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).

Will my child have to talk about their feelings in a psychology session?

Not necessarily, especially younger children. Child psychologists use age-appropriate methods to help children express themselves. For children under 7, this is primarily through play, drawing, and storytelling. Older children and teenagers may talk more directly, but a skilled child psychologist will never force a child to discuss something they are not ready for. The goal is to create a safe space where the child can communicate in whatever way feels comfortable.

Do parents stay in the room during child psychology sessions?

This depends on the child's age and the nature of the work. For children under 5, parents are usually present for most of the session. For children aged 5 to 8, parents may be present for part of the session and step out for part. For children over 8 and teenagers, sessions are usually conducted individually, with the psychologist meeting parents separately for regular feedback sessions, typically every 3 to 4 weeks.

What should I tell my child before their first psychology appointment?

Be honest and keep it age-appropriate. For younger children, you might say: 'We are going to visit someone who helps children with their worries and feelings. They have toys and games and you will get to play.' For older children: 'Sometimes everyone needs someone to talk to about tricky feelings. This person is really good at helping kids work through stuff.' Avoid saying there is something wrong with them or using it as a threat.

How will I know if therapy is working for my child?

You should start noticing changes within 4 to 6 sessions. Signs that therapy is helping include fewer or less intense emotional outbursts, improved sleep, greater willingness to attend school or social activities, more age-appropriate behaviour, better communication about their feelings, and reduced physical complaints like stomach aches. Your psychologist will also check in with you regularly about progress and adjust the approach if needed.

What Happens in a Child Psychology Session?

In a child psychology session, a trained psychologist uses age-appropriate techniques to help your child understand and manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviour. For younger children, this primarily involves play therapy, drawing, and storytelling. For older children and teenagers, sessions may include structured conversation, cognitive behavioural techniques, and skill-building exercises. Parents are kept informed through regular feedback sessions and receive practical strategies to support their child at home.

I understand why parents feel anxious before their child’s first appointment. You want to know what will happen, whether your child will be comfortable, and whether this will actually help. After 30 years of working with children and families, I can tell you that the vast majority of children settle in quickly and even look forward to their sessions. Here is what you can expect at Anna Cohen & Co.

The First Session: What Happens and Why

The first appointment is different from subsequent sessions. It is designed to gather a full picture of your child and your family, so the psychologist can develop a plan that is tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Part One: Meeting with the Parents (30 to 45 Minutes)

Most first sessions begin with the psychologist meeting you, the parent, while your child waits in our reception area (or plays in the waiting room, which is set up with toys and activities). During this time, the psychologist will ask about:

Your child’s developmental history (milestones, early temperament, any complications during pregnancy or birth)
The specific concerns that brought you in today
How long these concerns have been present and what you have already tried
Your child’s school experience, friendships, and home life
Family context, including any significant changes or stressors
Your child’s strengths and interests

This is not a test or a judgement on your parenting. It is a thorough information-gathering process that allows the psychologist to understand your child in context. The more honest and detailed you can be, the more effectively we can help.

Part Two: Meeting the Child (30 to 45 Minutes)

The psychologist will then meet your child. For younger children (under 7 or 8), this meeting is primarily play-based. The room has toys, art materials, games, puppets, and sand trays. The psychologist observes how your child plays, communicates, and responds to gentle prompts. There is no pressure to “perform” or answer difficult questions.

For older children and teenagers, the psychologist will have a conversation. This is kept relaxed and low-pressure. They might ask about school, friends, hobbies, and what the child thinks about being there. The goal is to start building a therapeutic relationship built on trust and safety.

Part Three: Feedback and Plan

At the end of the first session (or at the start of the second, depending on timing), the psychologist will share their initial observations with you and recommend a treatment plan. This typically involves a block of 6-8 weekly sessions, after which progress is reviewed. They will explain their recommended approach and answer your questions.

Ongoing Sessions: What Your Child Actually Does

After the first appointment, sessions follow a more consistent structure. What this looks like depends on your child’s age and what they are working on.

For Children Aged 3 to 6: Play Therapy

Young children do not have the language or cognitive development to sit and talk about their feelings in the way adults do. Instead, they express themselves through play. A child psychologist trained in play therapy uses this natural language of childhood to help your child process difficult experiences and emotions.

A typical session might involve the child choosing toys from the shelf and creating scenarios in a sand tray, drawing pictures that express their inner world, using puppets to act out interactions, or playing structured therapeutic games designed to build emotional skills. The psychologist follows the child’s lead while gently guiding the therapeutic process. To an outside observer, it might just look like playing. But there is a sophisticated clinical framework behind every interaction.

