What Is Child & Teen Counselling?

Child and teen counselling provides young people with a supportive environment to explore emotions, experiences, relationships and challenges with a qualified Counsellor.

Counselling is adapted to the young person's age, developmental stage, communication style, interests, strengths and individual circumstances.

For younger children, counselling may involve a combination of conversation, practical activities, visual strategies, emotional literacy activities and age-appropriate therapeutic approaches.

Teenagers may prefer more discussion-based sessions, practical strategies or a combination of approaches.
​
There is no single way that counselling should look for every child or teenager.

The aim is to create a therapeutic environment where the young person feels respected, heard and able to participate in a way that works for them.

What Can Child & Teen Counselling Help With?

Children and teenagers may access counselling for many different reasons.

A young person does not necessarily need a diagnosis to access counselling. Support is based on the individual's needs, experiences and goals.

---

Anxiety & Worries

Children and teenagers can experience anxiety in many different ways.
This may include:

• Persistent worries
• Difficulty separating from parents or caregivers
• School-related anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Fear of making mistakes
• Worry about unfamiliar situations
• Difficulty coping with uncertainty
• Physical sensations associated with anxiety
• Avoiding situations that feel overwhelming
• Reassurance seeking
• Difficulty settling after stressful experiences

Counselling may help young people better understand anxiety, recognise how it affects them and develop individual strategies for responding to worries and stressful situations.
​
​Learn more about Counselling for Anxiety

---

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation involves recognising, understanding and responding to emotions.

Some children and teenagers experience emotions very intensely or find it difficult to recognise what they are feeling, communicate their needs or identify strategies that help them regulate.
Counselling may support young people to:

• Develop emotional awareness
• Recognise physical signs associated with emotions
• Identify triggers and patterns
• Develop an individual regulation toolkit
• Communicate emotions and needs
• Explore coping strategies
• Develop self-understanding
• Recover after emotionally difficult experiences

Our approach recognises that emotional regulation does not mean suppressing emotions or expecting a child to remain calm at all times.

The aim is to help young people better understand themselves and develop strategies that work for their individual needs.
​
Explore Emotional Regulation Support

---

Stress & Feeling Overwhelmed

Children and teenagers can experience stress from many areas of life, including:

• School expectations
• Homework and assessments
• Friendships
• Family relationships
• Extracurricular activities
• Social expectations
• Changes in routine
• Health concerns
• Learning difficulties
• Increasing independence
• Decisions about the future

Counselling may help young people identify sources of stress and develop practical strategies for coping, communication, problem solving and self-care.

Explore Stress & Feeling Overwhelmed support

---

School Anxiety, School Avoidance & Difficulty Attending School

Some children and teenagers experience significant distress associated with attending school.

This may sometimes be described as school anxiety, school avoidance or school refusal, although there can be many different reasons why attending school becomes difficult.
Factors may include:

• Anxiety
• Bullying
• Friendship difficulties
• Sensory overwhelm
• Academic demands
• Learning difficulties
• Social expectations
• Changes at school
• Fear of failure
• Neurodivergent needs
• Emotional exhaustion
• Difficulties feeling safe or supported

Rather than assuming that a young person simply does not want to attend school, counselling can help explore what may be contributing to the difficulty.

Where appropriate and with consent, counselling may also work alongside parents, schools and other professionals involved in supporting the young person.

School Anxiety, School Avoidance & Difficulty Attending School
​
When a child or teenager is struggling to attend school, it is important to understand what is making school difficult. Anxiety may be one factor, but learning demands, sensory overload, bullying, friendships, communication differences, neurodivergent needs, health, sleep, fatigue and the school environment may also contribute.


Read our parent guide: School Anxiety, School Avoidance & Difficulty Attending School

---

Friendship, Bullying & Social Difficulties

Friendships and social relationships can have a significant impact on a young person's emotional wellbeing.
Children and teenagers may seek counselling when experiencing:

• Friendship breakdowns
• Bullying
• Cyberbullying
• Social exclusion
• Difficulties maintaining friendships
• Conflict with peers
• Social anxiety
• Difficulty communicating boundaries
• Feeling different from peers
• Changes in friendship groups
• Pressure to fit in

Counselling may provide a space to process these experiences, develop confidence, explore boundaries and identify strategies for navigating relationships.

