Frequently asked Questions
Why Choose The Berry Street Clinic?
Why Choose The Berry Street Clinic?
The Berry Street Clinic is paediatric-led.
Paediatricians remain the central coordinators of care. Where developmental, behavioural, or learning concerns arise, assessment services are integrated within a medically guided framework.
Our psychologists are trained in neuropsychology and specialise in structured developmental and cognitive assessment. Our speech pathologists provide detailed communication assessment where indicated.
This integrated model allows medical oversight and allied health expertise to work together where needed.
Assessment findings are reviewed within the broader developmental context. Where appropriate, paediatricians incorporate assessment outcomes into medical planning, follow-up care, and long-term developmental monitoring.
Care is evidence-based, structured, and tailored to the individual child.
Getting Started
Do I need a referral?
A referral from a GP is not required to book an appointment.
However, without a valid referral, Medicare rebates will not apply and the full consultation fee will be payable privately.
Referrals are typically valid for 12 months.
What is the difference between a consultation and a structured assessment?
A paediatric consultation involves medical review, discussion of concerns, developmental history, and where appropriate, examination and management planning.
A structured assessment involves formal testing conducted by a psychologist or speech pathologist to clarify strengths, areas of difficulty, and functional impact.
Consultation and assessment often work together.
How do I know where to begin?
Children present differently, and concerns do not always fit neatly into one category.
You may find it helpful to review the condition sections below and complete one of the brief questionnaires available on those pages.
If you remain unsure, beginning with a paediatric consultation is often a flexible starting point.
What ages do you see?
We see children and adolescents up to 18 years of age.
Where a paediatric relationship has been established prior to 18, care may continue beyond this age depending on individual circumstances.
How long are appointments?
Initial paediatric consultations typically last approximately 60 minutes and may extend to 90 minutes where needed.
Follow-up consultations are typically 30 minutes, depending on clinical need.
Assessment sessions vary depending on the referral question and are discussed prior to booking.
How long are your wait times?
Wait times vary between practitioners.
Current wait times are displayed on each practitioner’s profile prior to booking.
Fees & Booking Information
How much do appointments cost?
Initial paediatric consultations typically range between $590–$640.
Follow-up consultations typically range between $360–$420.
Assessment fees vary depending on the type and scope of evaluation. Detailed information is provided within each condition section.
Is a deposit required?
A deposit of $500 is required to secure assessment bookings and is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours.
Are Medicare rebates available?
Medicare rebates apply to eligible paediatric consultations when a valid referral is provided.
Structured assessments do not attract Medicare rebates.
Can I claim through private health insurance?
Private health rebates may apply depending on your level of cover. Please check directly with your insurer.
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments cancelled within 48 hours may incur a cancellation fee.
When is payment required?
Payment is required on or before the day of the appointment. Invoices are not issued for later payment.
Practical Information
What should I bring to the appointment?
After booking, you will receive intake forms and questionnaires to complete in advance.
If you have relevant reports or documentation, please provide these prior to the appointment so that consultation time can focus on discussion rather than document review.
Medicare details are required prior to the appointment.
Who should attend the appointment?
Children should attend appointments.
Parents or caregivers are typically present, particularly for younger children.
At times we understand that it is difficult to speak about certain issues pertaining to our children/families wtih them there. Practitioners are happy to speak to parents while children wait in the waiting room. Appointments can also occur without children present if needed but will not get Medicare rebate .
For adolescents, part of the consultation may occur privately between the paediatrician and the young person.
What happens between appointments if I have concerns?
Non-urgent concerns may be directed via email. Please allow up to five business days for a response.
The clinic is not an emergency service. For urgent concerns, contact your GP. In an emergency, attend your nearest emergency department.
How are reports and letters provided?
Paediatric letters are typically provided within 2–4 weeks.
Assessment reports are typically provided within four weeks to allow for scoring, interpretation, and integration of findings.
Do you communicate with schools?
Where appropriate, liaison with schools may occur. Additional fees may apply.
What if parents are separated?
Where parents share parental responsibility, consent from both parties may be required.
Following booking, documentation outlining consent requirements will be provided.
Do you offer telehealth?
Telehealth is available for many paediatric consultations.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
In-person review is generally required at least once every 12 months.
Where are you located?
