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Worried, anxious or low: what to look for and where to get help

Your child worries a lot, avoids situations, or seems sad.

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Understanding anxiety or mood

Many parents worry when they notice their child is developing differently from other children the same age. These feelings are common, and help is available. Many allied health professionals in Australia work with children in this area.

Below are the services that most often help children with anxiety or mood, and what each one does.

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Providers who can help with anxiety or mood

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Cost & funding

Fees depend on the service, the provider and the length of the session. Ask each provider for their fees before the first visit.

Medicare pays a rebate for some psychology sessions when your GP writes a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral first. Most counsellors are not covered by this plan, so ask before you book. Some private health extras policies pay part of the cost of psychology.

If your child has an NDIS plan that includes these supports, you can use it. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can also use providers that are not NDIS registered. If the NDIA manages your plan, you must use registered providers.

  • Medicare rebate

    $101.55 a session

    Psychologist, up to 10 sessions a year with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Clinical psychologist: $149.05.

  • NDIS price limit

    $252.99 an hour

    Psychology, 2026–27. Counselling: $156.16.

Note: NDIS price limits are the national maximums for NDIA-managed and plan-managed plans (NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27); remote areas have higher limits. Medicare rebates are from MBS Online, 1 July 2026. Providers can charge more than the rebate. Assessment fees come from provider websites in April 2026.

Work out what you might pay: cost calculatorRead our guide to NDIS early intervention funding

Frequently asked questions

How do I tell ordinary worry from anxiety that needs help?

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne says anxiety is a normal and healthy reaction to stress. It says that if a child's feelings do not go away and affect daily activities, they may have an anxiety disorder. Emerging Minds says that if anxious feelings last a long time, cause distress or stop your child doing things that matter to them, like going to school or seeing friends, they may need support to learn to manage these feelings.

What can anxiety look like in a young child?

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne lists tantrums or meltdowns, seeking reassurance often, trouble sleeping, and stomach aches and headaches among the signs of anxiety. Emerging Minds says toddlers and preschoolers aged 2 to 4 years tend to feel anxious about changes in their routine and about being away from parents or with unfamiliar people, such as at childcare or preschool. It also says some children may seem to be coping but are holding onto a lot of worry on the inside.

How can I help my child at home, and should I push them to face their fears?

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne says to talk with your child about their feelings and to support them in slowly doing the things that make them feel anxious. It says to praise your child when they do things they prefer to avoid, and to try not to let your child avoid things that make them anxious, because avoidance can quickly become a pattern that is hard to break. Emerging Minds says forcing a child to confront the things that make them anxious does not help either.

When should I see a doctor, and what help is there?

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne says it is best to get help if your child seems excessively worried or anxious, feels anxious most of the time, or stops taking part in typical daily activities. It says to start by speaking with your child's doctor or another trusted healthcare provider. It says children with ongoing and severe anxiety may benefit from psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Emerging Minds says anxiety in children is treatable, and getting help early can prevent it becoming a bigger problem.

My child seems low, not just worried. When do I get help, and who do I call if it is urgent?

The Child and Adolescent Health Service in Western Australia says that if you are concerned about significant changes in your child’s health or development, you can contact your GP. Kids Helpline offers free phone and online counselling for people aged 5 to 25 years on 1800 55 1800. If your child is having suicidal thoughts and is in immediate danger, call triple zero (000).

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