In Australia, "child behaviour therapist" is a general title, not a registered profession. Two kinds of professional who help with behaviour are psychologists, who are registered with Ahpra, and NDIS behaviour support practitioners, whom the NDIS Commission must find suitable.
This page explains who each one is, when to get help, how Medicare and the NDIS pay, and how to check a professional before you book.
"Behaviour therapist" is not a registered title
Ahpra and the national boards keep public registers of all registered health practitioners. Their list of registered professions includes psychologists, occupational therapists and medical practitioners. "Behaviour therapist" is not on the list.
That means the title on its own tells you little. Someone who calls themselves a behaviour therapist may be a registered psychologist, an NDIS behaviour support practitioner, or someone with neither. Ask which one they are, then check.
Sources: Ahpra (National Boards and registered professions; register of practitioners).
Two kinds of professional who help with behaviour
| Row label | Psychologist | NDIS behaviour support practitioner |
|---|---|---|
| Who checks them | Psychology Board of Australia, through Ahpra | NDIS Commission |
| What they do | Assess and treat behaviour, feelings and mental health | Behaviour support assessments, including functional behaviour assessments, and behaviour support plans |
| Who pays | You, with a Medicare rebate if you have a referral | Your child's NDIS plan, if it includes behaviour support |
| How to check | Ahpra register of practitioners | NDIS Commission practitioner search |
Psychologists help children with challenging behaviour and social-emotional difficulties, as well as anxiety, low mood and assessment for ADHD or autism. Educational and developmental psychologists say they work primarily with children, parents, carers and teachers, including on behaviour. Ask any psychologist how they will work with your child and with you. Our article on when to see a child psychologist covers what happens at the first appointment.
NDIS behaviour support practitioners work in positive behaviour support. The NDIS Commission says positive behaviour support helps others understand why a person acts a certain way and how to support them better. The strategies are written into a behaviour support plan. Until the NDIS Commission finds a person suitable, they cannot do behaviour support assessments or write behaviour support plans under the NDIS, even under supervision. They must also work for a registered NDIS provider, or be one.
In positive behaviour support, the provider writes a behaviour support plan with the person, their family and other people who support them. A comprehensive behaviour support plan explains why the behaviour happens and how others can meet the person's needs. The provider helps other people use the plan and checks that it is working.
Sources: Raising Children Network (psychologists); Australian Psychological Society (educational and developmental psychologists); NDIS Commission (behaviour support; apply to become an NDIS behaviour support practitioner; what is positive behaviour support).
When to get help, and who to see first
The Royal Children's Hospital suggests getting more support for a young child if:
- your child is often very upset
- the behaviour is strong, happens a lot or is getting worse
- the behaviour gets in the way of everyday life
- you are finding it too much as a parent.
For a school-age child, it suggests extra support if the behaviour keeps going or is intense. The same applies if it makes it hard for your child to manage at home, at school or with friends.
Any one of these is reason enough to talk to your child's doctor. If you have other concerns, act early and talk with your doctor. If your child has lost skills they once had, talk with your doctor early. Do not wait.
In both cases, the hospital says to start with your child's doctor. Your child's doctor can talk through possible causes with you and, if needed, refer you to a paediatrician or a mental health specialist. For a school-age child, school staff such as a teacher or counsellor can also help.
If your child talks about hurting themselves or about suicide, get help the same day. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 000. You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, and your child can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
For more on the signs and everyday strategies, see the behaviour challenges hub.
Sources: Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (challenging behaviour in toddlers and young children; challenging behaviour in school-aged children); Raising Children Network (behaviour overview); NSW Health (Learn the Signs).
How Medicare and the NDIS pay
Medicare pays a rebate for psychology sessions when your child has a referral. The referral can come from your usual GP, or another GP at the practice you usually visit, under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. A paediatrician or psychiatrist can also refer directly. Your child can claim up to 10 individual sessions each calendar year.
For a session of 50 minutes or more with a psychologist, the rebate is $101.55. The psychologist sets the fee, so you may pay a gap. Our guide to clinical psychologist vs psychologist compares the rebates in more detail.
The NDIS can pay for behaviour support if your child has an NDIS plan that includes it. The Improved relationships budget is for supports that help develop positive behaviours and social skills. It can include behaviour support plans and behaviour supports. If an NDIS provider delivers behaviour support, it must use NDIS behaviour support practitioners. For how children get NDIS support in the first place, see NDIS early intervention funding.
Sources: Services Australia (allied health referrals for mental health treatment services); MBS Online (item 80110); NDIS (capacity building supports); NDIS Commission (find an NDIS behaviour support practitioner).
How to check a professional before you book
- Psychologist: search the Ahpra register of practitioners (opens in a new tab). It shows whether the person is registered.
- NDIS behaviour support practitioner: use the NDIS Commission's practitioner search (opens in a new tab). It only lists practitioners who agreed to publish their details, so ask the practitioner if you cannot find them.
Raising Children Network suggests asking about waiting lists, the type of therapy, costs and qualifications before the first visit. These questions help:
- Are you a registered psychologist, an NDIS behaviour support practitioner, or both?
- How will you work with my child, and with us?
- What is the fee, and what will we pay after Medicare or the NDIS?
- How long is the wait?
While you wait, ask your GP when to come back, and see them sooner if you become more worried or the behaviour gets worse. If it is an emergency, call 000 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Sources: Ahpra (register of practitioners); NDIS Commission (find an NDIS behaviour support practitioner); Raising Children Network (psychologists).
Find behaviour support near you
The behavioural support services page and the child psychology services page list providers by state and suburb.
