Learning to manage big feelings, like anger or worry or figuring out how to get along with others and feel confident in social situations can be challenging for developing minds.
Psychology can support your child to reach their full potential by building confidence and skills, validating their feelings, improving understanding and communication, and overcoming challenges.
Your child may benefit from psychology if they:
- Experience specific fears or phobias
- Worry too much
- Find changes or transitions challenging
- Have experienced trauma, grief or loss
- Need support with regulating their emotions
- Have issues with focus and attention
- Seem unhappy or withdrawn
- Experience difficulties with relationships e.g. family, siblings and friends
- Need support to develop their communication and social skills
- Demonstrate disruptive, concerning or challenging behaviour
- Have challenges with confidence and self-esteem
Our experienced clinicians are passionate about working with children and their families to understand and address social, emotional, behavioural, and developmental issues.
We deliver family-focused interventions that support you and your child to identify your goals and develop strategies that will help build their resilience and strengthen your relationship. Therapy can involve helping children problem-solve, understand and express their emotions, develop helpful thinking and learn other effective coping strategies.
Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, and we use evidence-based approaches that are proven to be effective.
We provide a bright, friendly and fun environment where your child can express themselves and receive the support they need.
Our team includes psychologists, speech pathologists and other health professionals who work together closely to support you and your child when needed.
Our psychologists can also perform assessments to identify intellectual and learning disabilities and to diagnose autism.
If your child is registered with the NDIS and has a plan that includes funds for the support category ‘Improved Daily Living Skills’, their psychological therapy services may be funded by the NDIS.
Our team can provide psychological therapy services to both self and plan-managed NDIS participants.
We’ll work with you, your child and the people in your chosen support network to help you identify goals and work towards achieving them.
Find out moreOur approach
At Solasta, we understand the importance of a strong connection between you, your child and the clinician where you both feel understood.
For this reason, our team take care to link you with a clinician who is best suited to your child’s needs and preferences and who your child will connect with.
Our clinicians are committed to a person-led approach, ensuring that you are at the centre of all our services. To achieve this, the clinician will focus on your child’s strengths and work with them to build the skills they need to achieve their goals.
During your time at Solasta, you and your child will always feel safe, listened to, respected and supported.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
No, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist. You can request an appointment without a referral.
However, if you are wishing to access Medicare rebates, you will require a written referral addressed to Solasta from your doctor, along with a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
For more information about Medicare rebates and other funding options, visit our Funding Options and Fees webpage.
What should I expect from my first appointment?
Before your first appointment starts, you may be asked to complete a registration and consent form that covers things such as confidentiality, sharing your personal information and other important information.
The first appointment is an opportunity for you and your child to get to know the psychologist and discuss the reasons you have decided to start therapy.
The clinician will try to develop a thorough understanding of your issues or concerns and any relevant history such as your family, social relationships, work history etc.
They will also work with you and your child to develop some goals and a plan for therapy.
How long is an appointment?
Therapy appointments are typically 50 – 60 minutes in duration. Shorter appointments are available if required.
How many appointments will my child need?
Everyone will have a different journey with psychological therapy. The number of appointments will depend on why you and your child are coming in and what you are hoping to get out of your sessions.
Your clinician will be able to give you a clearer idea of how many appointments may suit you once they have developed an understanding of your circumstances.
How can I pay for my appointments?
Depending on your eligibility, there are a number of funding options available to support you to access our services, including NDIS, Medicare and Private Health.
If you are not able to access any of the funding options, you can choose to self-fund your psychological therapy services.
Visit our Fees and Funding Options webpage for more information.
What do I tell my child before their first appointment?
It’s always best to be honest and transparent. Tell them you are going to meet a person who can help with some of the difficulties you have been experiencing. To ease any concerns, it may be helpful to show your child some photos of the centre they will be visiting, as well as a photo of their clinician.
Will my services be confidential?
Any information that you disclose is confidential and will not be shared with anyone else without your permission. There are two exceptions to this rule – the first is if you are at risk of harm either to yourself or someone else, and the second is in relation to court orders.
Where parents are separated, our clinicians will usually try to obtain the consent and involvement of both parents if the child/young person is not mature enough to consent on their own. Unless one parent has not been granted sole responsibility for the child’s health decision by a family court order, the non-accompanying parent may be able to access the records if requested. As such we will request copies of any relevant court orders at the time of referral.
Your clinician will discuss the limits of confidentiality at your first appointment.
More information about how we collect and handle your personal information can be found in our Privacy and Consent Brochure – also available in Easy English format.
What if it's urgent?
Solasta is not a crisis service, however we do understand that during difficult periods you may require a more urgent appointment to support you. We will do our best to accommodate this if possible. Please notify us when you call to make an appointment that you would like to see someone urgently. We will then do our best to book you in at an earlier time to better meet your needs or put you on a cancellation list.
