Specialist support for children aged 3–17 and their families. Age-appropriate, evidence-based approaches delivered with warmth: because early support can make a lifelong difference.
Childhood and adolescence are pivotal periods for emotional, social, and cognitive development. When children struggle: with anxiety, behaviour, attention, friendships, or school: the whole family feels it. At The Mood & Mind Centre, we take a family-centred approach: children do not develop in isolation, and neither does effective therapy.
Our child and adolescent psychologists bring specialist training, warmth, and a genuine love of working with young people. We work collaboratively with children, parents, schools, and other health professionals to ensure consistency across all the environments where children spend their time.
We support children and adolescents (ages 3–17) across a broad range of presentations:
Young children communicate and process experiences through play. Our psychologists use play therapy and child-led approaches that allow children to express and work through difficulties in ways that feel natural and safe. Parent sessions run in parallel, providing parents with strategies to support their child at home. We draw on Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Circle of Security principles for this age group.
Children in this age group benefit from a blend of play-based and talk-based approaches. We use CBT adapted for children, including thought diaries, activity scheduling, and graduated exposure for anxiety. Emotion coaching, social skills work, and positive behaviour strategies form a key part of therapy. Parent involvement remains central: parents attend regular check-in sessions and receive practical strategies to implement between appointments.
Teenagers need to feel heard and respected as young adults. Our adolescent psychologists build genuine therapeutic relationships with their young clients and approach sessions with a non-judgmental, strengths-based stance. We use ACT, CBT, DBT-informed skills, and motivational approaches adapted for adolescent presentations. We involve parents in the process at a level that balances the young person's need for autonomy with the family's need for understanding and support.
Sometimes the most effective way to help a child is to work with the whole family system. We offer:
With a parent's consent, our psychologists can liaise directly with schools: attending student support meetings, writing reports to support funding or adjustments, and consulting with teachers on strategies. Early, collaborative communication between the clinic and the school is often one of the most impactful things we can do for a child's progress.
Children and adolescents aged 3–17. Parents can also be seen individually for parenting support.
Typically 50 minutes. Younger children may have shorter sessions (30–40 min) with the remaining time for parent consultation.
Available with a GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan. Children aged 12+ can hold their own MHCP. Under 12, the GP refers the child.
Psychological therapy and support coordination for children with NDIS plans. NDIS-registered provider.
Parent involvement is actively encouraged and is central to our approach. For younger children, parents typically spend part of each session with the psychologist. For older children and adolescents, there will be regular check-ins with parents (with the young person's agreement) to share strategies and discuss progress. You are a key part of the therapy team.
Reluctance is common, especially with adolescents. It helps to frame the appointment as a chance to talk to someone outside the family: not as "therapy" if that feels loaded. Our psychologists are skilled at building rapport quickly with reluctant young clients. A parent-only session first can sometimes be a good starting point, allowing you to learn strategies while we plan how to engage your child.
A paediatrician is a medical doctor specialising in children's physical and developmental health. A child psychologist has postgraduate training in the assessment and treatment of children's mental health, behaviour, and learning. The two disciplines often work together: for example, a paediatrician may refer for psychological assessment of ADHD, and a psychologist may refer back to the paediatrician if medication is being considered. We welcome and facilitate collaboration with your child's paediatrician.
Psychologists maintain confidentiality for child clients, but parents have a right to relevant information about their child's treatment given their role as guardians. Your psychologist will discuss the boundaries of confidentiality openly at the start of therapy: including when information might be shared with parents, and how your child's privacy is protected within that framework. For adolescents, we aim to foster trust while keeping parents informed of significant concerns.
Book online or call us on 07 5573 2200. Available at Hope Island, Upper Coomera, or via Telehealth.
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