Child & Adolescent Development Service — North Lakes since 2009

Supporting children
to thrive and grow.

A warm, multidisciplinary allied health practice dedicated to the emotional, social, and developmental wellbeing of children, adolescents, and their families — right here in North Lakes.

16+Years of Care
6+Clinicians
Child in a therapy session
Psychology · OT · Counselling

Suite 6, Level 1, 5–7 Discovery Drive, North Lakes QLD

Our Mission

To support the healthy, emotional, social and developmental growth of children, adolescents and families by providing individualised, evidence-based services in a safe and respectful environment.

We acknowledge the Jinibara, Kabi Kabi, and Turrbal peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and provide care. We recognise their deep and enduring connection to the land, skies, seas, and waterways, and honour the cultural and spiritual significance of these places for tens of thousands of years.

Clinician with young client
2009Est. North Lakes

A practice built around individual care.

Welcome to CAADS — a trusted, multidisciplinary allied health practice in North Lakes, Brisbane. Since 2009 we've been committed to providing psychology, occupational therapy, and counselling services that meet the highest standards of quality and innovation.

Our passionate team delivers exceptional, tailored experiences for every child and family — guided by a culture of collaboration, continuity of care, and genuine commitment to your wellbeing.

Evidence-Based

Proven, research-backed methods for every client.

Family-Centred

Parents and carers are essential partners every step.

Collaborative

Our multidisciplinary team works together for you.

Inclusive

Welcoming to all backgrounds, needs, and neurodiversities.

Services we offer

Book a Service →
Child psychology
Psychology

Child & Adolescent Psychology

Evidence-based therapy for anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, learning difficulties and more.

Parent carer support
Support

Parent / Carer Support

Practical strategies and emotional guidance for parents, grandparents and carers.

Teen wellbeing
Adolescent

Teen Well-Being

Helping teenagers build resilience through stress, identity, and everyday pressures.

Occupational therapy
OT

Occupational Therapy

Improving daily functioning, sensory processing, motor skills and school readiness.

Relationship counselling
Counselling

Relationship Counselling

Warm, trauma-informed support for couples, families and individuals.

What we help with

Our dedicated team provides compassionate care tailored to each individual. We help with a wide range of concerns, including:

Anxiety & Fears
Sadness & Depression
Stress Management
Grief and Loss
ADHD
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Learning Difficulties
Intellectual Functioning
School Readiness
Gifted & Talented
Social Difficulties
Difficult Behaviour
Parenting Support
Attention & Memory
Child therapy assessment
How We Work

Therapeutic Approaches

We customise sessions using one or a combination of these evidence-based techniques.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

A mindfulness-based approach assisting clients to accept difficult thoughts and feelings and create a meaningful life.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Helps clients identify, challenge and replace unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

Focuses on the impact interpersonal relationships have on wellbeing, encouraging healthier communication.

Play Therapy

Allows children to communicate at their own level in a safe, fun way — ideal for young clients.

Positive Behavioural Support (PBS)

Encourages appropriate behaviour — especially helpful for those with ASD or emotional regulation difficulties.

Social Skills Training (SST)

Enhances social competency by breaking down complex social behaviours into manageable steps.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

A forward-thinking approach concentrating on solutions and the client's desired outcomes.

Support Services

More ways we can help

Parent support
For Families

Parent / Carer Support

A safe, supportive space for parents, carers and grandparents to explore challenges, strengthen relationships and build confidence in their caregiving role. We offer practical strategies, emotional support, and evidence-based guidance including neurodiversity and developmental differences.

Teen wellbeing
Adolescent

Teen Well-Being

Supporting young people through adolescence — building confidence, resilience, and emotional balance. We work with high school-aged individuals to manage stress, anxiety, relationships, and everyday pressures with healthy coping skills and improved self-esteem.

New parenthood
New Parents

Transition to Parenthood

Becoming a parent is a big life change. At CAADS, we support you through the emotional and practical challenges of early parenthood — helping you feel more confident, supported, and in control.

Relationship counselling
Counselling

Relationship Counselling

Warm, empathic, person-centred and collaborative. Using Emotion-focused Therapy and Gottman approaches within a trauma-informed practice. Supporting communication, conflict resolution, trust rebuilding, and emotional connection.

Occupational therapy
Allied Health

Occupational Therapy

Supporting young people to improve daily functioning, including self-care, emotional regulation, sensory processing, play & social skills, school readiness, attention & concentration, and behaviour support.

Meet the team

Well-trained, experienced practitioners committed to high-quality care. We undertake regular professional development to stay current with the latest ideas and practice in the field.

Book with our team →
F

Frances

Psychologist · Director
AAPi Member

Frances is a registered psychologist and member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc. (AAPi). She has many years experience working with children and teens, assisting them to build confidence and skills for happy living. Frances has a warm and friendly approach that helps create a safe and comfortable therapy relationship. She assists parents & carers with advice on how they can support their young person's capabilities and well-being.

Frances has a background in assessment of learning and developmental concerns, and extensive experience supporting clients with neurodiversity. She understands the challenges that can occur and how to help bring about positive change.

