Is Selective Mutism Clinic a registered NDIS provider?

Selective Mutism Clinic is not currently listed as a registered NDIS provider on the NDIS Commission register. They may still support plan-managed or self-managed NDIS participants — contact them to confirm.

What services does Selective Mutism Clinic provide?

Selective Mutism Clinic provides Speech Therapy, Psychology and Behavioural Support.

Which areas does Selective Mutism Clinic cover?

Selective Mutism Clinic is based in St Leonards, NSW.

How do I connect with Selective Mutism Clinic?

You can call +61 2 9438 2511 and visit their website, or send an enquiry through EarlyBloom — it goes straight to the provider and is always free for families.

What ages does Selective Mutism Clinic work with?

The clinic provides assessment and treatment for preschool and school-aged children, teenagers, and adults with Selective Mutism and extreme social anxiety.

Do I need a referral to see a speech pathologist?

No referral is needed to see one privately. You only need a GP referral if you want to access Medicare rebates or are going through certain funded pathways.

Is speech therapy covered by the NDIS?

It can be, usually under Capacity Building / Improved Daily Living, if it aligns with your child's plan goals. Check your plan or ask your support coordinator.

At what age should we see a speech pathologist?

There's no "too early." If you have concerns about your child's talking or understanding at any age, an assessment can clarify whether support would help.

How long are sessions and how many will we need?

Sessions are typically 30-60 minutes. The number depends on your child's goals; the pathologist will recommend a plan after the initial assessment.

Selective Mutism Clinic · Speech Therapy · St Leonards, NSW

Our approach

The clinic uses evidence-based cognitive-behavioural strategies to help children gradually build their communication skills. Treatment is tailored to each child and involves the child, parent, and school working together. Sessions include games, activities, and earning rewards for 'brave communication' to keep children motivated. The approach recognises each child's unique needs and strengths, respecting their preferred communication style—whether verbal, written, or alternative—while addressing anxiety. Therapists teach children valuable skills in recognising emotions and managing anxiety, helping them face their fears of communicating in different situations like school and community settings.

Working with families

Parents are central to the treatment process and are involved from the start. The first two sessions are held with parents alone to discuss your child's communication difficulties, followed by psychoeducation and practical strategies. Parents are taught ways to support their child emotionally at home, manage anxiety, and support communication in community settings through role plays and practice. The clinic regularly liaisons with school staff and other people in your child's life to provide education about Selective Mutism and tailored strategies. Parents are also helped to understand their own anxiety and how it may affect their ability to support their child in speaking up.

Meet the team

The team includes Clinical Psychologists and Speech Pathologists, all with Masters or Doctorate degrees in their field and registered with their professional bodies (AHPRA or Speech Pathology Australia). All clinicians have extensive training and experience in treating Selective Mutism, receive regular supervision, and attend ongoing professional development. The clinic is directed by Dr Elizabeth Woodcock, a Clinical Psychologist with a PhD, and includes Clinical Psychologists Dr Macy Chan and Dr Natalie Mirabito, along with experienced Speech Pathologists and Psychology Registrars. Certain team members can also deliver therapy in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Korean, and the clinic has a therapy dog, Obi, who participates in sessions.

Your first visit

The first appointment begins with two initial sessions held with parents alone, without the child present, allowing you to speak openly about your child's communication difficulties. The first session is a comprehensive assessment lasting approximately one hour, followed by a 50-minute session providing psychoeducation, program information, and practical strategies to prepare both you and your child for therapy. An initial one-hour video meeting with your child's school is also arranged to support a collaborative approach. From the third session onwards, your child will be included as part of their ongoing treatment, which can be delivered face-to-face or online via Zoom.

Selective Mutism Clinic

What families say

About Selective Mutism Clinic

What Selective helps with

Get to know Selective