Child Psychologist Courses

The average salary for Child Psychologists in Australia is $107,432 per annum. These are median figures for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.

There are approximately 1,200 specialist psychologists working in Australia right now, some of these are Child Psychologists. They are employed by schools, hospitals, community health organisations, NGOs, and government organisations. Many Child Psychologists work independently through their own private practice.

To become a Child Psychologist you must complete a Bachelor’s degree in psychology approved by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Examples include: Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Psychological Science, and Bachelor of Science (Psychology). Choose child protection, human development, attachment disorders, trauma, and family counselling electives.

The next step is to become a fully registered Clinical Psychologist. This involves completing a Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), undertaking a one-year internship, and then passing the National Psychology Exam.

Finally, you’ll need post-graduate studies to specialise in Child Psychology. Suitable qualifications include the Graduate Diploma of Counselling (Child, Youth & Family Therapy) or Master of Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023