Child Psychologist Newcastle
Let's raise emotionally aware, resilient kids, together.
Child and Teen Therapy
Our Newcastle child psychologists support children, teenagers and families with anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioural challenges, school difficulties, neurodivergence, eating disorders and social development.
Importantly, we provide a supportive and practical approach tailored to each child and family from our Merewether clinic.
Supporting Carers and Children aged 6+
Our psychologists work with families and children using compassionate, evidence-based support tailored to each child’s unique needs. For example, with younger children, we may use play therapy to help them express emotions, build resilience and develop healthy coping strategies in a safe, engaging environment.
Additionally, if your child or teen is struggling with school refusal, anxiety, emotional regulation issues, behavioural challenges or social difficulties, we can help.
How Our Child Psychologists Can Help
Therapy provides a supportive space for your child or teen to better understand their feelings, thoughts and behaviours. In turn, this can support them to build stronger emotional regulation skills.
Importantly, the National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (2021) found that over 50% of mental health problems begin before the age of 14.
Therefore, early support during the teenage years can make a measurable difference. Studies show it can improve mental wellbeing, build self-esteem and strengthen the social and emotional skills young people need to navigate life.
When should my child see a psychologist?
It isn’t always easy to know when your child’s behaviour or emotions are part of normal development and when they may benefit from some additional support. A child psychologist can help when anxiety, behaviour, emotional regulation, friendships, school or changes at home begin affecting your child’s everyday life.
Families come to us for a wide range of reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Anxiety, worry, or persistent fearfulness
- Low confidence or self-esteem
- Emotional dysregulation
- School refusal, performance difficulties, or social struggles
- Attention problems and executive functioning delays
- Learning difficulties
- ADHD assessments and ongoing support
- IQ and cognitive assessments
- Aggressive, defiant, or acting-out behaviours
- Trauma and abuse
- Depression
- Bullying — as the target or the perpetrator
- Sexuality
- Neurodivergent challenges
- Shyness, separation anxiety, or persistent clinginess
- Sleep difficulties, including reliance on a parent to fall asleep
- Grief and loss following bereavement, family separation, or divorce
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm concerns
- Eating disorders
- Substance use in adolescents
- Adjustment to major life changes (new school, friendship breakdowns, parental separation)
What to Expect From Child Psychology
Child Therapy
Our initial session is often a parent only appointment. This gives us a good understanding of your concerns and your child’s history.
After this session we recommend regular appointments with the child to help build rapport and connection. We often do this by using play therapy, CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, and behaviour support planning.
Teen Therapy
Sessions can be attended by your teenager alone, this allows them to speak freely without a parent present in the room.
Our Psychologists provide a non judgemental space for your teen to feel comfortable about expressing their feelings.
How to Get Started
No referral is needed to see a Child Psychologist at CK Health.
However if you would like to access the medicare rebate you will need a mental health treatment plan from your GP. Some private health fund rebates are also available depending on your fund and level of cover. We also support those on NDIS who are plan or self managed.
If you’re considering a Child Psychologist click here to meet the team.
Meet the Team Supporting Your Child
CK Health was founded by Naturopath and Nutritionist Cody Kennedy in 2013. Since then, it has grown into a renowned family business in Merewether, Newcastle, helmed by Cody and her husband Paul, alongside an incredible team of dedicated allied health practitioners and amazing front office people.
Ready to Book a Child Psychologist?
Book an appointment with one of our Newcastle child psychologists below.
Importantly, no referral is required, and Medicare rebates may be available with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Alternatively, book a FREE assessment to discuss your concerns and find out which CK Health service may be the best fit for your child.
Child Psychologists in Merewether, Newcastle
CK Health is located at 136 Glebe Road, Merewether, conveniently supporting families from across Newcastle and surrounding areas.
From here, our child and adolescent psychology services are available to support children, teenagers and their families.
