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Child Counselling and Therapy in Victoria

Child and Youth Counselling in Victoria

When a child is struggling with anxiety, behaviour challenges, big emotions, or school difficulties, it can feel like everyone has an opinion and none of it feels helpful. Parents are left unsure what to do or who to trust.

At Pinwheel Clinic, we bring clarity to complex child mental health concerns. Our team of physicians, child psychologists, and child counsellors works together to understand the root cause of a child’s difficulties and translate that insight into a clear, evidence-based therapy plan.

Our care is guided by The Pinwheel Method™, a structured, research-driven approach that identifies the core problem first and then provides targeted treatment with measurable progress.

We offer several structured counselling programs, designed to address the most common challenges children face:

  • Anxiety Program – for worries, fears, OCD, school avoidance 
  • Behaviour Program – for emotional regulation, behaviour challenges, and angry or oppositional behaviour
  • ADHD Program – for executive function, attention, organization, and school-related challenges
  • Tics Program – for repetitive behaviour, such as CBIT for Tourette’s
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Every child is different. These programs provide a clear starting point but your child’s care plan is always tailored based on their specific needs, strengths, and goals.

We also offer comprehensive child mental health assessments, parent coaching, emotional regulation support, and school collaboration as part of our team-based approach.

Families leave with a clear diagnosis, practical tools, and a confident path forward.

No guesswork. No secrets. No gimmicks. Just transparent, proven child mental health care that works.

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The Pinwheel Method™: A Clear, Evidence-Based Pathway for Child Mental Health Care

The Pinwheel Method™ is a physician‑ and child psychologist‑led, team‑based, and assessment‑driven approach to child mental health care. It creates clarity before action, ensuring children receive treatment that truly matches their needs. This structured model supports families seeking help for anxiety, ADHD, behavioural challenges, tics, OCD, emotional dysregulation, and school‑related difficulties.

When Is Child Counselling Appropriate?

Many families wonder when it’s the right time to seek support. The answer is often simpler than it seems: if your child is struggling in a way that is persistent, interfering with daily life, or not improving with time, it’s worth getting help.

Early support matters. The sooner we understand what’s driving a child’s difficulties, the easier it is to create meaningful change.

At Pinwheel Clinic, most families come to us when their child is experiencing one of three common patterns:

Anxiety Program

  • Excessive worry, fears, or avoidance
  • Difficulty separating from parents or going to school
  • Physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches without a clear cause
  • Trouble sleeping or constant reassurance-seeking
  • Behaviour Program

  • Frequent outbursts, anger, or difficulty managing emotions
  • Ongoing conflict at home or school
  • Challenges with listening, following directions, or flexibility
  • ADHD Program

  • Difficulty with executive functions, such as focusing, following directions, staying organized, or completing tasks
  • School performance that doesn’t reflect effort
  • Trouble starting or finishing work
  • Ongoing frustration with learning or classroom expectations
  • You don’t need to have it all figured out before reaching out.

    Many children don’t fit neatly into one category. That’s exactly why we start with a clear understanding of the full picture before building a plan.

    If something feels off, or your child is struggling more than they should be, it’s reasonable to ask questions and explore support. Changes in behaviour, mood, or functioning are often the first sign that a child may benefit from counselling.

    Fees and Insurance

    Counselling sessions​

    $ 175 per 50-minute session
    • One-on-one sessions with a trained clinical counsellor, guided by evidence-based approaches tailored to your child's needs.

    Student counsellor sessions

    $ 75 per session
    • Sessions with a supervised student counsellor. All sessions include additional oversight from our clinic psychologist.

    Physician Appointments

    MSP covered where applicable
    • Physician appointments are covered by the Medical Services Plan where applicable, reducing out-of-pocket costs for families.

    Insurance reimbursement depends on individual plans. Pinwheel Clinic also offers direct billing with some insurers as well as support through Jordan’s Principle and Variety BC.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    In structured programs, parent involvement is central. Some sessions are parent-only, while others include both the child and parent.

    In general counselling, parent participation depends on the child’s age and therapy goals.

    Next Steps

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    If you are considering a psychological assessment for children in Victoria, an intake conversation can help determine whether assessment is the appropriate next step. Families do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out.