Frances is a keen gardener and enjoys cooking with home-grown ingredients. She is a nature-lover and especially likes to bird watch.

C

Cathryne

Psychologist
BPsych (Hons) MEdDevPsychAdv PhD

Cathryne is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist and a board-approved supervisor, with over 15 years' experience supervising early-career psychologists. She has worked across a range of settings with children, adolescents and young adults, and has been in private practice since 2018.

Cathryne has a particular interest in supporting anxiety, depression, social difficulties, anger, oppositional or defiant behaviours, and parenting support. Much of her work is with neurodivergent children and families, and she practises in a neurodiversity-affirming manner, recognising that environments and systems can be a primary source of disability.

She is also experienced in the assessment of children with neurodevelopmental differences, including autism, ADHD, giftedness, intellectual disability and learning difficulties.

S

Sue

Psychologist
BAppSc (OT) GrDipEd (EC) BPsych (Hons)

Sue is a registered psychologist with a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree. She has worked as a Psychologist within the health and disability sectors, giving her extensive experience working therapeutically with children across a broad range of issues including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Anxiety and Depression, Social Phobia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), behavioural difficulties and Developmental Delay.

Sue is also an accredited Level 5 Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) provider and a Circle of Security™ Parent Educator. In addition to Psychology, Sue has formal qualifications in Occupational Therapy and Early Childhood Education which brings a mix of complementary skills and knowledge to her work.

L

Louise

Psychologist
BSc (Applied Psych), PGrad Dip Psych

Louise is a registered psychologist who greatly enjoys working with children, young people, and their families to help improve their health and wellbeing. She has experience working in community-based mental health settings, including psychiatric disabilities, youth support, and coordination of community outreach support services alongside Queensland Government Mental Health. Louise more recently worked for several years in a predominantly school-based family mental health support service.

Louise is a trained facilitator of the Child and Youth Mental Health Service's Koping Kidz program and the Emotionally Intelligent Parenting program Tuning in to Teens™. She has also completed intensive experiential professional development in Trauma Informed Care and Practice.

M

Meran

Counsellor
MCouns, BMus (Therapy), Grad Dip GIM

Meran is a professional Counsellor (ACA Level 4) with over 20 years of experience in counselling for relationships, parenting and individuals. She has worked with major non-government organisations, in a range of programs, including Relationships counselling, Parenting Orders Program, Conflict Resolution, Gambling, Alcohol and Drugs and Domestic violence. Meran also has experience working with Grandparents, families and Carers.

Meran fosters a safe, respectful and inclusive environment in counselling. She aims to empower people and enable them to understand and navigate life's challenges and changes. Meran is experienced in working with neurodiversity.

Meran also has formal qualifications and experience in evidence-based creative methods including Music therapy and Sand tray.

Fees & Rebates

We strive to maintain affordability, ensuring families can access the support they need. Subsidised treatment is available through various funding sources.

Service Costs

Psychology & Occupational Therapy Initial Consultation: $225
Standard Consultation: $215
Subsidies via Medicare, NDIS & Private Health may be available
Relationship Counselling & Parenting Support Consultation: $190
Saturday Consultation: $195
Subsidies via NDIS & Private Health may be available

Payments & Rebates

Private health insurance may provide a rebate — check with your insurer. Note: you cannot claim Medicare, private health, and NDIS rebates for the same service.

We accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express, direct bank transfer, and cash. Payment is due at the time of appointment. We can process Medicare rebate claims onsite or you can self-manage via MyGov.

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Mental Health Care Plan

Via your GP. Enables up to 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions per calendar year. Learn how to get one →

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NDIS

We welcome children and families with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS funding for psychology and counselling.

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Private Health Insurance

Our HICAPS machine communicates directly with your insurer to determine out-of-pocket costs and process instant claims.

HICAPS Now Available at CAADS

On-the-spot private health claiming for eligible services

✓ Eligibility depends on your health fund ✓ Depends on your level of cover ✓ Ask reception to check eligibility

Cancellation Policy

We recognise that circumstances beyond a client's control can lead to missed or cancelled appointments. However, to continue operating a supportive service for families, we charge a fee for all missed appointments and short-notice cancellations — regardless of the reason.

If you are unable to attend, please contact us as soon as possible on (07) 3482 2457. Outside hours, leave a message or email enquiries@caads.com.au. All contacts are time-stamped.

⚠️ If cancelling an appointment, please contact us by 9:00am two business days prior. For example, a 4pm Thursday appointment requires notice by 9:00am Tuesday (Sunday is not considered a business day).

Note: Medicare and Private Health funds do not rebate for missed or cancelled appointments. Text reminders are sent as a courtesy, but appointment management remains the client's responsibility.

Medicare

Getting a Mental Health Care Plan

What is a Mental Health Care Plan?

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is a support plan created by your GP to help your child access mental health services. It outlines your child's needs, goals, and the best types of therapy for them.

With an MHCP, your child becomes eligible for Medicare-subsidised sessions with registered mental health professionals such as Psychologists and Occupational Therapists.

