The Nest —

The Nest Psychology is a Child and Adolescent Psychology practice on the Central Coast Founded by Principal Psychologist Paige McGowen — The Nest is a space for families to feel supported and empowered to manage life’s challenges. Our mission is simple: to support young people and their families with evidence-based care delivered with warmth, empathy and respect.

Our Philosophy —
At its heart, our philosophy reflects what every nest provides — a safe place to rest, grow and build the foundations to thrive in life.

Rooted in the belief that every child is capable and unique, we believe that progress happens when children feel seen, supported and able to move at their own pace — and everything we do is designed to honour that.

The Nest is guided by values that shape both our practice and relationships:

  • We cultivate a space where safety grows through connection and trust.

  • Progress starts with attunement, meeting children where they are and giving them the space to move at their own pace. 

  • We use evidence-based interventions, assessment and strategies.

  • Our work builds confidence and emotional adaptability that goes beyond the therapy room.

  • We create a space where children and families feel accepted exactly as they are.

Meet Paige —

“I believe that every child has a spark and want to help them see their potential - even when they cannot see it yet.”

Paige created The Nest to help children and adolescents bloom. Infused with warmth, calm and safety, it’s a place where children can feel comfortable, understood and belong just as they are - their wonderful, unique self.

Paige has always been interested in how children think and develop, and how early childhood experiences shape behaviour.  She seeks to help children and young people find words for their feelings, experiences and to make sense of their little inner world. 

Friends describe Paige as bright, bubbly and always full of energy. She is incredibly passionate about her work whereby she loves incorporating engaging, creative and hands-on activities into evidence based framework. 


Paige understands that all children have different strengths, adjusting therapeutic intervention based on their individuality. She helps children feel connected, seen and heard while empowering them to grow, learn and reach their goals.

Paige is a Registered Psychologist with AHPRA and an NDIS registered Proficient Behaviour Support Practitioner. Paige completed her Bachelor of Psychology with first class honors at the University of Newcastle in 2020, where she also received the Australian Psychological Society (APS) thesis award from the intellectual Disability and Autism interest group.

Paige has over 7 years of experience working with families, children, and young people. This has involved working across a variety of settings including within a large multi-disciplinary organisation, private in-patient hospital setting, behavioural therapy program, and private practice. Paige enjoys working closely alongside a range of allied health professionals, understanding the importance of a muli-disciplinary team approach.

Outside of The Nest, Paige loves playing netball, tending to her garden or cuddling her cat.

Paige McGowen — Child & Adolescent Psychology Services.

Registered psychologist with Australian Health Practitioners Agency (AHPRA) and a Proficient Behaviour Support Practitioner registered under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).