.95 to $145.25 per session are available under the Better Access to Mental Health scheme with a GP referral (up to 10 sessions per calendar year). Many private health funds also offer rebates.

Does Anna Cohen & Co accept Medicare?

Yes. Under Medicare's Better Access to Mental Health scheme, patients can receive a rebate of $98.95 to $145.25 per 50-minute session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year. You will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) referral from your GP. Most private health funds also provide additional rebates for psychology sessions.

Where are Anna Cohen & Co's clinics located?

Anna Cohen & Co operates from three locations in Sydney and the Blue Mountains: Inner West at 397 Darling Street, Balmain NSW 2041; Eastern Suburbs at 269 Bronte Road, Waverley NSW 2024; and Blue Mountains at Suite 6, Level 1, 68-74 Katoomba Road, Katoomba NSW 2780. The practice also offers telehealth appointments Australia-wide. The associated Kids & Co Clinical Psychology practice has additional locations on the Northern Beaches (Balgowlah and Mona Vale) and Gold Coast (Robina, QLD).

How do I get an ADHD assessment for my child in Sydney?

Anna Cohen & Co provides comprehensive ADHD diagnostic assessments for children and adolescents using the Conners-4 screening tool and TEA-Ch2 (Test of Everyday Attention for Children). The process includes a clinical interview, behavioural observation, standardised testing and a detailed written report. Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan referral to access Medicare rebates. You can book directly by calling 02 9555 1168 or through the website contact form.

What is an autism assessment (ADOS-2) and how does it work?

The ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition) is the gold-standard assessment tool for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder. At Anna Cohen & Co, our clinical psychologists also use the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview — Revised) alongside cognitive and adaptive behaviour assessments for a comprehensive evaluation. The assessment typically includes parent interviews, direct observation, standardised testing and a detailed diagnostic report that can be used for NDIS applications and school support plans.

What age children does Anna Cohen & Co see?

Anna Cohen & Co works with children from early childhood through to young adults. Our psychologists specialise in children (from around age 3), adolescents, young adults and their families. We offer age-appropriate therapies including play therapy for younger children, CBT and DBT for older children and teens, and family therapy for the whole family unit.

What is the Regulated Parenting Model?

The Regulated Parenting Model is a trademarked framework developed by Dr Anna Cohen based on over 30 years of clinical experience working with thousands of families. It teaches parents evidence-based strategies for managing common parenting challenges including anxiety, behavioural difficulties, emotional regulation and screen time. The model is taught through The Better Parent Academy's Master Course ($1,997 AUD) and three mini courses, plus a 12-week live group Coaching Program ($3,500 AUD), and is underpinned by Dr Cohen's clinical psychology expertise and 4 published parenting books.

Does Anna Cohen & Co offer telehealth appointments?

Yes. Anna Cohen & Co offers secure telehealth (video) consultations Australia-wide. Telehealth sessions are available for individual therapy, parent consultations and some follow-up appointments. Medicare rebates apply to telehealth sessions in the same way as in-person visits. Call 02 9555 1168 to book a telehealth appointment.

What books has Dr Anna Cohen written?

Dr Anna Cohen has published four parenting books: 'Skilful Parent, Happy Child: Raising Kids Aged Six to Twelve' (2023, Hybrid Publishers), 'Taming Teens: The Adolescent Years' (2019, Hybrid Publishers), 'Parenting Made Easy: The Early Years' (2015) and 'Parenting Made Easy: The Middle Years' (2013). All four are available on Amazon, Booktopia, Dymocks and other Australian bookstores.

What is the cancellation policy?

Clients must provide at least two business days' notice (Monday to Friday) to cancel or reschedule an appointment. If an appointment is missed or rescheduled without 48 hours' notice, the full consultation fee will be charged. This fee cannot be claimed through Medicare or private health insurance.

What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a psychologist?

A clinical psychologist has completed additional postgraduate training (typically a doctorate or masters in clinical psychology) beyond the standard psychology degree, specialising in the assessment and treatment of mental health disorders. At Anna Cohen & Co, Dr Anna Cohen holds a Doc.Clin.Psych (Doctor of Clinical Psychology) and is registered with AHPRA (PSY1176554). Clinical psychologists can diagnose complex conditions, use a wider range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques and attract higher Medicare rebates ($145.25 vs $98.95 per session).