Clinic location and parking information are available on the Contact page.
Unsure Where to Start
What if I don’t know what the issue is?
It is common to feel unsure about where to begin. Many concerns overlap across attention, learning, behaviour, and emotion.
You do not need to identify a diagnosis before seeking support.
Should I book a consultation or an assessment?
In most cases, a paediatric consultation is the first step.
If you have completed our online questionnaire, the recommended pathway reflects typical investigation practice for this presentation.
General Paediatrics
What is general paediatrics?
General paediatrics involves medical care of children across a broad range of developmental, behavioural, and health concerns.
What does ongoing care look like?
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
ADHD
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention regulation, impulse control, and activity levels.
It presents differently in different children. Some children primarily struggle with sustained focus and organisation. Others may be more impulsive or physically restless. Many show a combination of features.
ADHD involves patterns that are persistent, developmentally inconsistent, and impacting daily functioning — particularly at school or in structured environments.
How can ADHD present in children?
ADHD may present differently depending on age and context.
Younger children may show high activity levels, impulsivity, difficulty following instructions, and emotional reactivity.
School-aged children may experience reduced sustained attention, inconsistent academic output, forgetfulness, organisation challenges, and behavioural concerns in structured settings.
Adolescents may experience planning and time-management difficulties, reduced academic independence, emotional regulation challenges, frustration, or reduced self-confidence.
ADHD can overlap with learning differences, anxiety, mood concerns, or autism. Careful evaluation helps clarify what is contributing to the child’s presentation.
How is ADHD investigated at your clinic?
Investigation depends on the referral question and the child’s history.
Some children begin with a paediatric consultation, particularly where diagnostic clarification is required, medication may be discussed, broader developmental review is needed, or ongoing medical oversight is appropriate.
In other cases, a structured psychological assessment is recommended to better understand attention, executive functioning, and learning profile.
Often, consultation and assessment work together.
If you have completed our online questionnaire, the recommended pathway reflects typical investigation practice for this presentation.
When is a paediatric consultation recommended?
A consultation with a paediatrician may be appropriate when medical input is required, medication options are being considered, there are broader behavioural or developmental questions, or ongoing monitoring and review are likely.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
When is a structured assessment recommended?
A structured assessment with a psychologist may be recommended when a school has requested formal documentation, academic concerns are present, the presentation is complex or overlapping, a detailed cognitive profile is required, or previous interventions have not clarified the picture.
Assessment helps identify both areas of difficulty and areas of strength. This information can guide educational planning, targeted intervention, and treatment decisions.
Before testing is booked, families meet with the psychologist to clarify the referral question and determine the most appropriate approach.
What is typically included in an ADHD assessment?
An ADHD assessment is structured and individualised.
It may include an initial telehealth meeting with parents and/or the child; review of developmental, educational, and medical history; standardised cognitive tasks assessing attention span, impulsivity, working memory, processing speed, ability to encode and retrieve new information, and executive functioning; questionnaires completed by parents and, where appropriate, teachers; consideration of background medical information; communication with schools or support professionals where indicated; a feedback appointment; and a comprehensive written report outlining findings and recommendations.
The goal is not simply to confirm or exclude ADHD, but to understand how the child learns, processes information, and functions in structured environments.
How much does an ADHD assessment typically cost?
Where the assessment process follows the structure outlined above, the current cost (as of February 2026) is approximately $2,500.
Additional fees may apply where more extensive school liaison is required, additional documentation (e.g. NDIS reports) is requested, further consultations are required beyond the standard feedback session, or additional questionnaires are needed.
Additional psychologist time outside the standard process is charged at approximately $320 per hour. Additional questionnaires may incur a fee of approximately $280 each.
A deposit of $500 is required to secure assessment bookings and is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours.
If a recent or partial assessment has already been completed elsewhere, please provide that report prior to booking. In some cases, the process may be tailored, which can reduce duplication and cost.
Fees are reviewed periodically and may change.
What does treatment and ongoing care look like?
Management of ADHD may involve paediatric review and monitoring, educational adjustments, behavioural strategies, parent guidance, school liaison, and in some cases, medication.
Not all children require the same approach.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
Autism / ASD
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, social interaction, and patterns of behaviour or interests.
