Child psychologist vs psychiatrist vs paediatrician: who should your child see?
When a parent first starts worrying about their child's mood, behaviour or learning, one of the earliest questions is who to call. Psychologist, psychiatrist and paediatrician sound similar, the referral pathways can be confusing, and nobody wants to spend time on a waitlist only to find out later that they are in the wrong place.
The short answer is that a psychologist focuses on assessment and talking-based or behavioural-based therapy, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health and can prescribe medication, and a paediatrician is a medical doctor who specialises in children's health and development. Many children see more than one of these professionals, and they often work together. This guide explains what each one does, how referrals work in New South Wales, and how to decide where to start.
The quick comparison
Child psychologist | Child psychiatrist | Paediatrician | |
Training | University degree in psychology plus supervised practice or a postgraduate degree; registered with AHPRA | Medical degree, then specialist training in psychiatry | Medical degree, then specialist training in child health |
Main focus | Understanding thoughts, feelings, behaviour and learning; therapy and assessment | Diagnosis and medical treatment of mental health conditions | Physical health, growth and development, including behaviour and learning |
Prescribes medication | No | Yes | Yes |
Typical sessions | 50 to 60 minutes, often weekly or fortnightly | Often shorter review appointments once treatment is established | Varies; developmental assessments can be longer |
Referral needed? | Not to book, but a GP referral is needed for Medicare rebates | Yes, for Medicare rebates | Yes, for Medicare rebates |
What does a child psychologist do?
A child psychologist works with children, teenagers and their families to understand what is going on beneath a behaviour or a feeling, and then helps build practical skills to manage it. Psychologists do not prescribe medication. Their work is through conversation, play, structured activities and evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and parent coaching.
Psychologists also carry out many of the formal assessments that families ask about, including cognitive and educational assessments, autism assessments and ADHD assessments. These usually end with a written report and recommendations for home and school.
A psychologist is often a good first step for concerns such as:
Anxiety, worry or fears that are getting in the way of daily life
Low mood, withdrawal or a teenager who seems flat for weeks at a time
Anger, meltdowns or difficulty managing big emotions
School refusal, friendship troubles or problems at school
Questions about learning, attention or social development
Clinical psychologist or registered psychologist?
You will see both titles on our team page. All psychologists in Australia must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia through AHPRA. A clinical psychologist has completed further postgraduate training and holds an area of practice endorsement in clinical psychology. Both can provide therapy and assessments for children, and Medicare rebates are available for both, though the rebate amount differs
What does a child psychiatrist do?
A child and adolescent psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has completed specialist training in mental health. Because they are doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medication in addition to psychological therapy and consider how physical health and mental health interact.
Families are more likely to be referred to a psychiatrist when a child's difficulties are severe, complex or not improving with therapy alone, or when medication is being considered. Examples include serious depression, significant anxiety that has not responded to other support, eating concerns, or situations where there are worries about safety. Many psychiatrists work alongside a psychologist, with the psychiatrist managing medication and the psychologist continuing regular therapy.
What does a paediatrician do?
A paediatrician is a medical doctor who specialises in the health of babies, children and adolescents. Some paediatricians focus on development and behaviour, and these are the doctors families most often see about ADHD, autism, delays in speech or motor skills, sleep, and toileting.
Paediatricians can check for physical causes of a child's symptoms, order tests, and prescribe medication. They frequently work with psychologists, and a paediatrician may ask for a psychological or cognitive assessment to help build a full picture of a child.
Can a paediatrician diagnose ADHD?
Yes. Paediatricians, particularly developmental and behavioural paediatricians, are among the professionals who diagnose ADHD in children, and they can prescribe ADHD medication. Child psychiatrists can also diagnose and prescribe. Psychologists experienced in ADHD can carry out a comprehensive assessment of attention, behaviour and learning, and that assessment often forms an important part of the diagnostic process.
In New South Wales, reforms that began in March 2026 allow some GPs who have completed additional training to diagnose ADHD and manage treatment, with referral to specialists for more complex presentations. If you are wondering where to start, our ADHD assessments page and our post on ADHD in girls are helpful next reads.
Where should you start?
For most families, the GP is the easiest first stop. A GP can rule out physical causes, talk through your concerns and write the referral that fits. From there, the right path depends on what you are seeing at home.
Start with a psychologist if your main concern is emotional or behavioural, such as worry, sadness, anger, school avoidance or friendship difficulties, or you would like a formal assessment of learning, attention or social communication.
Ask your GP about a paediatrician if you have concerns about development, growth, sleep or toileting, or you think medication may be part of managing ADHD.
Ask your GP about a psychiatrist if your child's difficulties are severe or getting worse, therapy has not helped as much as you hoped, or medication for mood or anxiety is being considered.
If you are not sure which box your child fits, that is very common. A psychologist can help clarify what is happening and, where it would help, recommend involving a paediatrician or psychiatrist. We have long-standing working relationships with GPs, paediatricians and schools across Sydney, and we regularly work alongside them to support the same child.
Referrals and Medicare in NSW
You do not need a referral to book an appointment with a psychologist. To claim Medicare rebates for psychology sessions, your child will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from a GP. Under the Better Access changes that started on 1 November 2025, the plan is usually prepared by the GP practice where your child is enrolled in MyMedicare, or by your child's usual GP. Eligible families can claim rebates for up to 10 individual sessions each calendar year.
To see a psychiatrist or paediatrician with a Medicare rebate, you will need a referral, usually from your GP. Some private health funds also offer rebates for psychology, depending on your level of cover, so it helps to check with your fund.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in mental health and can prescribe medication. A psychologist is not a medical doctor and does not prescribe, and instead provides assessment and evidence-based therapy. Many children benefit from both.
Can a child psychologist diagnose ADHD or autism?
Psychologists can assess and diagnose ADHD, however paediatricians and psychiatrists will often need to do some form of assessment themselves before considering the role of medication.
What age can a child see a psychologist?
There is no minimum age. Psychologists work with young children, school-aged children and teenagers, and with very young children much of the work may involve parents directly.
Do I need a referral to see a child psychologist? No.
A GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan are only needed if you would like to claim Medicare rebates.
Talk to our team
Choosing the right professional is a practical decision, and you do not have to get it perfect on the first try. Sydney Children's Practice works only with children, adolescents and their families, at our clinics in Glebe and Stanmore in Sydney's Inner West, with telehealth for families who cannot easily attend in person. You can read more about therapy for children and adolescents, meet our psychologists, or submit a New Client Enquiry. If you would like to talk it through first, call our reception team on 02 9564 3758 or get in touch.
This article is general information and is not a substitute for personalised professional advice. If you are worried about your child's immediate safety, call 000. Kids Helpline is available 24 hours a day for young people aged 5 to 25 on 1800 55 1800.
Bradley Bowen, MPsych (Clinical Psychology), BA (Hons I), BSc, AMusA, MAPS is a Board-registered Clinical Psychologist and Clinic Director of Sydney Children’s Practice. He has worked with children, adolescents, and families for over 25 years and has been practising as a Clinical Psychologist since 2011. Bradley has a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent children, including those with ADHD and Autism, and works using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and Mindfulness.
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