Friendship, Bullying & Social Difficulties
Friendship difficulties, exclusion, bullying, changing friendship groups and unhealthy relationships can affect a young person's confidence, emotional wellbeing and participation at school. Our detailed parent resource explores friendship difficulties, bullying, social exclusion, neurodivergent experiences, healthy relationships and practical ways families can support children and teenagers.


Read our guide: Friendship, Bullying & Social Difficulties in Children & Teenagers

---

Grief, Loss & Bereavement

Children and teenagers experience grief differently.
Grief may follow:

• The death of a family member or friend
• The death of a pet
• Parental separation
• Changes in family relationships
• Moving away from friends
• Changes in health
• Other significant losses or changes

Young people may move between sadness, anger, confusion, worry and periods where they appear unaffected.

There is no single correct way for a child or teenager to grieve.

Counselling can provide a supportive environment where the young person can explore grief and loss at their own pace.
Explore Common Symptoms of Grief

---

Family Changes & Adjustment

Changes within families can sometimes be difficult for young people to understand or adjust to.
Counselling may support children and teenagers experiencing:

• Parental separation or divorce
• Blended families
• Moving house
• Changes in caregiving arrangements
• Family conflict
• A family member becoming unwell
• Changes associated with disability
• New siblings
• Bereavement
• Changes in family routines

Support focuses on helping the young person understand their experiences, communicate emotions and develop strategies for adjustment.


Children and teenagers may need support adjusting to separation, divorce, moving between homes, blended families, changing schools, family illness and other significant changes. Strong emotional responses do not automatically mean something is wrong; understanding what has changed in the young person’s world can help identify the support they may need.

Read our parent guide: Family Changes & Adjustment in Children & Teenagers

---

Confidence, Self-Esteem & Identity

Children and teenagers are continually developing their understanding of themselves.

Difficult experiences at school, learning difficulties, friendship problems, bullying, neurodivergence, family changes and social expectations can sometimes affect confidence and self-concept.

Counselling may support young people to:

• Recognise strengths
• Develop self-understanding
• Explore identity
• Challenge negative self-perceptions
• Develop confidence
• Understand personal values
• Develop self-advocacy skills
• Communicate needs and boundaries

This can be particularly important during adolescence, when identity and independence are developing rapidly.
​Explore our Confidence, Self-Esteem & Identity Support

Counselling for Autism, ADHD & Neurodivergent Young People

Autistic children and teenagers and young people with ADHD may experience challenges associated with:

• Emotional regulation
• Sensory overwhelm
• Anxiety
• Executive functioning demands
• School expectations
• Social relationships
• Communication differences
• Identity
• Self-esteem
• Masking
• Feeling misunderstood
• Transitions
• Managing competing demands

Belong Health uses a neurodiversity-affirming approach.

This means counselling does not focus on making a young person appear less autistic, suppressing ADHD characteristics or teaching them to mask differences to meet neurotypical expectations.

Instead, support focuses on understanding the individual, recognising strengths, developing self-awareness and identifying strategies that support their wellbeing and participation.

Counselling does not diagnose Autism or ADHD.

If your family is seeking diagnostic assessment, explore our Psychology Assessments.

You can also visit our:
Autism Support Hub
ADHD Support Hub

---

Learning Difficulties & Emotional Wellbeing

Learning difficulties can affect much more than academic performance.
Children and teenagers with dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia or other learning difficulties may experience:

• Frustration
• Anxiety
• Reduced confidence
• Avoidance of difficult tasks
• School-related stress
• Fear of making mistakes
• Negative beliefs about their abilities
• Comparison with peers
• Emotional exhaustion

Counselling does not assess or treat the learning difficulty itself.
​
Instead, counselling may support the emotional and wellbeing impacts associated with learning challenges.

If you are seeking cognitive or learning assessment, explore our Psychology Assessments.

---

Behavioural Responses & Understanding What May Be Happening

Changes in behaviour can sometimes be one way a child communicates distress, overwhelm or an unmet need, particularly when it is difficult to explain what they are experiencing in words.