In the case of an emergency where you or someone you are with are at immediate risk, please call 000 or go to your local hospital emergency department. For more information about crisis support, visit our Crisis Support webpage.
What age range do you support?
We work with children of all ages.
Ready to get started?
Simply fill-out our appointment request form and we’ll be in touch.
If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact the team on 1800 943 043 or info@solasta.net.au
Our clinicians who work with children
Rochelle has over 25 years’ experience in clinical and leadership roles across state government disability services, private practice and the non-government sector.
Rochelle is well known for the warm and engaging approach she brings to therapy with both children and adults.
She uses a range of therapeutic approaches but primarily draws on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Rochelle has a long term passion for working with children and adults with disabilities, in particular people with autism spectrum disorder. She also has extensive experience in psychoeducational assessments for children with learning and intellectual disabilities and in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
Rochelle has Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Diploma in Psychological Practice and Master of Clinical Psychology. She holds registration with the Psychology Board of Australia with clinical endorsement and is a member of the APS College of clinical Psychologists.
Kerry has over 20 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and families in a variety of settings. This has included hospitals, community based services and private practice.
Kerry has wide experience in psychological assessment and is able to assess and diagnose a range of conditions including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, specific learning disorders and intellectual disability.
Kerry is passionate about understanding the whole child and works very much from a strengths-based framework to help children reach their potential. Kerry enjoys working therapeutically within a broad range of areas including anxiety and depression.
She also consults with the Independent Schools Association on ways to support children with mental health diagnoses and challenging behaviour at school.
She often runs workshops for parents and teachers covering a variety of topics including growth mindset, ways to support mental wellbeing, understanding challenging behaviour, anxiety and autism spectrum disorder.
Nataly Veal is a Clinical Psychologist with experience supporting individuals across all age groups, including children, young people, and adults with mental health concerns, learning difficulties, and disabilities. Nataly has specific interests in autism and ADHD.
With over a decade of experience in diverse settings, including public, private, and independent school systems, Nataly possesses a wealth of knowledge in psychoeducational assessments and can identify and provide recommendations for various conditions, such as intellectual disability, specific learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia), as well as gifted and talented learners.
Nataly's therapeutic style is warm and engaging, and she is dedicated to employing a strength-based and values-driven approach that empowers clients to achieve their goals. When working with neurodivergent children who have social, emotional, and behavioural needs, Nataly adopts a child-centered approach. Nataly collaborates with parents, teachers, and other allied health professionals to develop effective strategies across home and school settings.
When working with adolescents, Nataly's kind and empathic therapy style enables her to foster strong relationships and provide genuine understanding and support throughout their life challenges. She also extends her expertise to adults, assisting them in improving their mental health, life outlook, and overall well-being.
As a committed professional, Nataly provides clinical supervision to early career psychologists as well as clinicians in registrar programs seeking practice endorsement. Her guidance and mentorship empower fellow practitioners to refine their skills and deliver exceptional care.
Lisa is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in providing a range of psychological services to individuals, families, schools and organisations. She has worked in private practice, school, community and residential care settings. Lisa also has experience working in child protection, family reunification, and youth homelessness settings.
Lisa works in a collaborative and non-judgemental manner and is passionate about working with children, adolescents and adults to improve their wellbeing. In addition, she frequently consults with families, teachers, support staff and other allied health professionals to improve their ability to support their children. Lisa regularly conducts comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for students experiencing learning difficulties, and to diagnose conditions such as intellectual disability, specific learning disorders and ADHD.
She has a particular interest in supporting adolescents to understand and manage their mental health and improve their wellbeing. She also has an interest and experience in helping her clients to recover from traumatic and adverse life experiences.
Lisa completed her Honours in Psychology and Master of Psychology (Clinical) at Flinders University.
She has also received specialist training in Family Systems Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Child and Adolescent Psychology. Her therapeutic style is grounded in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, though she tailors her approach to each individual client in a strengths-based manner.
She is registered with the Psychology Board of Australia with Clinical Endorsement and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society.
Stephanie has experience working with children, adolescents and their families in both clinical and educational settings.
Stephanie’s warm and encouraging approach focuses on building a relationship of trust, confidence and respect.
Holding a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Melbourne, Stephanie integrates her knowledge of childhood development and evidence-based practices to provide both assessment and therapy services, targeted to a client’s individual needs.
Stephanie draws upon a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and enjoys developing a deep understanding of a young person’s strengths, supporting them to develop insight, confidence and resilience.
Stephanie has an interest in supporting children and adolescents with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation, adjustment to life changes, social challenges and perfectionism, as well as providing support to children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental differences including Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.
Genevieve has experience working in government, not-for profit organisations, and private practice settings. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults within a broad range of concerns including anxiety and depression.
