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).

Screen Time for Children - How Much Is Too Much?

It is the question I get asked more than almost any other in my practice: how much screen time should my child have?

The honest answer is that there is no single number that works for every child. What matters more than the number of minutes is what your child is doing on the screen, how they behave when they come off it, and whether screen time is displacing the things children need for healthy development: sleep, physical activity, face-to-face connection and unstructured play.

Australian Screen Time Guidelines

Children under 2: No screen time (except video calls with family)
Children 2-5: No more than one hour per day of quality programming
Children 5-17: No more than two hours of recreational screen time per day (not including schoolwork)

These are guidelines, not laws. But the research behind them shows clear links between excessive recreational screen time and poorer sleep, reduced physical activity, attention difficulties, increased anxiety, and weaker social skills in children.

Signs That Screen Time Has Become a Problem

Significant emotional dysregulation when devices are removed
Declining interest in activities they previously enjoyed
Sleep difficulties, particularly falling asleep or waking during the night
Increased irritability, restlessness or difficulty concentrating when not on a screen
Social withdrawal or preference for online interaction over face-to-face friendships
Sneaking devices, lying about usage or becoming secretive
Academic decline or difficulty completing tasks that require sustained attention
Physical complaints such as headaches, eye strain or poor posture

What Parents Can Do

1. Set clear, consistent boundaries around when and where screens are used. Screens out of bedrooms at night is one of the most impactful rules you can introduce.

2. Model the behaviour you want to see. Children notice when we are on our phones at dinner, during conversations and at bedtime.

3. Prioritise non-screen connection time. Eat meals together without devices. Build in daily time for conversation, play or shared activities.

4. Talk about content, not just time. Ask your child what they are watching, playing and talking about online. Stay curious rather than reactive.

5. Delay social media for as long as practically possible. The evidence on social media and adolescent mental health is increasingly concerning.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your child’s screen use is causing persistent conflict at home, disrupting sleep, affecting school performance, or if you suspect they are accessing harmful content online, speaking with a child psychologist can help.

At Anna Cohen and Co, our Taming Technology program addresses exactly these issues. Dr Anna Cohen has developed evidence-based approaches to helping families navigate digital life across every age group.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How much screen time is recommended for a 5-year-old?

Australian guidelines recommend no more than one hour per day of recreational screen time for children aged 2-5. For children starting school, focus on quality content and ensure screen time is not replacing sleep, outdoor play or face-to-face interaction.

Is all screen time equally harmful?

No. Passive consumption (scrolling TikTok, watching random YouTube videos) is more concerning than active use (educational apps, creative projects, video calls with family). Context and content matter as much as duration.

My teenager is on their phone constantly. Is that normal?

It is common, but that does not make it automatically healthy. If their phone use is not interfering with sleep, schoolwork, physical activity and real-world friendships, it may be within a manageable range.

Should I take my child’s phone away as punishment?

Using devices as a punishment or reward gives them more emotional power than they should have. It is more effective to set consistent boundaries around usage that apply regardless of behaviour.

Can screen addiction be treated?

Problematic screen use in children responds well to structured intervention. A child psychologist can assess whether the screen use is a symptom of an underlying issue and work with the family on practical strategies for change.