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).

How much does an autism assessment cost for a child in Sydney?

A comprehensive autism assessment in Sydney typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000, which includes clinical interviews, ADOS-2 and ADI-R administration, cognitive testing, and a detailed diagnostic report. Medicare rebates of $145.25 per session apply with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan referral to a clinical psychologist.

What age can a child be assessed for autism?

Children can be assessed for autism from around 18 months of age using the ADOS-2 Toddler Module. However, many assessments are conducted between ages 2 and 6 when social and communication differences become more apparent. Older children, adolescents, and adults can also be assessed.

How long does an autism assessment take?

A comprehensive autism assessment typically takes 6 to 10 hours of direct clinical time, spread across 3 to 5 sessions over 2 to 4 weeks. The total process from first appointment to receiving the final report is usually 3 to 6 weeks.

Can girls be autistic? Why are they diagnosed later?

Yes. Autism occurs across all genders. Girls are often diagnosed later because they tend to develop more sophisticated social camouflaging strategies, masking difficulties in structured settings and internalising their distress. Our clinicians are experienced in identifying autism presentations across all genders.

Do I need a referral for an autism assessment?

You do not need a referral to book an autism assessment privately. However, to access Medicare rebates, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, or a referral from a paediatrician. For NDIS funding, a paediatrician or psychiatrist referral is typically required.

Autism Assessment for Children in Sydney - What Parents Need to Know

An autism assessment for children in Sydney is a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation conducted by a clinical psychologist using gold-standard tools including the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised). The assessment typically spans 6 to 10 hours across multiple sessions, produces a detailed diagnostic report, and costs between $2,000 and $4,000. Medicare rebates apply with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. At Anna Cohen and Co, our clinical psychologists have assessed hundreds of children for autism across three Sydney locations over three decades of practice.

Why Early Assessment Matters

In my 30 years of clinical work with children and families, one pattern has remained consistent: the earlier a child receives an accurate autism diagnosis, the sooner they can access the specific support that makes a genuine difference to their development. This is not about rushing to a label. An autism assessment is about understanding your child’s unique neurodevelopmental profile so that their world, from home to school to friendships, can be shaped in ways that work for them rather than against them.

Signs That an Autism Assessment May Be Helpful

Every autistic child presents differently, which is precisely why a formal assessment matters more than a checklist. Parents often notice differences in social communication (limited eye contact, difficulty reading facial expressions, challenges with back-and-forth conversation, taking language literally), and restricted or repetitive behaviours (intense focus on specific topics, repetitive movements, strong need for routine, sensory sensitivities). Many children, particularly girls, learn to mask their autistic traits in social settings, appearing to cope at school but falling apart at home.

What Happens During an Autism Assessment

At Anna Cohen and Co, our autism assessments follow international best-practice guidelines. We begin with a thorough parent interview covering developmental history. We then administer the ADOS-2 (the international gold-standard observational assessment), the ADI-R (a comprehensive structured parent interview covering social interaction, communication and repetitive behaviours), and where appropriate a cognitive assessment (WISC-V or WPPSI-IV) and adaptive behaviour assessment (Vineland-3). The psychologist then writes a comprehensive diagnostic report and meets with you for a feedback session to go through the findings and discuss next steps.

Autism Assessment Cost in Sydney

A comprehensive autism assessment at Anna Cohen and Co costs approximately $2,000 to $4,000 in total (clinical sessions $215 to $450 each, plus the diagnostic report). Medicare rebates of $145.25 per session apply with a clinical psychologist (up to 10 sessions per year with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan), and private health insurance rebates may also apply.

What Happens After the Diagnosis

A diagnosis is the beginning, not the end. Depending on your child’s profile, next steps might include an NDIS application (the diagnostic report is a key supporting document), speech and language therapy, occupational therapy for sensory processing, social skills programs, school support such as an Individualised Education Plan, and ongoing psychological support for the child and family.

Where to Get an Autism Assessment in Sydney

Anna Cohen and Co offers comprehensive autism assessments at three Sydney locations:

Inner West: 397 Darling Street, Balmain NSW 2041
Eastern Suburbs: 269 Bronte Road, Waverley NSW 2024
Blue Mountains: Suite 6, Level 1, 68-74 Katoomba Road, Katoomba NSW 2780

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

About the Author

Dr Anna Cohen is a Senior Clinical Psychologist (AHPRA PSY1176554, Doc.Clin.Psych) with over 30 years of experience. She is the founder of Anna Cohen and Co and co-founder of Kids and Co Clinical Psychology, and the author of four published parenting books including Skilful Parent Happy Child.