Families may notice changes such as:

• Increased withdrawal
• Increased irritability
• Emotional outbursts
• Avoiding activities
• Difficulty attending school
• Increased conflict
• Changes in routines
• Reduced participation
• Increased reassurance seeking
• Difficulty coping with demands

Counselling can help explore the emotions, experiences and circumstances that may be contributing to these changes.

Counselling is not the same as Positive Behaviour Support.

Where there are behaviours of concern requiring formal functional behaviour assessment, Behaviour Support Planning or regulated restrictive-practice work, Positive Behaviour Support for Children may be the more appropriate service.

---

Life Transitions

Children and teenagers experience many transitions as they grow.
These may include:

• Starting a new school
• Moving from primary to secondary school
• Moving house
• Changing friendship groups
• Family changes
• Changes in health
• Receiving a diagnosis
• Puberty
• Increasing independence
• Preparing to leave school
• Beginning work or further study

Counselling may provide support during these periods of adjustment.

​Navigating Major Life Transitions

Finishing school, starting further study or work, changing friendships, moving away from home and becoming more independent can involve considerable adjustment for teenagers and young people.

Explore Life Transitions & Coping With Change

---

Counselling for Children Aged 7-12
​
Children may not always have the language to explain complex emotions or experiences.
​
Counselling for children aged 7-12 years is adapted to their developmental stage, communication style and interests.
Sessions may incorporate:

• Conversation
• Emotional literacy activities
• Visual supports
• Practical activities
• Strengths-based exercises
• Problem solving
• Regulation strategies
• Age-appropriate ACT or CBT-informed activities where suitable

Parents or caregivers may be involved where appropriate.

The aim is not to force a child to talk about things they are uncomfortable discussing. Building trust and developing a safe therapeutic relationship can take time.

---

Counselling for Teenagers Aged 13-17

Teenagers are navigating increasing independence while still developing emotionally, socially and cognitively.

They may be balancing:

• School
• Friendships
• Family relationships
• Identity
• Social expectations
• Neurodivergence
• Learning demands
• Decisions about the future
• Increasing responsibilities

Counselling can provide teenagers with a space separate from school and family where they can explore experiences with a supportive professional.
Sessions may focus on:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Emotional regulation
• Self-esteem
• Identity
• Relationships
• School pressures
• Grief
• Family changes
• Neurodivergent experiences
• Coping strategies
• Decision-making
• Future transitions

Support is collaborative and respects the young person's growing independence.

---

Signs Your Child or Teen May Benefit From Counselling

There is no single sign that means a young person needs counselling.

Parents and caregivers may consider seeking additional support when they notice persistent or significant changes affecting the young person's wellbeing or everyday life.
These may include:

• Increased anxiety or worry
• Persistent low mood
• Emotional overwhelm
• Withdrawal from family or friends
• Reduced confidence
• Significant school-related distress
• Difficulty attending school
• Friendship difficulties
• Bullying
• Increased irritability
• Difficulty coping with change
• Grief or loss
• Family changes
• Difficulties managing stress
• Changes affecting participation in activities they previously enjoyed

These experiences do not automatically indicate a mental health condition.
​
If you are unsure whether counselling may be appropriate, you can contact our team or start with a free 20-minute Meet & Greet.

---

Parent Coaching & Family Support

Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting a child's emotional wellbeing.

Sometimes support may involve helping the adults around the child better understand what may be happening and develop strategies that can be used consistently in everyday life.

Parent coaching may be provided alongside a child's counselling or as a separate support where appropriate.
Support may include:

• Understanding emotional regulation and co-regulation
• Exploring behavioural responses
• Communication strategies
• Understanding Autism and ADHD-related needs
• Supporting children experiencing anxiety
• Building predictable routines
• Responding to stressful situations
• Supporting confidence and independence
• Understanding learning-related stress
• Strengthening parent-child relationships
• Psychoeducation
• Developing consistent approaches between caregivers

Parent coaching is collaborative and tailored to the needs of the individual child and family.
Explore Parent Coaching

What Happens During Child & Teen Counselling?

Knowing what to expect can make starting counselling feel more manageable for both young people and their families.

---

Before the First Appointment

After you contact Belong Health, our administration team can discuss your enquiry and answer initial questions about the service.

