Find a Mental Health Professional for Childhood Emotional & Behavioural Concerns

About Childhood Emotional & Behavioural Concerns support

Children express emotional difficulties differently to adults. Worry might appear as stomach aches or school refusal. Sadness might show up as irritability or withdrawal. Trauma might surface as aggression or hyperactivity. Understanding the meaning behind a child's behaviour is central to providing effective support. Common concerns include anxiety, emotional outbursts, behavioural challenges, social difficulties, school refusal, adjustment to family changes, and the impact of adverse experiences. Child therapy draws on play, art, and storytelling as well as more structured approaches, and is always tailored to the child's age and developmental stage. Involving parents and caregivers is a key part of the process, both to understand what is happening and to develop consistent approaches across home and school. In many cases, parent coaching or family sessions form a central part of the work. In Australia, child psychologists and counsellors work in private practice and community health settings. The Better Access initiative provides Medicare rebates for children through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in each state and territory provides specialist assessment and treatment for more complex presentations. Kidscreen and ChildPsych directories can help families find appropriately trained practitioners.