Paediatric psychiatry.
Consultant paediatric psychiatry consultations at Excelsia, based at Earlwood. Diagnostic assessment and medical management of mental-health conditions in children and adolescents, coordinated with your paediatrician and psychology team. GP or paediatrician referral required for the Medicare rebate.
Medical mental-health for children.
Paediatric psychiatry is the medical specialty focused on the assessment, diagnosis and medical management of mental-health conditions in children and adolescents. It sits at the more complex end of the mental-health care pathway, drawing on paediatrician-led developmental review, psychology-led therapy, and school and family context.
For most referrals, the psychiatrist works in coordination with the wider team already involved. Your GP or paediatrician identifies a concern that warrants psychiatric input, prepares a referral, and continues to be involved in your child's care while the psychiatrist advises on the mental-health question. Where medication is prescribed, ongoing script management can often be shared back with a suitably-trained GP or paediatrician once the young person is settled on a stable regimen.
Common reasons clinicians refer.
At Earlwood.
The Excelsia child & adolescent psychiatrist.
Dr Toula Tsovolos is a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist consulting at Excelsia Specialists Centre in Earlwood. She works alongside the Kids' Dr paediatric team and psychology colleagues, and takes referrals from GPs and paediatricians inside and outside our group. See also the parent-facing Child & Adolescent Psychiatry page under Kids' Dr.
Privately billed.
Specialist consultations at Excelsia are private billing, with a Medicare rebate applying when a valid GP referral is in place. Fees vary by specialist and by the complexity of the consultation. Reception confirms the specific fee and expected out-of-pocket for your chosen specialist when you book.
For our general fee structure across the group, see the Fees & Billing page.
Common questions.
Do I need a GP or paediatrician referral?
Yes. A referral from a GP or paediatrician is required for the Medicare rebate to apply.
How is this different from paediatric psychology?
Psychiatry is medically qualified — assessment, diagnosis and medication management are within scope, alongside coordination with paediatrics. Psychology focuses on assessment and psychological therapy. For many young people, both work best in combination.
What should we bring?
Your referral, prior mental-health reports, school reports where relevant, a list of current medications, and any information from previous paediatric or psychology involvement.
How does the psychiatrist coordinate with the wider team?
With family consent, the psychiatrist works alongside your child's paediatrician, psychologist, GP and school to keep everyone aligned. Shared understanding across settings usually produces the best outcomes.
Is this an acute crisis service?
No. Paediatric psychiatry at Excelsia is a consultative and outpatient service. If your child is in immediate danger, call 000, or contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
Do you write back to the referrer?
Yes. After the consultation, the psychiatrist writes back to the referring GP or paediatrician with the assessment, plan, and any recommended follow-up.