Booking a Child Psychologist in Newcastle
Contact our friendly team on 02 4077 3803, they will be able to give you a comprehensive overview of the assessment procedure, including time frames and estimated expenses.
Common Questions:
Booking Deposit and Prepayment
For all appointments, either full payment or a deposit is required to secure your booking and, therefore, confirm your commitment to attending the session. However, this excludes NDIS, Workers Compensation and Open Arms appointments. Please call the clinic directly to book these appointments.
Cancellation Policy and Fees
Unfortunately we need to charge a cancellation fee if you do not attend an appointment or if you cancel with less than 24 hours notice (at least one working day). The reason for this charge is due to a high demand for our services and in respect of people waiting to be seen.
NDIS funding
If you have NDIS funding, you can also contact us to book a nutritional consultation or counselling session with one of our registered psychologists.
Helpful Resources for Parents & Families
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Psychology
What happens in a session?
Over the course of our appointments, we discuss your symptoms, case history and dietary intake. In addition, we look at how your body systems interact, identify any red flags for health issues and assess your family history for predispositions.
Naturopathic medicine is more than helping with symptom relief. Instead, it is a system that aims to achieve optimal health by preventing illness and helping you feel your best.
Similarly, during your psychology sessions, the psychologist will commonly ask why you have come to see them. They will explore your motivations, personal history, family mental health history, how you see yourself and the problems you are dealing with. From there, they can begin to formulate a plan to help.
Can you do distance consultations?
Yes. We have clients from all over Australia and the world that we support using Telehealth. We can also have phone, skype, or zoom sessions.
I am on medications; do I need to discuss this with the practitioner?
During your consultation, your naturopath will go over all your current medications. Importantly, they will never recommend that you stop taking medication without your doctor’s prior consent.
How long will it be before I notice any improvements in my health?
This will depend on many different factors, including how long you have had your health condition, your age, the severity of your symptoms and your overall vitality. For example, you may find that some symptoms improve within a week or so, whilst others can take longer.
Generally, most natural remedies are not a ‘quick-fix’ solution. Instead, unlike pharmaceuticals, they work on healing the body as a whole.
What can a psychologist help me with?
Our Newcastle psychologist can help you with a variety of different mental health issues including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Antenatal or postpartum anxiety and depression
- Relationship problems
- Pain management
- Trauma
- Sleep issues
- Grief
- Fears and phobias
- Addiction
- Weight management and food related issues
How many psychologist appointments will I need?
This will depend on you and how your mental health is improving. Additionally, if a Health Care Plan is provided by your GP, you can usually access up to 20 sessions per year if requested. While these appointments attract a Medicare rebate, gap fees do apply.
Do I have to talk about my family history with the psychologist? What if I don’t know it?
The more details you can bring to the table, the better we can put the pieces of the puzzle together. However, you do not have to disclose anything you don’t feel comfortable talking about. That said, if we are unaware of areas of your health history, we may miss red flags that could help us treat you more effectively.
Importantly, we are obligated to keep anything you tell us private, except in a few circumstances which your psychologist will explain during your first session.
Do I need GP referral to see a psychologist?
No, you do not generally need a referral to see a psychologist. If you are seeing them under a Mental Health Care Plan, then you will need to organise this with your doctor.
Can I use my health insurance to see a psychologist?
Yes, you can. This depends on the type and level of insurance you have. Please check with your insurer.
How long will it take until I get better?
It is difficult to predict how you will respond to a particular treatment or mental health support, as many different factors can have an impact. For example, is this an acute infection, chronic illness or longer-term mental health challenge? Are genetic factors influencing your health outcomes? Additionally, how willing are you to make changes to your diet and lifestyle and follow any recommended supplements or prescribed changes?
In general, we find that an average of 5–6 naturopathy appointments can have you on your way to feeling great. However, some people feel better after two visits, while a long-term illness may require longer-term support.
For psychology patients, the process is very individual. Therefore, your psychologist can discuss what ongoing support may look like during your consultation.