Where available, families may choose to begin with a free 20-minute Meet & Greet with the Counsellor.

This provides an opportunity to briefly discuss what you are looking for and determine whether the Counsellor may be an appropriate fit.

---

The First Counselling Session

The first session focuses on beginning to understand the young person and their circumstances.

Depending on age and individual needs, this may involve discussing:

• What has brought the family to counselling
• Current concerns
• The young person's strengths
• Their interests
• Important relationships
• School and home experiences
• What they would like help with
• Goals for counselling

There is no expectation that a child or teenager must immediately discuss everything that is happening. Building trust can take time.

---

Ongoing Counselling

Ongoing sessions are guided by the young person's needs and goals.
Sessions may involve:

• Exploring emotions
• Developing coping strategies
• Emotional regulation
• Problem solving
• Understanding thoughts and reactions
• Building confidence
• Exploring identity
• Developing communication strategies
• Practising skills
• Reviewing progress

Support may change as the young person's circumstances and goals evolve.

---

How Are Parents Involved?

Parent involvement depends on the young person's:

• Age
• Development
• Preferences
• Counselling goals
• Individual circumstances
• Safety and wellbeing needs

For younger children, parent involvement may be more significant.

As children become teenagers, supporting appropriate privacy and independence can become increasingly important.

Where appropriate, parents may participate in:

• Initial information gathering
• Goal setting
• Parent coaching
• Strategy development
• Progress discussions
• Collaborative planning

The Counsellor can discuss how parent involvement and confidentiality will work for your child's individual circumstances.

---

Confidentiality in Child & Teen Counselling

Confidentiality is an important part of developing trust in counselling.

Children and teenagers need to understand what information remains private and the circumstances where information may need to be shared.

Counselling is generally confidential, subject to legal, ethical and professional limits.

At the beginning of counselling, the Counsellor can explain confidentiality in an age-appropriate way to both the young person and their parent or caregiver.

There may be circumstances where information needs to be shared to protect the young person or another person's safety or where disclosure is otherwise required.

---

Working With Schools & Other Professionals

Children and teenagers often have multiple people supporting them.

Where appropriate and with relevant consent, counselling may involve communication or collaboration with:

• Parents and caregivers
• Schools and teachers
• Occupational Therapists
• Speech Pathologists
• Positive Behaviour Support Practitioners
• Psychologists
• GPs
• Other health professionals

Collaboration can help develop a more consistent understanding of the young person's needs across different environments.

---

Our Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

Belong Health recognises neurodiversity as part of natural human variation.

Autistic children, children with ADHD and other neurodivergent young people may communicate, regulate, learn, interact and experience their environments differently.

A neurodiversity-affirming counselling approach seeks to understand and support these differences rather than treating them as behaviours that simply need to be eliminated.

This includes:

• Respecting individual communication styles
• Recognising sensory needs
• Understanding executive functioning differences
• Supporting authentic self-expression
• Avoiding unnecessary pressure to mask
• Recognising strengths
• Supporting self-advocacy
• Developing strategies around the young person's needs
• Considering environmental demands and accommodations

The young person's own goals and experiences remain central to counselling.

Our Counselling Approaches

Our Counsellors use a flexible, integrative approach rather than assuming that one therapeutic model will suit every child or teenager.
Approaches are adapted according to the young person's age, development, communication style, preferences, needs and goals.

---

Person-Centred Counselling

Person-centred counselling emphasises:

• Respect
• Empathy
• Collaboration
• Choice
• Individual strengths

The young person is supported to participate in counselling in ways that feel appropriate and meaningful to them.

---

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Where appropriate, ACT-informed strategies may help young people:

• Recognise thoughts and emotions
• Develop psychological flexibility
• Identify personal values
• Respond differently to difficult internal experiences
• Take meaningful action towards things that matter to them

​ACT does not assume that every uncomfortable emotion needs to be eliminated.
Instead, young people can develop ways of responding to difficult experiences while continuing to participate in meaningful areas of life.

---

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT-informed counselling may help young people understand connections between:

• Thoughts
• Emotions
• Behaviours
• Situations

Strategies may include:

• Recognising patterns of thinking
• Exploring alternative perspectives
• Problem solving
• Developing coping strategies
• Building confidence
• Practising skills between sessions

Strategies are adapted to the young person's developmental and communication needs.

