Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges in children — around 7% of Australian children aged 4 to 17 experience an anxiety disorder. Many parents wait months before seeking help, hoping their child will "grow out of it". The good news: childhood anxiety responds very well to early, evidence-based support.
Normal worry vs problem anxiety
Fears are a normal part of growing up. Separation anxiety in preschoolers, worries about new situations in primary school, and performance nerves in teenagers are all developmentally expected. Anxiety becomes a problem when it:
- Persists for more than a few weeks
- Interferes with school, friendships, family life or sleep
- Sends your child into regular meltdowns, avoidance or distress
Common types of childhood anxiety
- Separation anxiety — intense distress when apart from parents or carers
- Social anxiety — fear of judgement, speaking up or being seen
- Generalised anxiety — persistent worry about many everyday things
- Specific phobias — intense fear of particular objects or situations
- School refusal — avoidance of school driven by anxiety rather than defiance
- Selective mutism — speaking freely at home but going silent in specific settings
Signs parents often notice first
- Frequent stomach aches or headaches with no medical cause, especially on school mornings
- School avoidance or refusal to separate
- Difficulty falling asleep or frequent night waking
- Withdrawal from friends or activities they used to enjoy
- Irritability, meltdowns at transitions, or perfectionism
- Constant reassurance-seeking ("will you check again?", "what if...?")
When to see a child psychologist
If symptoms have persisted for two to four weeks and are getting in the way of daily life, an assessment is worthwhile. A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP enables Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. Our child and adolescent psychologists work at both Midland and Fremantle, using evidence-based approaches including CBT, graded exposure and parent management training.
The assessment question: is it anxiety, or something more?
Anxiety can be the surface sign of other neurodevelopmental differences. ADHD, autism and learning difficulties frequently travel with anxiety — and in some children, anxiety is what families notice first. A thorough assessment before starting treatment makes sure the support targets the right issue. Cygnet Clinic provides ADHD assessments and autism assessments in Perth, including Kate Pereira, child clinical psychologist, whose work focuses on autism and ADHD assessment.
How Cygnet Clinic helps
Cygnet Clinic is one of the few Perth clinics where psychology and psychiatry work side by side. Most children with anxiety are treated with psychological therapy alone. For severe or complex presentations, our child and adolescent psychiatrists can assess whether additional input is needed, and psychology and psychiatry coordinate care under one roof. Families also benefit from telehealth options and easy online booking at both our Midland and Fremantle locations.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my child's anxiety is normal?
Worry is a normal part of development. Anxiety may need professional support when it persists for several weeks, stops your child attending school or seeing friends, disturbs sleep, or causes regular physical complaints.
Do I need a GP referral for my child to see a psychologist?
A Mental Health Care Plan from your GP enables Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per calendar year. You can also see a psychologist privately without a referral.
What age can children start seeing a psychologist?
Children commonly begin structured psychological support from around age 4-5. For younger children, work often focuses on guiding parents. A clinician can advise what suits your child's age and presentation.
Can children take medication for anxiety?
Most childhood anxiety is treated effectively with psychological therapy alone. Where symptoms are severe or complex, a child and adolescent psychiatrist can assess whether medication has a role. At Cygnet, psychology and psychiatry work together so families get a complete picture.
How long does treatment take?
Anxiety-focused therapy, such as CBT, commonly runs for roughly 8-12 sessions, with progress reviewed along the way. Your clinician will map out a plan after the first appointments.
Could anxiety be part of ADHD or autism?
Sometimes. Anxiety can occur alongside ADHD, autism or learning difficulties. A thorough assessment before treatment starts helps make sure support targets the right issue. Cygnet provides ADHD and autism assessments in Perth.
Ready to make an appointment?
Book online or ask your GP for a referral to Cygnet Clinic. Midland and Fremantle locations, telehealth available.
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