It presents differently in different children. Some children may have subtle social communication differences. Others may have more pronounced support needs across multiple areas of functioning.
Autism is not a measure of intelligence or potential. It reflects differences in how a child processes social information, sensory input, and environmental expectations.
How can autism present in children?
Autism may present in a variety of ways depending on age, personality, environment, and co-occurring conditions.
Some children may have difficulty with social reciprocity, understanding social cues, maintaining peer relationships, or flexible conversation.
Others may show repetitive behaviours, strong preferences for routine, difficulty with change, or highly focused interests.
Sensory sensitivities are common and may include sensitivity to noise, textures, food types, clothing, light, or crowded environments.
Some children may also experience co-occurring language difficulties, anxiety, attention differences, or learning challenges.
A comprehensive assessment helps clarify how these features interact and how best to support the child.
What is meant by the autism spectrum?
The term ‘spectrum’ reflects the wide variation in how autism presents and the level of support an individual may require.
Clinically, support levels are often described as Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.
Level 1 typically reflects children who require support but are relatively independent with structured guidance and intervention.
Level 2 reflects children who require substantial support across social communication and behavioural flexibility.
Level 3 reflects children who require very substantial support and may have significant communication challenges, sensory differences, or co-occurring developmental conditions.
These levels describe support needs, not intelligence or long-term outcome.
Support recommendations may also align with external frameworks such as NDIS criteria, depending on the child’s functional presentation.
How is autism investigated at your clinic?
Investigation is structured and multidisciplinary where appropriate.
In many cases, a paediatric consultation occurs first to clarify developmental history, medical background, and current concerns.
A structured psychological assessment may then be recommended to formally assess social communication, behavioural presentation, cognitive profile, and adaptive functioning.
Where language concerns are present, a speech and language assessment may also be recommended.
The goal is to understand the child’s developmental profile comprehensively rather than focusing on a single checklist of symptoms.
When is a paediatric consultation recommended?
A paediatric consultation may be appropriate when diagnostic clarification is required, medical factors need consideration, or ongoing developmental monitoring is anticipated.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
When is a structured assessment recommended?
A structured assessment may be recommended when formal documentation is required for school support, when the presentation is complex, when differential diagnosis is needed, or when a detailed developmental profile would assist intervention planning.
Assessment helps clarify strengths, areas of difference, and practical support needs.
Before testing is booked, families meet with the psychologist to clarify the referral question and determine the most appropriate assessment pathway.
What is typically included in an autism assessment?
An autism assessment is structured and individualised.
It may include an initial telehealth meeting with parents and/or the child; detailed developmental history review; standardised social communication measures; cognitive assessment where appropriate; adaptive functioning questionnaires; parent and teacher questionnaires; and feedback and written reporting.
Where speech and language concerns are present, a speech assessment may also be included to evaluate expressive and receptive language skills.
The final report outlines findings, diagnostic considerations where appropriate, and recommendations for support at home and school.
How much does an autism assessment typically cost?
Where the assessment is conducted by a psychologist alone and follows the structure outlined above, the current cost (as of February 2026) is approximately $2,500.
Where a multidisciplinary pathway is required and includes speech assessment, the cost is approximately $3,800.
A deposit of $500 is required to secure assessment bookings and is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours.
Fees are reviewed periodically and may change.
What does ongoing care look like?
Ongoing care depends on the child’s support needs.
Some children require periodic paediatric monitoring and coordination of care.
Others may primarily require educational adjustments, therapy input, or community supports.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
Learning Disorders
What do you mean by learning disorders?
Learning disorders refer broadly to difficulties acquiring academic skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, or broader learning efficiency.
Some children experience specific skill-based difficulties, such as dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (written expression), or dyscalculia (mathematics).
Others may experience more global learning challenges that affect multiple academic areas.
Understanding the pattern of strengths and weaknesses is essential in determining the most appropriate support pathway.
What is the difference between a specific learning disorder and intellectual disability?
A specific learning disorder typically involves uneven skill development. A child may show average or strong reasoning ability but experience marked difficulty in one academic area, such as reading or mathematics.
Intellectual disability involves broader challenges across reasoning, problem-solving, and adaptive functioning.
Adaptive functioning refers to everyday skills such as communication, independence, practical reasoning, and social functioning.
