Child Psychologist Sydney | The Young Mind Clinic

Get to know Child Psychologist Sydney | The Young Mind Clinic

From Child Psychologist Sydney | The Young Mind Clinic's website.

• Our approach

  The Young Mind Clinic uses evidence-based approaches tailored to each child's specific difficulties, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Skills (DBT Skills), Motivational Interviewing, Strengths Based Approaches, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Sessions take place in a calm and comfortable environment designed to put families at ease, with friendly rooms featuring toys, books, and a relaxed waiting area. During therapy, psychologists work collaboratively with you and your child to determine the best path forward, whether that involves individual child therapy, parent-based sessions, or assessment. The clinic recognises that therapy can feel daunting at first and aims to make the process as comfortable and helpful as possible, with the admin team discussing who you'd like to see and what to expect beforehand.

• Working with families

  The clinic works exclusively with children and teenagers and their families, recognising parents and carers as essential partners in the therapeutic process. Psychologists aim to upskill parents and carers to foster positive relationships and support their child when therapy ends. Initial consultations for younger children typically involve parent/carer input before the child's involvement, and parents are invited to attend sessions for older adolescents as well, with time spent both together and separately with the psychologist. The team values cultural sensitivity and works closely with parents to strengthen parenting skills and family relationships, while creating a space where parents feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the process.

• Meet the team

  The team comprises eleven psychologists, all registered with AHPRA and able to provide Medicare services. Sophie Smith, the Clinic Director and founder, is a Clinical and Educational/Developmental Psychologist with nearly two decades of experience and Board Approved Supervisor status. Other team members include Nikita Singh and Pina Campagna (both Clinical Psychologists with Board Approved Supervisor status), Monique Andreacchio and Maddie Fooks (Clinical Psychologists trained in comprehensive assessments), Stephanie Bertola (with 15 years' experience in children's charities before retraining in psychology), Duncan Hunt (Educational and Developmental Registrar with Masters training), Majella Condren (Clinical Registrar with hospital and school experience), Dr Manreena Kaur (Provisional Psychologist with PhD and strong family support focus), and Kelly Shah (Psychologist and Clinical Registrar with paediatric healthcare background). Lisa Wood is currently on leave. All psychologists bring specific knowledge and skills in child and adolescent psychology, with particular expertise across neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health difficulties, and evidence-based assessment and therapy.

• Your first visit

  For children under 16, the initial consultation usually begins with one or both parents (ideally both when possible, though separate sessions can be arranged for separated families) without the child present, allowing for thorough discussion of background information including developmental and medical history, family situation, and details about the presenting problem. This frank conversation helps determine the best next steps, such as whether parent-based sessions, individual child therapy, or assessment would be most helpful. For children 16 and older, the first consultation includes both the young person and parent/s, typically with time spent together and separately with the psychologist. An initial appointment is around an hour in length, and telehealth options are available if preferred.