---

Integrative Counselling

Integrative counselling draws on different evidence-informed approaches according to the individual young person's needs.
This allows counselling to remain flexible rather than requiring every child or teenager to fit one therapeutic model.

Counselling, OT, Positive Behaviour Support or Psychology Assessment?

Families sometimes know their child needs additional support but aren't sure which professional to see.

---

Counselling

Counselling may be appropriate when the primary concerns relate to emotional wellbeing, anxiety, stress, grief, self-esteem, identity, coping, relationships, adjustment or emotional regulation.

---

Occupational Therapy

Paediatric Occupational Therapy may be appropriate where concerns relate to areas such as:

• Daily living skills
• Sensory processing
• Motor skills
• Functional independence
• Routines
• Participation at home, school or in the community

Some young people may benefit from both Occupational Therapy and counselling.

---

Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support for Children may be appropriate where behaviours of concern require assessment to better understand their function and contributing factors or where formal Behaviour Support Planning is required.

---

Psychology Assessment

Psychology Assessment may be appropriate when families are seeking answers to specific diagnostic, cognitive, developmental or learning questions, including:

• Autism
• ADHD
• Intellectual functioning
• Specific Learning Disorder

Some children and teenagers may access more than one service depending on their individual needs.
​
If you're unsure where to start, contact our team and we can provide information about the different Belong Health service pathways.

NDIS Counselling for Children & Teenagers

Belong Health is an NDIS registered provider.

Counselling may be available for NDIS participants where the support relates to the young person's disability support needs and is consistent with their NDIS plan, goals and current NDIS funding requirements.

Depending on individual needs, counselling may support capacity building in areas such as:

• Emotional awareness
• Emotional regulation
• Coping strategies
• Confidence
• Self-advocacy
• Relationships
• Problem solving
• Adjustment to disability
• Social and community participation
• Life transitions

NDIS funding arrangements vary between participants.

Our administration team can discuss the information Belong Health requires before services commence.

Counselling does not replace clinical psychology, psychiatry, medical care, crisis services or Positive Behaviour Support where those services are required.

---

Private Child & Teen Counselling

You do not need to be an NDIS participant to access Belong Health counselling.
Private clients are welcome.

Families can contact Belong Health directly to enquire about child or teen counselling.

Private health rebates may be available depending on your insurer, policy and practitioner eligibility. Families should contact their insurer directly to confirm whether a rebate applies.

---

How Much Does Child & Teen Counselling Cost?

Belong Health's current standard counselling rate is $156.16 per hour for NDIS participants and private clients.
More detailed billing arrangements are provided in the relevant Service Agreement.
View Current Counselling Fees & Service Information

---

Child & Teen Counselling in Falcon & Mandurah

In-clinic child and teen counselling appointments are currently available from:
Belong Health
13 Littleton Street
Falcon WA 6211

Our Falcon clinic is located near Mandurah and provides a local counselling option for families throughout Mandurah, Falcon and surrounding Peel areas.

Contact our team to ask about current availability.
Enquire About Child & Teen Counselling

---

Telehealth Child & Teen Counselling Across Perth & Western Australia

Where clinically appropriate, child and teen counselling may also be available via telehealth across Perth, regional WA and other areas of Western Australia.

Telehealth can provide families with access to counselling without needing to travel to our Falcon clinic.
It may provide an additional option for families who:

• Live elsewhere in the Perth metropolitan area
• Live in regional or remote Western Australia
• Have difficulty travelling to Falcon
• Need greater flexibility around family commitments
• Prefer appointments from home

Telehealth suitability is considered individually and may depend on the young person's age, needs, circumstances and therapeutic goals.

Explore Telehealth Counselling

---

Free 20-Minute Meet & Greet

Finding a counsellor who feels like the right fit can be particularly important for children and teenagers.

Where available, Belong Health offers a free 20-minute Meet & Greet with our Counsellor before families decide whether they would like to proceed.
The Meet & Greet provides an opportunity to:

• Meet the Counsellor
• Briefly discuss what support you are looking for
• Ask questions
• Learn about the counselling approach
• Discuss your child's needs
• Decide whether the Counsellor may be an appropriate fit

There is no obligation to continue after the Meet & Greet.