While these conditions are distinct, careful assessment is important to clarify whether challenges are specific to one learning domain or reflect a broader developmental pattern.
How are learning difficulties investigated at your clinic?
Investigation is individualised based on the referral question.
In many cases, a paediatric consultation occurs first where developmental history, educational history, and medical background are reviewed.
A structured psychological assessment is often recommended to evaluate cognitive profile, academic achievement, working memory, processing speed, and related executive skills.
The goal is to determine whether difficulties are specific, global, or influenced by other factors such as attention, anxiety, or language differences.
When is a paediatric consultation recommended?
A paediatric consultation may be appropriate when broader developmental questions exist, when medical factors require consideration, or where ongoing monitoring and coordination of care are likely.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
When is a structured assessment recommended?
A structured assessment may be recommended when a school has requested formal documentation, when academic progress is significantly below expectation, or when clarity is needed to guide educational planning.
Assessment helps identify both areas of difficulty and areas of strength.
Before testing is booked, families meet with the psychologist to clarify the referral question and determine the most appropriate assessment pathway.
What is typically included in a learning assessment?
A learning assessment is structured and individualised.
It may include review of educational history; standardised cognitive testing; academic achievement testing across reading, writing, and mathematics; working memory and processing speed tasks; parent questionnaires; and feedback with written reporting.
Where indicated, liaison with the school may occur to ensure findings translate into practical classroom recommendations.
The final report outlines diagnostic considerations where appropriate and provides targeted educational recommendations.
How much does a learning assessment typically cost?
Where the assessment follows the structure outlined above, the current cost (as of February 2026) is approximately $2,500.
Additional fees may apply where extensive school liaison, additional documentation (e.g. NDIS reports), or further consultation time is required.
Additional psychologist time outside the standard process is charged at approximately $320 per hour.
A deposit of $500 is required to secure assessment bookings and is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours.
Fees are reviewed periodically and may change.
What does ongoing care look like?
Ongoing care depends on the nature of the learning difficulty.
Some children require educational adjustments and school-based supports.
Others may benefit from targeted intervention, tutoring, or therapy input.
Where broader developmental monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
Speech & Language
What are speech and language difficulties?
Speech and language difficulties refer to challenges with expressing ideas clearly, understanding spoken language, using age-appropriate vocabulary, forming sentences, or producing speech sounds accurately.
Some children experience expressive language difficulties, meaning they understand information but have difficulty organising and expressing their thoughts verbally.
Others experience receptive language difficulties, meaning they may have difficulty understanding spoken instructions, processing verbal information, or following multi-step directions.
Speech sound difficulties may also occur, affecting clarity of pronunciation.
Language development plays a central role in learning, behaviour regulation, and social interaction, making early identification important.
How can speech and language difficulties present in children?
Younger children may show delayed first words, limited vocabulary growth, difficulty combining words into sentences, or unclear speech.
School-aged children may struggle to follow classroom instructions, organise verbal responses, understand complex questions, or engage confidently in peer conversation.
Language differences can sometimes overlap with learning, attention, or social communication concerns.
A structured assessment helps clarify whether difficulties are isolated to language or part of a broader developmental profile.
How are speech and language concerns investigated at your clinic?
Investigation is tailored to the referral question.
A paediatric consultation may occur first where developmental history and broader concerns are reviewed.
A structured speech and language assessment may then be recommended to evaluate expressive language, receptive language, speech clarity, and related communication skills.
Where appropriate, speech findings may be integrated with psychological assessment findings to provide a comprehensive developmental profile.
When is a paediatric consultation recommended?
A paediatric consultation may be appropriate when broader developmental questions exist, when hearing or medical factors require consideration, or when coordination of multidisciplinary care is anticipated.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
When is a structured speech assessment recommended?
A structured speech assessment may be recommended when concerns about expressive or receptive language are impacting learning, behaviour, or social interaction.
It may also be recommended when language skills may influence the interpretation of cognitive or autism assessments.
Before testing is booked, families meet with the clinician to clarify the referral question and determine the most appropriate assessment pathway.
What is typically included in a speech and language assessment?
A speech and language assessment is structured and individualised.
It may include detailed developmental history review; standardised expressive and receptive language testing; speech sound assessment; observation of communication patterns; parent questionnaires; and written reporting with practical recommendations.