Genevieve's down to earth, non-judgemental, and friendly approach allows her clients to feel comfortable and supported throughout therapy. She has experience and interest in working with women who are impacted by mental health difficulties within the perinatal period. Genevieve also enjoys working with adolescents and understands that this can be a particularly difficult time of life to navigate. She has experience in providing support to children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental differences including Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. In addition to therapy, she offers Psychoeducational assessments to explore and diagnose learning and other disorders.
She primarily uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with clients, however tailors therapy to the individual and draws from several therapeutic approaches in her practice. She aims to provide all clients with a safe space to explore their mental health and build upon their wellbeing.
Haidee provides psychological therapy for children, adolescents, and adults for a range of issues including stress, depression, anxiety, fears and phobias, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, social skills, behaviour concerns, parenting relationship issues, work issues, and other challenges. She supports children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental differences such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. Haidee works collaboratively with families and schools to foster children's social and emotional wellbeing and academic progress.
Haidee is a registered psychologist with a master's degree in School Psychology. She is also a registered teacher. Over the past 15 years she has worked in a range of educational settings, as well as in community mental health organisations and in private practice. She has significant experience working with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, migrants and refugees. She has completed specialised training and supervision in the area of Perinatal Psychology, and has a particular interest in working with women who are affected by mental health conditions during the first year of parenthood.
Haidee aims to provide a safe space for people to build insight and understanding of themselves, develop new ways to manage difficult thoughts and feelings, and make positive changes in their lives that are sustainable over time. She uses a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches but she primarily draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches. She works hard to respond to the unique needs and goals of each individual in a collaborative, flexible and strengths-based manner. She is passionate about helping people to improve their wellbeing and to move towards more fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Haidee has completed a Bachelor of Arts (Politics), a Bachelor of Science (Psychology), a Graduate Diploma of Education, and a Master of School Psychology. She holds registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and Australian Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools (APACS). She has previously worked as a high school teacher, school counsellor, subject coordinator, deputy principal, and school psychologist.
Brenna has worked across a number of settings including schools, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community disability organisations, youth organisations and private practice.
She supports people between the ages of 9 to 90 years old who are struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Brenna supports individuals who are experiencing anxiety or depression as a result of having to adjust to life transitions such as sustaining significant injuries, chronic pain, retirement, transitioning from school to work or the breakdown of the family unit.
Having first-hand experience as both a teacher and student, Brenna appreciates that people learn and process things differently. Brenna has become known for her creative approach to therapy, she is able to adapt in order to fit each individual's learning styles, age and interests.
Brenna's formal training and approaches include, but are not limited to, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solutions Based Therapy, Exposure Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Ultimately, Brenna remains motivated by the core belief that once you have taken the time to say 'yes' to working on your mental health, that you will be empowered with life-long skills to help you live the life you deserve.
Roisin is a compassionate psychologist known for her genuine warmth and dedication to providing therapy to individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and families. She is deeply committed to building strong relationships with her clients, creating a safe, open, and non-judgmental space for them throughout therapy.
With a particular passion for working with children, adolescents, and parents facing complex mental health challenges, including those who have experienced trauma or complex trauma, Roisin brings a wealth of experience to her practice. She has worked extensively in child protection settings, including family preservation and reunification services, both in South Australia and Tasmania. Additionally, Roisin has worked with young people struggling with complex mental health issues and has provided support to adults in both inpatient and outpatient facilities.
Roisin draws upon a diverse range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD (CPT), Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness-based approaches. She believes in tailoring treatment to the unique needs of each individual, fostering a flexible and collaborative approach to therapy.
With an Honours degree in Psychology and a Master of Clinical Psychology, Roisin holds general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. She is currently completing her clinical registrar program to become endorsed as a clinical psychologist. Roisin is an active member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). You can find her practicing at Solasta Christies Beach on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Katira is a Registered Psychologist renowned for her compassionate and empathetic approach, fostering genuine connections with both children and adults. She builds therapeutic relationships built on empathy and a non-judgemental approach.
Katira specialises in providing psychological therapy for children and adults facing a broad spectrum of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, stress, fears and phobias, trauma, and emotional regulation difficulties.
Recognising that life can present challenges and feel like a rollercoaster ride at times, Katira’s therapy sessions offer a safe place for individuals to explore these difficulties.
Drawing upon evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, Katira tailors her methods to suit individual needs.
Katira's extensive career spans a diverse array of settings, including schools and disability and not-for-profit organisations. Her breadth of experiences and versatile therapeutic techniques uniquely equip her to provide tailored support for each and every client.
With an extensive career in psychology spanning over 25 years, Rachel has worked with children, adolescents, and families in a diverse range of settings including educational environments, disability services, and private practice. Driven by a passion for early intervention, she enjoys collaborating with young children and their families or caregivers, guiding them toward reaching their developmental, social, and emotional potential.