Book a Free 20-Minute Meet & Greet

Why Choose Belong Health for Child & Teen Counselling?

Counselling From Age 7
Our Child & Teen Counselling service supports children and teenagers aged 7-17.
Counselling for adults and older adults is also available through our broader Counselling Service.

Individualised Support
Counselling is adapted to each young person's age, communication style, strengths, circumstances and goals.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice
Our approach recognises and respects neurodivergent ways of communicating, thinking, learning and experiencing the world.

Trauma-Informed Practice
Counselling is guided by principles including safety, respect, trust, collaboration, choice and empowerment.

Parent & Family Support
Parents and caregivers may be involved where appropriate, and Parent Coaching is also available according to individual family needs.

Multidisciplinary Allied Health Team
Where appropriate and with consent, counselling may work alongside other Belong Health services, including:

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Pathology
• Positive Behaviour Support
• Psychology Assessments

Falcon Clinic & Telehealth Across WA
In-clinic appointments are currently available from our Falcon clinic near Mandurah, with telehealth available across Perth and Western Australia where clinically appropriate.

Free Meet & Greet
Where available, families can begin with a free 20-minute Meet & Greet before deciding whether to proceed.

Free Resources for Children, Teenagers & Parents

Belong Health's Resource Hub contains free practical information for children, teenagers, parents, carers and families.

---

Emotional Regulation

• Emotional Regulation: What Causes Emotional Dysregulation?
• Emotional Regulation Strategies for Children
• Co-Regulating With Your Child

Supporting Children & Families

• Helping Your Child Talk About Their Feelings
• How to Become an Emotion Coach for Your Child
• Behaviour Management Tips
• Parent Coaching

Autism & ADHD

• Autism Support Hub
• ADHD Support Hub

Counselling & Wellbeing

• Do I Need Counselling?
• 5 Signs You May Benefit From Counselling
• Common Symptoms of Grief

Explore All Free Resources

---

Ready to Get Started?

If your child or teenager is experiencing emotional, social or life challenges and you would like to explore whether counselling may be appropriate, you are welcome to contact Belong Health.

Our team can discuss current availability and provide information about the next steps.

You can also start with a free 20-minute Meet & Greet, where available, to meet the Counsellor, ask questions and determine whether the service may be an appropriate fit.

Ages 7-17 | Falcon Clinic | Telehealth Across Perth & WA Where Appropriate

Book a Free 20-Minute Meet & Greet
Enquire About Child & Teen Counselling
Phone: 08 9586 3934

Frequently Asked Questions About Child & Teen Counselling

What age does Belong Health provide child counselling from?
Belong Health provides counselling for children and teenagers aged 7-17 years through our Child & Teen Counselling service. Adult and older-adult counselling is available through our broader counselling service.

Does my child need a diagnosis to access counselling?
Not necessarily. Children and teenagers may access counselling with or without a formal diagnosis. Support is based on the young person's needs, circumstances and counselling goals.

What can child counselling help with?
Counselling may support children experiencing anxiety, stress, emotional regulation difficulties, grief, friendship challenges, bullying, family changes, low confidence, school-related difficulties, adjustment and emotional impacts associated with Autism, ADHD or learning difficulties.

What can teenage counselling help with?
Teen counselling may support anxiety, stress, emotional regulation, self-esteem, identity, friendship difficulties, school pressures, grief, family changes, neurodivergent experiences and significant life transitions.

Can counselling help my child with anxiety?
Counselling may help children and teenagers better understand anxiety, recognise how it affects them and develop individual strategies for responding to worries and stressful situations.

Can counselling help with emotional regulation?
Yes. Counselling may support emotional awareness, recognising triggers and patterns, communicating emotions and developing individual regulation and coping strategies.

Can counselling help if my child is struggling to attend school?
Counselling may be helpful where emotional or psychological factors are contributing to school anxiety, school avoidance or difficulty attending school. It can help explore what may be contributing to the distress and develop appropriate strategies.