Where appropriate, collaboration with psychologists or paediatricians ensures that findings are integrated into the broader developmental picture.
How much does a speech and language assessment typically cost?
Assessment fees vary depending on the scope and complexity of evaluation.
Detailed pricing information is provided prior to booking.
Where the assessment is conducted as part of a multidisciplinary pathway, combined pricing may apply.
A deposit of $500 is required to secure assessment bookings and is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours.
Fees are reviewed periodically and may change.
What does ongoing care look like?
Following assessment, some children may require ongoing speech therapy, educational adjustments, or monitoring.
Where broader developmental coordination is required, paediatric review may continue approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
Behavioural Concerns
What are behavioural concerns?
Behavioural concerns refer to patterns of behaviour that are disruptive, oppositional, impulsive, aggressive, emotionally reactive, or significantly inconsistent with developmental expectations.
These behaviours may occur at home, at school, or across multiple settings.
Behavioural presentations often reflect underlying developmental, emotional, learning, or regulatory differences rather than intentional misconduct.
How can behavioural concerns present in children?
Younger children may show frequent tantrums, difficulty following instructions, aggression toward peers or siblings, or difficulty with transitions.
School-aged children may demonstrate oppositional behaviour, classroom disruption, refusal behaviours, or emotional outbursts.
Adolescents may show escalating conflict, withdrawal, defiance, or risk-taking behaviours.
Behavioural patterns may overlap with ADHD, anxiety, learning difficulties, autism, trauma exposure, or mood concerns.
Careful evaluation helps clarify the underlying contributors.
How are behavioural concerns investigated at your clinic?
Investigation is individualised based on the referral question.
In most cases, a paediatric consultation occurs first to review developmental history, environmental factors, and broader medical or emotional considerations.
Where appropriate, structured psychological assessment may be recommended to clarify attention, emotional regulation, executive functioning, or learning profile.
Assessment aims to understand the function of behaviour rather than focusing solely on surface presentation.
When is a paediatric consultation recommended?
A paediatric consultation may be appropriate when behavioural concerns are significant, when diagnostic clarification is required, when medication may be considered, or when broader developmental review is needed.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
When is a structured assessment recommended?
A structured assessment may be recommended when behavioural concerns are complex, when school documentation is required, when multiple contributing factors are suspected, or when previous interventions have not clarified the underlying pattern.
Before testing is booked, families meet with the psychologist to clarify the referral question and determine the most appropriate pathway.
What is typically included in a behavioural assessment?
A behavioural assessment may include developmental history review; parent questionnaires; where appropriate, teacher questionnaires; cognitive testing where indicated; and feedback with written reporting.
Where relevant, behavioural findings are integrated with medical review to ensure coordinated care.
How much does a behavioural assessment typically cost?
Where the assessment follows a structured psychological pathway, the current cost (as of February 2026) is approximately $2,500.
Additional fees may apply where extended school liaison, additional documentation, or further consultation time is required.
Additional psychologist time outside the standard process is charged at approximately $320 per hour.
A deposit of $500 is required to secure assessment bookings and is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours.
Fees are reviewed periodically and may change.
What does ongoing care look like?
Ongoing care depends on the underlying contributors to behaviour.
Management may involve paediatric monitoring, school adjustments, behavioural strategies, parent guidance, and where appropriate, referral to therapy services.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
Mood & Anxiety
What are mood and anxiety concerns?
Mood and anxiety concerns refer to patterns of worry, low mood, emotional distress, avoidance, or behavioural withdrawal that are persistent and impacting daily functioning.
Anxiety may present as excessive worry, separation difficulty, school refusal, social anxiety, panic symptoms, or physical complaints such as stomach aches or headaches.
Low mood may present as reduced motivation, irritability, sleep changes, reduced enjoyment, or emotional withdrawal.
These experiences are common in childhood and adolescence, but assessment is important when symptoms are persistent, escalating, or interfering with school, friendships, or family life.
How are mood and anxiety concerns investigated at your clinic?
Investigation is individualised based on the referral question.
In many cases, a paediatric consultation occurs first to review developmental history, family history, and broader medical or behavioural factors.
Where appropriate, structured psychological assessment may be recommended to clarify emotional profile, attention, executive functioning, and learning factors.