Why it helps

A Mental Health Care Plan ensures coordinated, evidence-based care, improves access to ongoing support, and reduces the cost of therapy for families — up to 10 subsidised sessions per calendar year.

5 Steps to Getting Started

1

Book with your GP. Explain your concerns relating to your child's emotional, social, or developmental wellbeing.

2

Discuss your concerns. Your GP will assess your child's situation to determine if a plan is appropriate.

3

Request a MHCP referral. Your GP creates the plan, enabling Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per year.

4

Contact CAADS. Call (07) 3482 2457 or email enquiries@caads.com.au to obtain an intake form and book your first appointment.

5

Start your sessions. Bring the Mental Health Care Plan and referral letter to your child's first appointment.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find your answer? Contact us directly →

You can self-refer — no GP referral is required. Simply call (07) 3482 2457 or email enquiries@caads.com.au and our friendly team will assist you. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, bring it to your first appointment.

No. You do not need a diagnosis to access our services. Many children come for assessment, while others come for support with concerns that haven't been formally diagnosed. We welcome all families regardless of diagnosis status.

Most standard psychology and OT sessions run for approximately 50 minutes. Initial consultations may be slightly longer for a full intake and assessment. Counselling session length can vary depending on the nature of the support required.

Psychologists hold a minimum six-year university qualification and are registered with AHPRA. They can conduct formal assessments (e.g. for ADHD, ASD) and are eligible for Medicare rebates with a Mental Health Care Plan. Counsellors are trained in therapeutic support and relationship counselling but do not conduct formal psychological assessments.

Yes. While our primary focus is children and adolescents, we also see adults — particularly in the areas of relationship counselling, parent/carer support, and transition to parenthood. We also have an Adult Psychologist vacancy →

Yes. We welcome children and families with self-managed and plan-managed NDIS funding for psychology and counselling sessions. Please contact us to discuss your specific funding situation.

This varies depending on the nature and complexity of concerns. Your clinician will discuss recommended session frequency at the initial consultation and review this as treatment progresses. Many clients benefit from 6–10 sessions, though some benefit from longer-term support.

Please bring any relevant referral letters, your Mental Health Care Plan (if you have one), and any previous reports or assessments (e.g. school or medical reports). For children, a comfort item can help if they're nervous. Payment is due on the day.

Yes, with a valid Mental Health Care Plan from your GP you can claim Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychology and OT sessions per calendar year. We can process this onsite or you can self-manage through MyGov. Learn how to get a plan →

If cancelling an appointment, please contact us by 9:00am two business days prior. You can reach us by phone (07) 3482 2457 or email enquiries@caads.com.au. All contacts are time-stamped. See full policy →

Come join our team

At CAADS, we support our practitioners and create a positive, inclusive workplace. Our clinic is thoughtfully designed to be welcoming — and our team culture is genuinely collaborative and kind.

  • Diverse and interesting caseload
  • Regular peer mentoring and 1:1 supervision
  • Flexible hours — days, evenings, Saturdays
  • Full reception and admin support
  • Higher earning potential vs salaried roles
  • Continuity of care with long-term clients

To apply: email an expression of interest to enquiries@caads.com.au

Team collaboration

Current Positions Available

Child & Adolescent Psychologist

📍 North Lakes, QLD · On-site
2–5 days/weekPart or Full-time

Creative, enthusiastic Psychologist sought for our well-regarded private practice. Comfortable environment, professional team, full reception support, and ongoing client referrals. Flexibility to tailor your caseload and work in areas you genuinely enjoy. Good remuneration.

  • General registration with the Psychology Board of Australia
  • Professional Indemnity & Public Liability insurance (or willing to obtain)
  • ABN and eligibility for a Medicare provider number
Apply — mleitz@caads.com.au →

Paediatric Occupational Therapist

📍 North Lakes, QLD · On-site
Full or Part-timeFlexible hoursEarly-career welcome

Join our multidisciplinary team managing a diverse paediatric caseload. OT-dedicated therapy room, established client base ready to start immediately. Flexible arrangements including weekends. A practice that values your autonomy and professional development.

  • AHPRA registered Occupational Therapist
  • Experience with paediatric clients preferred
  • Strong assessment and intervention skills
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development
Apply — mleitz@caads.com.au →

Adult Psychologist

📍 North Lakes, QLD · On-site
Flexible scheduleMin. 1 yr experience

Seeking a friendly, enthusiastic psychologist passionate about working with adults. Enjoy a supportive team, flexible hours, higher earning potential, and full clinical autonomy — with the opportunity to build a strong professional reputation and long-term client relationships.

  • Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia
  • Minimum 1 year of experience working with adults
  • Professional Indemnity insurance & ABN (or willing to obtain)
Apply — mleitz@caads.com.au →

We'd love to hear from you.

Our friendly team is ready to help you find the right support for your child or family.

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Suite 6, Level 1
5-7 Discovery Drive
North Lakes QLD 4509
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Fax: (07) 3482 2314
Call Now → Send Email →
CAADS clinic North Lakes