Definition
A child psychologist specialises in the mental and emotional wellbeing of children and adolescents. In Australia, the title "child psychologist" is not a protected term, so any registered psychologist can use it. However, experience and professional development in working with young people are essential.
Within this field, clinical child psychologists are trained to handle severe and complex mental health issues. Educational and developmental psychologists focus on learning and development. Psychologists without specialised endorsements may concentrate on counselling and talk therapy.
Types of Child Psychologists
Child psychologists specialise in various areas, each with a distinct role in supporting children's mental and emotional wellbeing.
Registered Psychologists without specialisation are the most common in Australia, offering general psychological support and counselling for children. Registered psychologists provide essential services, particularly in less complex cases, across different settings.
Clinical Child Psychologists diagnose and treat severe and complex mental health issues in children and adolescents. With advanced training in clinical psychology, clinical psychologists manage disorders like anxiety, depression, and behavioural problems, often working in hospitals or private practices.
Family Consultants are psychologists (or social workers) appointed by the court to assist in family law cases. They conduct child and family assessments and prepare reports to help determine the best outcomes for children in legal proceedings.
School Psychologists support students' mental health and educational development within school settings. They address learning and behavioural issues and help create supportive educational environments. This specialisation is available in some Master of Professional Psychology degrees.
Educational and Developmental Psychologists focus on learning and developmental challenges. An educational and developmental psychologist assesses and intervenes in cases of learning difficulties, developmental delays, and behavioural issues, primarily working in schools or educational settings.
Paediatric Psychologists specialise in the psychological aspects of child health, working with children who have medical conditions or disabilities. They address the emotional impact of these issues, often collaborating with paediatricians in hospitals. "Paediatric psychologist" is sometimes used as an alternative term for "child psychologist" outside the profession.
Family Psychologists work on family dynamics, addressing relationship issues and parenting challenges. They aim to improve family communication and resolve conflicts, often in private practice or family counselling centres.
Forensic Child Psychologists operate within the legal system, particularly in family law. Forensic psychologists conduct child custody assessments and provide expert testimony, ensuring children's best interests are considered in legal proceedings.
Counselling Child Psychologists provide therapy for everyday challenges like family issues and life transitions. Counselling psychologists aim to build resilience and coping strategies, working in schools, private practices, or community centres.
Related: Types of Psychologists in Australia
What a Child Psychologist Does
A child psychologist helps children and adolescents with emotional, behavioural, and developmental challenges. Their work is varied, depending on their specialisation, and addresses a wide range of issues, from anxiety to learning disabilities.
Examples of child psychology
A clinical child psychologist might work with a 10-year-old who refuses to go to school due to severe anxiety. They use psychological assessments to understand the root of the fear. Treatment might involve cognitive-behavioural therapy, where the child learns techniques to manage anxious thoughts and gradually return to school.
An educational and developmental psychologist could assist a 7-year-old struggling to read. They might diagnose dyslexia through specialised tests. Then, they would collaborate with the child’s teachers and parents to develop a tailored learning plan, perhaps incorporating multi-sensory reading strategies.
A paediatric psychologist might support a child undergoing chemotherapy. For instance, they help an 8-year-old cope with the fear and pain associated with treatment. Techniques might include relaxation exercises and age-appropriate explanations to reduce anxiety about medical procedures.
Family consultants are involved in complex legal situations, such as a custody dispute. They might assess a 12-year-old caught in a high-conflict divorce. Their report, detailing the child’s preferences and emotional state, helps the court decide on the best living arrangement.
In schools, school psychologists might work with a teenager who is being bullied. They might meet with the student weekly, offering strategies to cope with the bullying and working with school staff to create a safer environment.
Related: What Does a Psychologist Do in Australia?
How to Become One
To become a child psychologist in Australia, you must first become a registered psychologist. This typically involves completing a bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by an honours year, and then two years of postgraduate study or supervised practice.
Steps
- Complete a bachelor degree and fourth-year psychology.
- Undertake two years of postgraduate study or supervised practice.
- Focus on child psychology through electives, research, and placements.
- Gain registration as a psychologist.
- Get work experience in child-related settings.
Throughout their studies, psychologists receive extensive training in child psychology, including developmental stages and mental health disorders in children.
Child psychology is not a formal specialisation with specific endorsement. You build expertise by focusing on child-related topics during postgraduate education and gaining experience after registration. Continuing to stay updated on research and techniques to succeed in this field.
Related: How to Become a Psychologist in Australia
Psychology Services for Your Child
When hiring a child psychologist, choose one suited your child’s specific needs. Different types of psychologists handle different issues.
- If your child needs someone to talk to about everyday challenges, consider a regular child psychologist or a qualified counsellor.
- For severe anxiety or depression, a clinical child psychologist is ideal.
- If your child has learning difficulties like dyslexia or ADHD, seek an educational and developmental psychologist.
- In legal situations, such as custody disputes, a family consultant offers assessments and reports for the court.
Good places to start include referrals from your GP, school recommendations, and online search. Before committing, talk to the psychologist to ensure they are the right fit for your child.
Some psychologists offer bulk billing, where Medicare covers the full cost of sessions. This option can save you from out-of-pocket expenses. If bulk billing isn’t available, you’ll likely need to pay a fee, with possible partial reimbursement from Medicare.