focused care
Children’s Mental Health GP in Mona Vale
Helping you support your child’s wellbeing
Support for Children’s Mental Health in Mona Vale
When you notice changes in your child’s mood, behaviour, sleep, or confidence, it can be unsettling. You might find yourself wondering whether it’s “just a phase”, school stress, or something your child may need help with. It’s not always clear where to start, especially when support options feel confusing or overwhelming.
At Mona Vale Doctors, we’re here to help you make sense of those concerns. Our GPs provide calm, evidence-based care, taking time to listen, assess what’s happening, and guide you with clear, practical advice. This may include reassurance, early support, or help connecting you with additional care when needed.
Children’s Mental Health Concerns We Support
Many parents tell us they’re unsure whether what they’re seeing is a phase, stress, or something that needs support. Our GPs offer a calm, supportive place to talk things through, understand what’s happening, and decide on the best next steps together.
Anxiety, worries or excessive fears in children
When worries feel constant or overwhelming, your GP will take time to listen, understand how anxiety is affecting daily life, and guide you on practical ways to support your child.
Attention, focus or impulse-control concerns (including ADHD)
When concentration, restlessness, or impulsive behaviour is making learning or routines harder, your GP can assess concerns, explain what’s common, and discuss appropriate next steps or referrals if needed.
Low mood, withdrawal or changes in behaviour
If your child seems quieter, more irritable, or not themselves, your GP will gently explore possible reasons and help you understand whether reassurance, monitoring, or extra support may help.
Emotional regulation and frequent meltdowns
We can help identify triggers for big emotions and offer practical strategies to support emotional regulation at home and school.
Sleep difficulties linked to emotional wellbeing
We will help when worries or emotions are disrupting sleep, and share practical advice to support better rest for your child and the whole family.
Social challenges, confidence or peer relationships
We provide support for children who struggle to make friends, feel left out, or lack confidence in social situations.
Stress related to school, learning or friendships
Your GP will talk through school pressures or social stress and help you support your child’s emotional wellbeing during these challenges.
Gentle assessment of early signs, with reassurance and guidance to support healthy emotional development in the early years.
Behaviour changes following family or life transitions
Your GP will guide you during times of change such as separation, loss, illness, or moving house, helping you understand what’s normal and how best to support your child.
Support and guidance for parents and caregivers
Time for you to ask questions, talk things through, and feel more confident supporting your child at home and school.
Care coordination and referrals when needed
If extra support would be helpful, your GP can arrange referrals to psychologists, paediatricians, or other specialists, and help coordinate care along the way.
Early mental health concerns in younger children
Adolescent mental health and emotional wellbeing
Teenagers are offered a calm, respectful space to talk, with support tailored to their age, privacy needs, and growing independence.
Meet Our Supportive and Experienced GPs
At Mona Vale Doctors, we know that children are more likely to open up when they feel safe, listened to, and not rushed. Our GPs take a calm, thoughtful approach to children’s mental health, helping families feel supported while gently working through concerns together.
Our team includes Dr Cindy Wong, Dr Kathryn Hutt, Dr Marianthe Sakiris, Dr Michelle Penm and Dr Staś Ulaszyn. Each brings strong experience in paediatrics, family medicine, and child and adolescent health, with training in settings such as Sydney Children’s Hospital and community paediatrics.
Many of our GPs also hold additional qualifications in areas including child health and family and reproductive health. This means your child is cared for by clinicians who understand both medical development and the emotional, behavioural, and social challenges children may face as they grow.
Our nursing team plays an important role too. Nurse Anna Bruce brings extensive experience in child and family health, while Nurse Hannah Johnston offers a calm, supportive presence that helps even anxious or shy children feel at ease.
Why Local Families Trust Mona Vale Doctors
Families across Mona Vale and the Northern Beaches trust us because we make seeking support feel calmer, clearer, and more manageable.
GPs experienced in supporting children’s and adolescents’ mental health
Thoughtful referrals and coordinated care with trusted local psychologists and paediatricians
A calm, child-friendly environment that helps children feel safe and parents feel at ease
Timely appointments for families seeking early support, reassurance, or clarity
Clear explanations and practical guidance so parents know what’s happening and what to do next
Trusted by families across Mona Vale and the Northern Beaches for ongoing, consistent care
FAQs
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Ongoing changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, school engagement, or friendships may suggest your child could benefit from extra support or reassurance from a GP.
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Yes. GPs are often the first step, offering assessment, guidance, early support, and referrals if further care is needed.
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If changes persist, worsen, or begin to affect daily life, school, or relationships, it’s a good time to book an appointment.
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Yes. We coordinate care with trusted psychologists, paediatricians, and other professionals when needed, and can support families navigating school-related concerns.
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Your GP will listen carefully, ask about your concerns, assess your child’s wellbeing, and guide you on the next steps in a calm, supportive way.
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You can book online or contact our friendly reception team to arrange an appointment at a time that suits your family.
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Children before school age do not incur an out-of-pocket fee. We’ll always explain any costs upfront and help you with Medicare rebates if applicable.