Assessment aims to understand the broader developmental context rather than focusing solely on symptoms.
When is a paediatric consultation recommended?
A paediatric consultation may be appropriate when symptoms are significant, when medication options may be considered, when diagnostic clarification is required, or when broader developmental review is needed.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
When is a structured assessment recommended?
A structured assessment may be recommended when mood or anxiety symptoms overlap with attention, learning, or developmental concerns, or when school documentation is required.
Before testing is booked, families meet with the psychologist to clarify the referral question and determine the most appropriate pathway.
What is the Cool Kids Program?
The Cool Kids Program is a structured, evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy program designed to support children and adolescents experiencing anxiety.
It is typically delivered in small groups over approximately 10 weeks.
The program focuses on helping children gradually face fears, build coping skills, challenge anxious thinking patterns, and increase confidence in everyday situations.
Parent involvement is included to support skill generalisation at home.
Program availability and scheduling information are provided separately.
Fees are reviewed periodically and may change.
How much does assessment for mood or anxiety typically cost?
Where a structured psychological assessment is recommended, the current cost (as of February 2026) is approximately $2,500.
Additional fees may apply where extended documentation, school liaison, or further consultation time is required.
Additional psychologist time outside the standard process is charged at approximately $320 per hour.
A deposit of $500 is required to secure assessment bookings and is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours.
Fees are reviewed periodically and may change.
What does ongoing care look like?
Ongoing care depends on symptom severity and underlying contributors.
Management may involve paediatric monitoring, school adjustments, referral to therapy services, or participation in structured programs such as Cool Kids.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
Emotional Concerns
What are emotional concerns?
Emotional concerns refer to persistent difficulties with emotional regulation, sensitivity, self-esteem, frustration tolerance, or internal distress that may not always meet criteria for a specific mood or anxiety disorder.
Children and adolescents may experience intense emotional reactions, difficulty recovering from disappointment, heightened sensitivity to perceived criticism, or withdrawal in response to stress.
While emotional variability is part of normal development, assessment is important when emotional responses are frequent, prolonged, or impacting daily functioning at home or school.
How can emotional concerns present in children?
Younger children may display frequent tears, irritability, clinginess, or difficulty managing transitions.
School-aged children may show emotional outbursts, heightened sensitivity to peer feedback, reduced confidence, or avoidance of challenging tasks.
Adolescents may experience mood fluctuations, self-doubt, social withdrawal, frustration, or difficulty managing stressors related to academic or peer expectations.
Emotional concerns often overlap with attention differences, learning difficulties, anxiety, or developmental conditions.
Careful evaluation helps clarify the broader context of the emotional presentation.
How are emotional concerns investigated at your clinic?
Investigation is individualised based on the referral question.
In many cases, a paediatric consultation occurs first to review developmental history, environmental stressors, family history, and broader behavioural or medical considerations.
Where appropriate, structured psychological assessment may be recommended to evaluate emotional profile, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, attention, and executive functioning.
Assessment aims to understand underlying contributors rather than focusing solely on observable behaviour.
When is a paediatric consultation recommended?
A paediatric consultation may be appropriate when emotional concerns are significant, when diagnostic clarification is required, when medication options may be discussed, or when broader developmental review is needed.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
When is a structured assessment recommended?
A structured assessment may be recommended when emotional concerns overlap with attention, learning, behavioural, or developmental differences, or when school documentation is required.
Before testing is booked, families meet with the psychologist to clarify the referral question and determine the most appropriate assessment pathway.
What is typically included in an emotional assessment?
An emotional assessment may include developmental history review; parent questionnaires; where appropriate, teacher questionnaires; cognitive testing where indicated; and feedback with written reporting.
Where relevant, findings are integrated with paediatric review to ensure coordinated care and practical recommendations.
How much does an emotional assessment typically cost?
Where a structured psychological assessment is recommended, the current cost (as of February 2026) is approximately $2,500.
Additional fees may apply where extended documentation, school liaison, or further consultation time is required.
Additional psychologist time outside the standard process is charged at approximately $320 per hour.
A deposit of $500 is required to secure assessment bookings and is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours.
Fees are reviewed periodically and may change.
What does ongoing care look like?
Ongoing care depends on the child’s needs and underlying contributors.
