How child and adolescent psychiatry works in Australia

Consider a child psychiatry referral when worries, low mood, sleep, behaviour or attention difficulties have lasted more than a few weeks and are affecting school, friendships or family life. Early help is more effective than waiting. Start by talking to your GP, paediatrician or your child's school counsellor — they can guide whether psychology, paediatrics or psychiatry is the right next step.

Ask your GP or paediatrician for a referral letter to a child and adolescent psychiatrist. With a valid referral your family can claim a Medicare rebate on each consultation. You don't need a Mental Health Care Plan for psychiatry — that plan is only required to access rebated psychology sessions.

Fees vary by clinician. A first appointment is typically 60–90 minutes and most child psychiatrists charge a private fee with a Medicare rebate of around $200–$300 per session under MBS items 291–297. Out-of-pocket cost depends on the practitioner. Bulk-billed child psychiatry is uncommon. Ask the clinic for the gap and rebate before booking.

Yes. Telehealth is widely used for Australian child and adolescent psychiatry. It works well for follow-up reviews and is particularly helpful for regional families. The Medicare rebate for telehealth is the same as for in-person consultations under most items.

A child psychiatrist is a medical doctor (FRANZCP) who can diagnose mental-health conditions and prescribe medication where needed. A child psychologist (registered with AHPRA) is trained in assessment and evidence-based psychological therapies but cannot prescribe medication. Many children benefit from both — psychiatry for diagnosis and medical management, psychology for therapy.

Wait times vary by region and clinician. Many private child psychiatrists in NSW currently offer first appointments within 6–8 weeks; developmental paediatrician waitlists are often 6–18 months. Telehealth opens up clinicians outside your immediate region. See our wait times page for current NSW snapshots.

Bring the GP referral, your child's Medicare card, school reports from the last 1–2 years, any previous psychology or paediatrician letters, a current medication list, and notes on what worries you most and when you first noticed it. If safe, ask the school for a teacher report — it's often the most useful single document.

Use age-appropriate, factual language. For example: "We're going to see a doctor who helps kids with feelings, sleep and concentration. They'll ask us questions and help us work out what would help you feel better. You haven't done anything wrong." Reassure them you'll be there. Give choices where you can (in-person or telehealth, what they want to bring) so they feel some control.

Not necessarily. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and the family's preferences. Many conditions respond well to therapy, school adjustments and family support alone. When medication is recommended, the psychiatrist will explain the evidence, the expected benefits, possible side effects, and alternatives — so the decision is fully informed.

Yes — child and adolescent psychiatry consultations are confidential, with limited exceptions where the law requires reporting (for example, when a child is at risk of significant harm). Older adolescents may have some content kept between them and the clinician, with the broader plan still shared with parents. Your psychiatrist will explain how confidentiality works at the start.