For Children Aged 7 to 11: A Blend of Play and Skills

Children in this age range can begin engaging with more structured therapeutic techniques while still benefiting from play-based approaches. Sessions often combine conversation with hands-on activities. Your child might learn to identify and name their emotions using visual tools, practise relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, work through thought-challenging exercises (a core component of CBT), use worksheets or card games designed to build emotional literacy, and role-play social scenarios to practise new skills.

This is also the age where children can begin to set their own goals for therapy, which increases their engagement and sense of ownership over the process.

For Teenagers (12 and Over): Talk-Based Therapy

Adolescents are generally comfortable with a more conversational approach, though a good therapist will always adapt to the individual. Sessions with teenagers might include direct discussion of thoughts, feelings, and situations, cognitive behavioural therapy (identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and developing alternatives), acceptance and commitment therapy (learning to sit with difficult feelings rather than avoid them), mindfulness and grounding techniques for anxiety, and problem-solving and decision-making frameworks.

Teenagers also benefit from having a confidential space to process things they may not feel comfortable discussing with parents, teachers, or friends. This confidentiality is critical to building trust.

The Role of Parents in Treatment

At Anna Cohen & Co, we believe that working with the child alone is only part of the picture. Parent involvement is essential to lasting change. Here is how we keep parents informed and equipped:

Regular Parent Feedback Sessions

Every 4-6 sessions, where appropriate, the psychologist or another psychologist on the team will meet with you (without your child present) to discuss progress, share observations, and give you specific strategies to use at home. These sessions are an opportunity to ask questions, raise new concerns, and align on next steps.

Practical Strategies for Home

Your psychologist will give you concrete tools to support your child between sessions. These might include calming techniques for anxiety, consistent responses to challenging behaviour, ways to validate your child’s emotions without escalating a situation, or communication strategies that help your child feel heard and understood.

Parent Coaching

In many cases, supporting the parents is just as important as working directly with the child. My Regulated Parenting Model™ is built on the principle that a dysregulated adult cannot regulate a dysregulated child. When parents learn to manage their own emotional responses during difficult moments, the child’s behaviour often improves significantly as a result.

Telehealth: Sessions from Home

For families who cannot easily travel to one of our clinics, or during periods of illness or disruption, we offer telehealth sessions via secure video call. Telehealth works well for older children and teenagers, and can also work for younger children with parent support in the room. All telehealth sessions are eligible for the same Medicare rebates as in-person appointments.

How to Book

To book your child’s first appointment at Anna Cohen & Co, call 02 9555 1168 or use our online contact form. We have clinics in Balmain (397 Darling Street), Waverley (269 Bronte Road), and Katoomba (Suite 6, Level 1, 68-74 Katoomba Road), with additional Kids & Co locations across Sydney. Telehealth is available Australia-wide.

If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, bring it to the first appointment to access Medicare rebates of $98.95 to $145.25 per session (up to 10 sessions per calendar year).

About the Author

Dr Anna Cohen is a Senior Clinical Psychologist (AHPRA PSY1176554) with over 30 years of experience working exclusively with children, adolescents and families. She is the founder of Anna Cohen & Co and co-founder of Kids & Co Clinical Psychology, which operates across six locations in Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Anna is the author of four parenting books including Skilful Parent Happy Child and Taming Teens, and the creator of the Regulated Parenting Model™.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child have to talk about their feelings?

Not necessarily, especially younger children. Child psychologists use age-appropriate methods including play, drawing, and storytelling. A skilled psychologist will never force a child to discuss something they are not ready for. The goal is a safe space where the child can communicate in whatever way feels comfortable.

Do parents stay in the room during sessions?

This depends on age. For children under 5, parents are usually present for most of the session. For children aged 5 to 8, parents may step out for part or all of the session. For children over 8 and teenagers, sessions are usually individual, with separate parent feedback sessions every 3 to 4 weeks.

How long is a child psychology session?

Standard sessions are 45 to 50 minutes. The first appointment is often slightly longer. For very young children aged 3 to 5, the active therapy component may be around 30 to 40 minutes. Assessment sessions for ADHD or autism may run for 2 to 3 hours over multiple appointments.

What should I tell my child before their first appointment?

Be honest and keep it age-appropriate. For younger children: “We are going to visit someone who helps children with their worries and feelings. They have toys and games.” For older children: “Sometimes everyone needs someone to talk to about tricky feelings. This person is really good at helping kids.” Avoid framing it as punishment.

How will I know if therapy is working?

You should notice changes within 4 to 6 sessions. Signs include fewer or less intense outbursts, improved sleep, greater willingness to attend school or social activities, better communication about feelings, and reduced physical complaints like stomach aches. Your psychologist will check in with you regularly about progress.

Does Medicare cover child psychology sessions?

Yes. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, your child is entitled to up to 10 Medicare-rebated sessions per calendar year. The rebate is $98.95 to $145.25 per session. Bring the referral letter to your first appointment.