Can counselling help with bullying or friendship problems?
Yes. Counselling can provide a supportive environment to process bullying, friendship breakdowns, social exclusion and other relationship difficulties while developing confidence, communication and boundary-setting strategies.

Can autistic children and teenagers access counselling?
Yes. Belong Health provides neurodiversity-affirming counselling for autistic children and teenagers where counselling is appropriate to their needs and goals.

Can children with ADHD access counselling?
Yes. Counselling may support children and teenagers with ADHD in areas such as emotional wellbeing, stress, confidence, identity, relationships and navigating everyday demands.
Counselling does not diagnose ADHD.

Does counselling diagnose Autism or ADHD?
No. Counselling does not provide an Autism or ADHD diagnosis.
Belong Health provides separate Psychology Assessment services for families seeking diagnostic assessment.

Can counselling help with dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia?
Counselling does not assess or treat the learning difficulty itself, but it may support emotional impacts such as frustration, anxiety, low confidence, school stress and negative beliefs about ability.

How are parents involved in child counselling?
Parent involvement depends on the young person's age, needs, preferences and therapeutic goals. Parents may be involved in information gathering, goal setting, strategy development, parent coaching or progress discussions where appropriate.

Can I access parent coaching without my child attending counselling?
Parent coaching may be available as a separate support where appropriate. Contact Belong Health to discuss your family's needs and whether Parent Coaching may be suitable.

Will everything my teenager says be told to me?
Counselling is generally confidential, subject to legal, ethical and professional limits. The Counsellor can explain confidentiality and information sharing to both the teenager and parent or caregiver at the beginning of counselling.

Can the Counsellor communicate with my child's school?
Where appropriate and with relevant consent, the Counsellor may collaborate with schools or other professionals involved in supporting the young person.

How many counselling sessions will my child need?
There is no fixed number. The number and frequency of sessions depend on the young person's individual circumstances, goals, progress and preferences.

How much does child counselling cost?
Belong Health's current standard counselling rate is $156.16 per hour for NDIS participants and private clients.
View Current Fees

Can NDIS funding be used for child counselling?
Counselling may be available for NDIS participants where the support relates to the young person's disability support needs and is consistent with their NDIS plan, goals and current NDIS funding requirements.

Do you accept private clients?
Yes. Private clients are welcome for child and teen counselling.

Where is child counselling available?
In-clinic counselling is currently available from Belong Health at 13 Littleton Street, Falcon WA 6211, near Mandurah. Telehealth may also be available across Perth and Western Australia where clinically appropriate.

Do you offer child and teen counselling in Perth?
Belong Health currently provides telehealth counselling for eligible children and teenagers across the Perth metropolitan area where clinically appropriate. In-person child and teen counselling is currently available from our Falcon clinic near Mandurah.

Is telehealth counselling available for children and teenagers?
Where clinically appropriate, counselling may be available via telehealth across Perth and Western Australia. Suitability depends on factors including the young person's age, needs, circumstances and counselling goals.

Is child counselling available in regional WA?
Where clinically appropriate, telehealth may provide access to counselling for children and teenagers living in regional or remote Western Australia.

What is the difference between counselling and Positive Behaviour Support?
Counselling primarily focuses on emotional wellbeing, coping, adjustment, relationships and self-understanding.
Positive Behaviour Support has a different role and may involve functional behaviour assessment, understanding behaviours of concern, Behaviour Support Planning and regulated restrictive-practice requirements where applicable.

What is the difference between counselling and Psychology Assessment?
Counselling focuses on emotional wellbeing and therapeutic support.
Psychology Assessment is used to investigate specific diagnostic, developmental, cognitive or learning questions, including Autism, ADHD, intellectual functioning and Specific Learning Disorder.

What is the free 20-minute Meet & Greet?
Where available, the free 20-minute Meet & Greet gives families an opportunity to meet the Counsellor, briefly discuss what they are looking for, ask questions and decide whether the Counsellor may be an appropriate fit before proceeding.

How do I book child or teen counselling?
Contact Belong Health or complete our online enquiry form. Our team can discuss current availability and the next steps.
Enquire About Child & Teen Counselling

---

​Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is reviewed periodically to reflect current evidence, clinical practice and relevant NDIS guidance.