Supporting Parents & Strengthening Families through Psychology
Diagnostic Insight
Compassionate Support
Tailored Family Guidance
Evidence-Based Intervention
Combining assessment and parental support
Psychological assessment is a critical early intervention strategy that provides a detailed understanding of a child’s cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and developmental functioning.
For families navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), these assessments play a key role in identifying conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, developmental delays, and learning difficulties—often forming the foundation for access to funded supports.
By combining standardised testing, behavioural observations, and collaboration with caregivers, psychologists deliver evidence-based insights that inform tailored intervention plans.
Early identification through assessment ensures that children receive timely, appropriate services, helping them thrive across home, education, and community settings.
Psychology counselling for parents is a vital component of successful early childhood intervention, providing emotional support, practical strategies, and guidance during what can be a challenging and uncertain time.
Parents of children with developmental concerns or NDIS-funded needs often experience stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm as they navigate diagnoses, therapies, and daily caregiving demands.
Counselling empowers parents to build resilience, strengthen their coping skills, and develop positive, responsive relationships with their child. By fostering parental wellbeing and confidence, psychological support not only enhances family functioning but also contributes significantly to better outcomes for the child—making it a key pillar in holistic, family-centred early intervention.
Available services
Diagnostic Assessment
Psychologists conduct comprehensive assessments to identify developmental, cognitive, emotional, and behavioural concerns in young children.
These assessments often inform diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, and learning difficulties, and play a crucial role in supporting access to NDIS funding.
Assessment results help guide tailored intervention plans across the clinical team.
Therapeutic Intervention
Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and play-based modalities, psychologists provide therapeutic support to children experiencing emotional regulation difficulties, anxiety, behavioural challenges, or trauma.
Interventions are designed to build resilience, support emotional development, and foster healthy coping strategies in a child-friendly and supportive environment.
Parent Counselling and Support
Psychologists offer counselling and guidance to parents and caregivers, particularly those navigating diagnoses, behavioural challenges, or mental health stressors.
Sessions may focus on emotional wellbeing, parenting strategies, and strengthening the parent-child relationship—recognising that empowered, supported caregivers are central to a child’s progress.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
As part of the clinic’s integrated team, psychologists collaborate closely with occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, and educational consultants.
They contribute to shared care planning, provide clinical insight to guide therapeutic approaches, and ensure consistency of support across home, school, and therapy settings—creating a truly wraparound model of care.
Our Psychology specialist
Kristen Donaghey
Psychologist
Kristen Donaghey is a Registered Psychologist who brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate, strengths-based approach to her dual role in child diagnostics and parental counselling at Coastal Early Intervention Clinic.
Our Psychology specialist
Kristen Donaghey
Psychologist
Kristen Donaghey is a Registered Psychologist who brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate, strengths-based approach to her dual role in child diagnostics and parental counselling at Coastal Early Intervention Clinic.
Combine services for a comprehensive outcome
Educational Consultancy
Supporting learning success through expert guidance, advocacy, and tailored strategies.
Speech Pathology
Developing confident communication through personalised speech and language therapy support.
Occupational Therapy
Building independence through play-based support for everyday skills and development.
Physiotherapy
Supporting movement, strength, and coordination for confident, active childhood development.
Psychology FAQs
What does a psychologist do at Coastal Early Intervention Clinic?
Our psychologists assess and support children with developmental, emotional, and behavioural needs. They offer diagnostic assessments (such as for autism, ADHD, or anxiety), therapeutic support for children, and counselling for parents—all tailored to your family’s unique journey.
How do I know if my child needs to see a psychologist?
If your child is experiencing emotional distress, difficulties with behaviour, social challenges, or developmental delays, a psychologist can help identify what’s going on and guide next steps. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to access support—early help can make a big difference.
What types of assessments do your psychologists provide?
Our team provides comprehensive psychological assessments for developmental concerns, learning difficulties, autism, ADHD, emotional regulation, and behavioural issues. These assessments are often used to support NDIS access and to guide tailored intervention plans.
Do you offer support for parents as well?
Yes. We offer parent counselling, coaching, and emotional support—especially for families navigating a new diagnosis, the NDIS process, or parenting challenges. We believe that supporting the wellbeing of caregivers is vital to a child’s success.
Is psychology covered by NDIS or Medicare?
Psychology services may be covered by your child’s NDIS plan if they have funding under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living. Some sessions may also be eligible for Medicare rebates with a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. We’re happy to talk you through your options.