Child anxiety is one of the most common reasons families reach out for support. Some worry is a normal part of growing up, but when fears start getting in the way of school, sleep or friendships, a psychologist can help. Here are six signs to watch for, and how psychology support works at our Parramatta clinic.
When is child anxiety more than everyday worry?
All children feel nervous sometimes, like before a test or on the first day at a new school. Anxiety becomes a concern when the worry is intense, lasts for weeks, and stops a child from doing things they want or need to do.
6 signs of anxiety in kids and teens
- Avoiding school or activities. Tummy aches on school mornings, or refusing to go to sport, parties or sleepovers.
- Constant “what if” questions. Needing lots of reassurance that bad things won’t happen.
- Trouble sleeping. Difficulty falling asleep, waking with worries, or needing a parent nearby.
- Physical symptoms. Headaches, stomach pain, a racing heart or feeling sick with no clear medical cause.
- Big reactions to small changes. Meltdowns, anger or tears when plans change.
- Clinginess or withdrawal. Struggling to separate from parents, or pulling away from friends.
If several of these sound familiar and they’ve lasted more than a few weeks, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP or a psychologist.
How a psychologist can help with child anxiety
A psychologist starts by getting to know your child and your family, and understanding what triggers the worry. From there, therapy is tailored to your child’s age and interests. It may include:
- Learning about anxiety and how it shows up in the body
- Practical calming and coping strategies
- Gradually facing feared situations in small, manageable steps
- Helpful-thinking skills for older children and teens
- Guidance for parents on how to respond to worry at home
Every child is different, so your psychologist will review goals with you along the way.
Funding and getting started
A GP can refer your child under a Mental Health Treatment Plan for Medicare rebates on a set number of sessions. If your child has an NDIS plan, psychology may be funded where it relates to their goals. See Medicare and allied health for more.
For more information about anxiety in young people, visit Beyond Blue. If your child is in crisis or at risk of harm, call 000 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
How parents can help at home
Small, consistent changes at home can make a real difference alongside therapy:
- Name the feeling. Let your child know worry is normal and that you understand it feels big.
- Keep routines predictable. Regular sleep, meals and a heads-up about changes help anxious children feel safer.
- Praise brave steps. Notice when your child tries something hard, even if it doesn’t go perfectly.
- Avoid avoiding. It’s natural to protect your child from things that scare them, but gently supporting them to face small fears builds confidence.
- Look after yourself too. Children notice how adults handle stress, so your own calm strategies matter.
Working with school
Anxiety often shows up most at school. With your permission, a psychologist can share strategies with teachers or a school counsellor, so your child gets consistent support in the classroom and at home.
Teachers can help by giving a quiet heads-up before changes, offering a calm space to reset, and breaking big tasks into smaller steps. Small adjustments like these often help anxious children stay at school and keep learning while they build their coping skills.
More questions about child anxiety
Is child anxiety a normal part of growing up?
Some worry is a normal part of childhood, such as fears of the dark, separation from parents or starting a new school. Child anxiety becomes a concern when worries are intense, last for weeks or months, or stop a child from doing everyday things like going to school, sleeping, eating or spending time with friends.
How can parents help an anxious child at home?
Stay calm and acknowledge your child’s feelings without dismissing them. Help them name the feeling, practise slow breathing together and break scary situations into small, manageable steps. Try not to remove every challenge, because avoidance can make anxiety stronger over time. Keeping regular routines for sleep, meals and screen time also helps children feel more settled.
What happens at a first psychology appointment?
At the first appointment, the psychologist will spend time getting to know your child and your family, ask about when the worries started and how they affect daily life, and talk about your goals. Treatment for child anxiety often includes evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, adapted to your child’s age, with parents involved so strategies can be practised at home.
Is psychology for child anxiety covered by Medicare or the NDIS?
Your GP may be able to prepare a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which can give access to Medicare rebates for a number of psychology sessions each calendar year. NDIS participants may be able to use their plan where support relates to their disability and goals. You can read more on the healthdirect website or on our funding page. If your child is in immediate danger or crisis, call 000.
Key takeaways
- Child anxiety is more than everyday worry when it is intense, lasts for weeks and gets in the way of school, sleep or friendships.
- Calm validation, slow breathing and small brave steps help more than avoiding every challenge.
- Evidence-based therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy adapted for children, can teach practical coping skills.
- Your GP can talk to you about a Mental Health Treatment Plan and Medicare rebates.
- Our psychologists see children and families at our Parramatta clinic.
Psychology at our Parramatta clinic
Steps2Life psychology is available at our Parramatta clinic, with telehealth options where suitable. Our counselling team can also support children and families.
To get started, book online, send a referral or call 1300 009 006.