Management may involve paediatric monitoring, school adjustments, referral to therapy services, or structured support programs.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
Gender Dysphoria
What is gender dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria refers to significant distress that may occur when a child or adolescent experiences incongruence between their assigned sex at birth and their experienced or expressed gender.
Not all gender-diverse children experience dysphoria. Assessment focuses on understanding the young person’s experience, level of distress, and overall wellbeing.
Support is individualised and guided by current clinical frameworks and best practice guidelines.
How can gender-related concerns present in young people?
Some children may express discomfort with aspects of their body, name, pronouns, or social role.
Adolescents may experience increased distress during puberty as physical changes occur.
Others may present with anxiety, mood changes, school avoidance, or social withdrawal related to gender-related stressors.
Presentations vary significantly, and careful, respectful assessment is essential.
How are gender-related concerns investigated at your clinic?
Investigation is individualised and developmentally informed.
A paediatric consultation often occurs first to review developmental history, current concerns, and broader medical considerations.
Where appropriate, structured psychological assessment may be recommended to better understand emotional wellbeing, developmental profile, and support needs.
Care is guided by current clinical practice standards and emphasises psychological safety and collaborative decision-making.
When is a paediatric consultation recommended?
A paediatric consultation may be appropriate when medical input is required, when puberty-related concerns arise, or when coordination of multidisciplinary care is anticipated.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
What does ongoing care look like?
Ongoing care depends on the young person’s needs and stage of development.
Management may involve paediatric monitoring, coordination with mental health professionals, school liaison, and referral to specialist gender services where appropriate.
Where ongoing medical monitoring is required, paediatric review is typically recommended approximately every six months, depending on clinical need.
Hearing (Audiology)
Why is hearing important in developmental assessment?
Hearing plays a central role in speech development, language acquisition, classroom learning, and attention.
Even mild or fluctuating hearing differences can affect how a child receives and processes verbal information.
When hearing is reduced or inconsistent, it may contribute to speech delay, learning difficulties, inattention, or behavioural concerns.
Clarifying hearing status is often an important step in understanding the broader developmental picture.
When should my child have a hearing test?
A hearing assessment may be recommended if there are concerns about speech and language development, unclear speech articulation, difficulty following instructions, inattentive behaviour, listening difficulties, or inconsistent academic performance.
A hearing test may also be suggested by a paediatrician, psychologist, speech pathologist, or educator if hearing differences are suspected to be contributing to assessment findings.
Even in the absence of specific concerns, hearing checks can be beneficial at key developmental stages, such as when children are starting preschool or school.
How are hearing concerns investigated at your clinic?
Hearing assessments are conducted by a paediatric audiologist using age-appropriate, and evidence-based procedures.
Testing evaluates hearing sensitivity, middle ear function, speech understanding, and, where appropriate, cochlear (inner ear) function. The specific tests used will depend on the child’s age, developmental level, and individual needs.
Results are explained clearly to families and, where relevant, considered alongside paediatric or psychological assessment findings. If hearing differences are identified, appropriate recommendations and referrals will be provided.
Is hearing testing a standalone service?
Yes. Hearing assessments can be accessed as a standalone service for families wishing to clarify their child’s hearing status.
Hearing testing is also commonly included as part of a broader developmental assessment, helping to determine whether hearing factors may be contributing to speech, learning, behavioural, or developmental concerns.
This integrated approach helps ensure that assessment findings accurately reflect a child’s developmental profile rather than the impact of an undetected hearing difficulty.
How much does a hearing assessment typically cost?
Hearing assessment fees are typically $200, though that can vary depending on the child’s age and the scope of testing required.
Typically, with a valid referral from a GP or specialist medical practitioner, Medicare rebate amounts range between $83.25-$101.25, based on an assessment fee of $200.
Detailed pricing information is provided prior to booking.
Fees are reviewed periodically and may change.
What does follow-up look like?
If hearing is within normal limits, no immediate follow-up may be required. However, a hearing assessment reflects hearing status at the time of testing, and hearing can change over time. Further review may be recommended if new concerns arise.
If differences are identified, recommendations may include medical review, monitoring, classroom accommodations, or referral to specialist ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
When hearing assessment forms part of a broader developmental pathway, findings are integrated into the child’s overall care plan to support coordinated and informed decision-making.