Child Psychology & Parent-Child Psychology

We understand that seeking support for your child or your relationship with them can feel daunting—you're placing your trust in us, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Because of this, child-based therapy looks a little different from one-on-one therapy for adults. We engage children through play, drawing, singing, dance, sports, and their unique interests to create a safe and comfy space. Our first goal is to ensure they develop trust with us before addressing any challenges they may be facing.

To gain a full picture of your child’s needs, we also offer a parent background session, where you can share your perspective openly and discuss your concerns. We take this into account when developing a tailored treatment plan for your child.

Your child’s therapy may include:

  • One-on-one sessions

  • Parent-child collaborative sessions

  • Family-based sessions

  • Parent feedback and support sessions

  • Collaboration with schools and allied health teams to support your child's development and overall well-being

Given the in-depth care involved in child therapy, children are typically seen for medium-term (around 10–20 sessions) to long-term (20+ sessions) support to ensure meaningful progress and long-lasting change.

At Open Minds Studio, our psychologists work with school-aged children (approximately 6 years and older). Some common concerns for children who seek support with us include anxiety, depression, bullying and friendship issues, ADHD and Autism, oppositional defiance, technology-related challenges, and home/school behaviour difficulties.

To ensure we provide the highest level of support, our psychologists take on a small caseload of children at a time, allowing us to offer the attention and care your child deserves.

Children playing with large bubbles in a public outdoor space, with adults watching in the background.

Information about child-based psychology sessions.

  • Sessions can be privately funded or some rebates are available with Medicare, NDIS and Victims of Crime.

  • With a Mental Health Care Plan from their GP your child can get up to 10 Sessions rebated per calendar year (1 January - 31 December).

  • Children aged 13 and older may be considered mature minors, depending on their level of maturity and individual circumstances. This means they may have the right to keep their session information confidential from parents, except in cases where a significant risk is identified. If this applies to your child, we encourage you to discuss it with their psychologist to ensure you feel informed and comfortable with the approach. See our policies page for more information on our mature minor policy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • We understand that getting started is a daunting process that may feel uncertain. Fill out our enquiry form or call 8104 9965 and we can organise an intake call to help you understand what may best suit your needs.

  • If you are coming from another psychologist outside of Open Minds Studio, No worries. You can bring your original referral over and we will let your GP know you have changed providers.

    If your current OMS Psychologist does not feel like the right fit after a couple of sessions, no worries! We’re happy to match you with another team member to ensure you receive the best possible care.

  • No unless you want to claim a rebate.

    With a referral from you GP you can get a rebate for 1:1, perinatal, family planning, parent-child and DVA psychology sessions.

    However a referral is not needed to get started if you wish to pay the full fee privately.

  • At intake, your medicare, debit/credit card and bank details are collected and stored safely on our system.

    This allows us to process payments and rebates quickly ensuring you get your rebate sooner.

    We do not take cash or have an eftpos system at the clinic for security purposes.

  • We accept Medicare, DVA, TAC, Work cover, Victims of Crime, and Private paying.

    If you wish to make a private health claim, we can send you your paid invoice for your submission with your provider.

  • You are welcome to change or cancel your appointment time up to 72 business hours prior.

    72 business hours or less will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

    Same day cancellations result in the full fee being charged.

    Please head to our policies page for more details.

  • We are in a small suburban house on Keilor road. Look for the large sign out the from of the house that says Open Minds Studio.

    Ensure to walk up the left hand side footpath and you will see our front door. Let yourself in and be seated.

  • Of course, your welcome to have them in session with you or in our waiting area if you feel more comfortable.

  • There is 2 hour street parking out front of the house giving ample time for your session and returning to your car.

    The Route 59 tram also stops within a 1-minute walk of the house.

  • Yes.

    Unsure to mention you would like this options at intake so you are allocated accordingly.

  • If you have a quiet private area to do your psychology session then yes it is suitable.

    If you are worried about prying ears or disturbances from family or work, in person may be more suitable.