Rachel has extensive experience in psychological assessments and can diagnose and assess a broad spectrum of conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, specific learning disorders, giftedness, global developmental delay, and intellectual disability.
In her therapeutic work with children, Rachel embraces a playful, child-centered, and strengths-based approach. Drawing upon a rich repertoire of evidence-based therapies and frameworks such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment Theory, Play Therapy, and Positive Behaviour Support, she tailors interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual client.
Acknowledging the collaborative nature of effective intervention, Rachel values the essential contributions of parents, teachers, and allied health professionals in the development and implementation of strategies. This holistic perspective underscores her dedication to fostering a supportive network that extends beyond the therapy room.
Rachel has a Bachelor of Arts, a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Practice, and a Master of Clinical Psychology. She also holds dual endorsements in clinical and educational and developmental psychology from the Psychology Board of Australia. Additionally, Rachel is a member of both the APS College of Clinical Psychologists and the APS College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists.
Madeline is a dedicated Registered Psychologist, having earned her Master of Professional Psychology from Flinders University in 2023, alongside a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) and Honours Degree in Psychology.
Madeline brings a wealth of experience to her practice, having worked in child protection settings in regional North Queensland, as well as private practice and not-for-profit organisations where she provided assessments and therapy to individuals with traumatic and acquired brain injuries.
At Solasta, Madeline provides compassionate and non-judgemental psychological therapy to children, young people and adults facing a broad spectrum of challenges including anxiety, depression, stress, phobias, trauma, and emotional regulation difficulties. Drawing upon evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, elements of Schema Therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques, Madeline tailors her methods to suit individual needs. Eager to expand her repertoire, Madeline is currently undergoing training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
In addition to her therapeutic work, Madeline also offers psychoeducational assessments for children, and cognititive assessments (for NDIS applications for assessment and diagnosis of intellectual disability) and ADHD assessments for adults.
As a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Madeline is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical practice and remains committed to her ongoing professional development.
Tara brings a compassionate and dedicated approach to her practice, recognising the diverse challenges that life presents. She prioritises building a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients, cultivating a safe environment grounded in honesty, openness, and non-judgment to support and guide them through managing such challenges.
With a genuine empathy and commitment, Tara empowers her clients with encouragement, knowledge, and practical skills to navigate life's complexities. Her extensive experience spans across various sectors, including not-for-profit organisations, alcohol and/or other drug services, employment services, and community settings.
Tara is passionate in providing effective, evidence-based therapy to individuals of all ages experiencing a range of challenges, including emotional regulation, stress and anxiety, depression, trauma, and alcohol and/or other drug addiction.
She tailors her approach to each individual, drawing from a diverse range of evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices.
Through her flexible and client-centered approach, Tara strives to empower her clients to achieve their therapeutic goals.
Shelley is a dedicated and passionate Registered Psychologist with a focus on supporting children and young people to overcome life's challenges and realise their full potential. With a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals, Shelley brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her practice, making her uniquely equipped to address a diverse range of needs.
Shelley works with children, adolescents, and their families, addressing a wide array of challenges including anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, academic difficulties, relationship challenges, emotional regulation issues, fears/phobias, and attachment-related concerns. Her therapeutic approach is warm, empathetic, and playful, ensuring a safe, judgment-free environment that fosters trust and honesty.
Valuing the roles of parents, educators, and allied health providers in a child or young person’s life, Shelley emphasises collaboration and teamwork. She recognises that these relationships are essential for the individual's growth and thriving.
Shelley integrates various therapeutic modalities into her practice, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Parent Training, and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy. Her approach is individualised, ensuring that each client receives tailored support suited to their unique needs.
In addition to therapy, Shelley is skilled at conducting psycho-educational assessments and diagnosing ADHD, specific learning disorders, global developmental delay, giftedness, and intellectual developmental disorder. Her background in disability services and experience in educational settings enrich her practice, providing a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted needs of her clients.
Shelley’s lived experience with ADHD brings a unique and valuable perspective to her role, enhancing her empathy and connection with the children and young people she supports. Her commitment to individualised care and her collaborative, empathetic approach make her an invaluable resource for those navigating psychological and developmental challenges.
Our space
Get a sense of what attending an appointment at Solasta would feel like.
We offer a carefully designed, modern and inviting therapy space. Our carefully designed, spacious and light-filled rooms create a safe and comfortable environment. From the wait-room to your time in our consult rooms, we have consciously created an enriched space to ensure your experience at Solasta is a positive one.
For children, we also have rooms specifically designed to accommodate sensory needs, complete with toys, soft lighting and thoughtfully selected furnishings to create a calming environment.
Explore the photos of our space below or check-out our virtual tour.
Klemzig
Play is the highest form of research.