The Manosphere and Your Son - What Parents Need to Know

Last night I watched the documentary Inside the Manosphere. What struck me most was not shock or outrage. It was recognition.

The language, the anger, the narratives around masculinity and power – I hear versions of them constantly in my work with boys and young men. Many are absorbing this content daily. It shapes how they see themselves, relationships, women, success, and the world around them.

Some of what is being promoted online is deeply concerning. It can be hostile, manipulative, and at times outright harmful. But if we only focus on condemning the message, we risk ignoring the conditions that make it appealing in the first place.

Young men are not drawn to these spaces in a vacuum. Many arrive there already disconnected, discouraged, lonely, or struggling to find identity and belonging.

The Reality for Boys and Men in Australia

Three out of four suicides in Australia are men
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young Australian men
Boys and young men are significantly less likely than girls to seek professional mental health support
Males account for only around 30% of individuals accessing mental health services
Boys account for the overwhelming majority of school suspensions and expulsions
By primary school, many boys are already falling behind in literacy and language-based learning
Boys are less likely to complete Year 12 and less likely to attend university
Young men are overrepresented in substance misuse, gambling problems, road trauma and risk-taking behaviours
One in three Australian men report having no close friends
Many adolescent boys report feeling they cannot openly discuss sadness, fear, loneliness or insecurity without feeling weak or ashamed
Rates of body image concerns, social isolation and online dependency are rising rapidly in boys and young men

So many boys are growing up emotionally isolated, uncertain of where they fit, and ashamed of struggling. We are often looking at pain long before we are looking at aggression.

Why the Manosphere Appeals to Boys

The manosphere succeeds because it offers something psychologically powerful: certainty, identity, belonging, status, direction, and simple answers to complicated emotions. For boys who feel invisible or inadequate, that can feel incredibly seductive.

The problem is that it does not actually resolve their distress. It often redirects it outward. Vulnerability becomes anger. Shame becomes superiority. Hurt becomes blame.

But criticism alone will not pull boys away from these spaces.

Young men need more than warnings about what not to follow. They need healthy models of what to move toward.

What Protects Boys from Harmful Online Influence

Research consistently shows that boys are significantly less vulnerable to harmful online influence when they experience:

Strong emotional connection with caregivers
Warm but firm boundaries
Parents who can tolerate and coach emotions rather than shut them down
Healthy male role models
Opportunities for competence and responsibility
Open conversations about masculinity, relationships, consent and emotions
Secure attachment and a sense of belonging at home
Encouragement toward emotional literacy rather than emotional suppression

Boys who feel securely connected at home are less likely to seek belonging through extreme online communities.

Effective parenting does not “soften” boys. It strengthens them. It builds emotional regulation, resilience, empathy, accountability and identity – all protective factors against extremist thinking and toxic masculinity narratives.

At Anna Cohen and Co, I have worked with boys and young men for over 30 years. If you are concerned about your son’s online influences, emotional withdrawal, anger, or identity struggles, professional support can help.

Book a consultation: 02 9555 1168 or visit annacohenandco.com.au/contact

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do boys start being influenced by manosphere content?

Many boys encounter this content from around age 10-12, often through YouTube, TikTok and gaming communities. The influence typically peaks during early to mid-adolescence when identity formation is most active.

What are the warning signs my son is consuming manosphere content?

Watch for sudden changes in language around gender and relationships, dismissive attitudes toward women, preoccupation with “alpha” or “beta” terminology, withdrawal from family conversations, increased anger or contempt, and a shift toward viewing vulnerability as weakness.

How should I talk to my son about the manosphere?

Avoid leading with criticism of the content. Start by asking what appeals to him about it. Acknowledge the legitimate needs underneath (belonging, confidence, direction) while gently questioning whether the content actually delivers on those needs.

Can a psychologist help with this?

Yes. A clinical psychologist who specialises in adolescent boys can work on the underlying emotional needs driving the attraction to these spaces, build emotional literacy and healthy identity, and support parents in responding effectively at home.

Does this only affect boys from troubled families?

No. Boys from stable, loving families can also be drawn to this content. The algorithms are designed to be compelling, and adolescence is a naturally vulnerable period for identity searching regardless of family background.