Frequently Asked Questions — Understand when to see a child psychologist, how our process works and what costs are involved so you can take the next step with confidence.

Approach

  • Families often choose to see a child psychologist when they notice changes in their child’s behaviour, emotions or daily functioning that feel difficult to manage alone. This may include increased anxiety, emotional outbursts, difficulty at school, social challenges, sleep disruptions or behaviours that seem out of character.

    If these concerns are affecting your child’s wellbeing, home life, peer relationships or learning, speaking with a psychologist can be a helpful first step in providing support.

  • The Nest provides therapeutic support for children and adolescents aged 4 - 18. 

  • Once you arrive, please walk into the waiting room. As the clinic is a shared space between multiple providers, we do not have reception staff. You can take a seat and your psychologist will come out to greet you at the time of your appointment.

    The first session typically involves both child and parents coming to the appointment. We spend time getting to know the child by gathering background information such as developmental history, schooling history, relationships and social connections, and medical history. We review your child's strengths and challenges which allows us to develop therapeutic goals.

    We provide space for your child to explore, play and get to know us in their own time, without a lot of pressure to talk. This allows us to observe and collect more information to further understand how your child interacts, communicates and regulates.

    By the end of the first appointment, you will have a clear understanding of how we work and if the approach of seeing a child psychologist would be suitable for your child and family. 

  • We provide support for children and adolescents across a wide range of mental health, behavioural, social and developmental concerns. 

    Common areas include anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioural difficulties, school refusal, social skills, confidence, developmental differences, ADHD and ASD support. 

    You can learn more about the services we provide here

  • Sometimes - this depends on the referral, family, child’s age and reason for coming to see a child psychologist.

    When working with pre-school aged children, typically parents or guardians will join therapy appointments to allow for the transference of information.

    When working with school aged children, it may be beneficial for the child to spend time alone with the psychologist, when and if the child feels comfortable.

    When working with adolescents, it may be beneficial for them to spend time alone with the psychologist.

    Your psychologist will outline a plan and discuss this with you at your first appointment. 

Appointments

  • Make an appointment with your GP to discuss your concerns about your child. You can share what you’ve been noticing at home, school or in everyday life. Your GP may recommend a referral to a psychologist including a Mental Health Care Plan if appropriate, which can provide access to Medicare rebates for psychological therapy. They can then write a referral to The Nest or a psychologist of your choosing.

    Your GP may recommend a Mental Health Care Plan if appropriate, which can provide access to Medicare rebates for psychological therapy. They can then write a referral to The Nest or a psychologist of your choosing.

    If you have a referral from your GP for your child or adolescent, please mention this when you Contact Us

  • We will be offering psychological assessments in 2026, however, further details will be provided once assessments are available to book. 

  • Appointments are 50 minutes long, with 10 minutes allocated for case notes, resource preparation and planning. This means you will be billed for a total of 1 hour per appointment.

  • Every child’s needs are unique, and the type and duration of support will vary. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others may find ongoing therapy over a longer period more helpful.

    After your child’s initial appointment, we will provide a clear recommendation for a therapy schedule tailored to their individual needs. Across the course of intervention, this may also be adjusted and you will be informed throughout. 

    If you have a mental health care plan, you are able to receive a total of 10 sessions with a Medicare rebate throughout the calendar year. After 6 sessions, your psychologist will be required to write a progress letter to the GP whereby, if required, you may be eligible to receive an additional 4 sessions within the calendar year.

  • We require 24 hours notice if you need to change or cancel an existing appointment. Late cancellations or non-attendance will be charged in full for the appointment.

    We understand that life happens and you may not always be able to make it to your session. If you need to move or cancel an appointment, please contact us via email and we will do our best to accommodate.

  • Confidentiality and privacy are very important to us, and all psychologists. If you book an appointment, you will receive further information detailing confidentiality and privacy policies that are aligned with national guidelines. 

    If your child spends time with the psychologist alone, confidentiality applies and we need permission from them to share specific information. If required by law, or if there are concerns that the child or others are at risk of harm, this does not apply.

    Parents will be provided with general feedback and information so they remain informed and involved in the process of therapeutic work, as this is vital for effective intervention. 

Fees + Location

  • Appointments cost $232.99.

    Medicare - includes a 50 min consultation, with 10 minutes allocated for non face-to-face session preparation and case notes.

    You may be eligible for a mental health care plan (MHCP) from your GP which will allow you to receive a rebate on part of the session fee. 

    You should consult with your GP prior to making an appointment at The Nest to discuss your child’s presenting concerns. They  will be able to assist further in developing an appropriate treatment plan.

    Private Health Fund - you may be eligible to receive a subsidy or rebate from your private health insurer. We recommend that you consult with them to discuss this. 

    NDIS - includes 15 minutes (non face-to-face) for preparation and a 45 min face-to-face consultation.

    For appointments that occur outside of the clinic (like at school or home) a travel fee will incur. The travel fee will be charged in line with NDIS recommendations and compliance.

    Please note, currently The Nest can only service NDIS clients who are self-managed or plan-managed. 

  • Medicare - you are required to make payment following the session. The Nest Psychology will process your medicare rebate directly into your linked account if you have a mental health care plan.

    Private Health Fund - you are required to make payment following the session. If you have private health care, it is your responsibility to follow up rebates or subsidies directly with your insurer.

    NDIS - The Nest Psychology will send an invoice to the appropriate payer (NDIS plan manager, self managed) for payment of the service. 

  • You can find parking spots directly in front of our practice, which you are welcome to park in.

  • 5-7 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah, New South Wales, 2251, Australia