OCD Psychologist in Berwick

Support for OCD in Children and Adolescents

Evidence-based psychological support for children and adolescents experiencing obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
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The Avenue Place provides psychological support for young people who may be experiencing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
OCD is not a personality trait or a preference for order. It involves distressing intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety.

With appropriate support, many young people can learn skills to manage OCD more effectively. Progress varies for each child and depends on a range of factors.

What OCD may look like in children and adolescents

OCD can present in many ways. Common patterns may include:

Obsessions (intrusive thoughts, images, or urges):

  • Fear of contamination, germs, or illness
  • Fear of harm coming to self or others
  • Need for certainty or “just right” feelings
  • Distressing taboo thoughts (which are unwanted and upsetting)
  • Excessive doubt, including “What if I did something wrong?”

Compulsions (behaviours or mental rituals to reduce distress):

  • Excessive handwashing, cleaning, or changing clothes
  • Repeated checking (locks, appliances, homework, messages)
  • Repeating actions until it feels “right”
  • Counting, tapping, arranging, or symmetry behaviours
  • Reassurance-seeking (asking the same question repeatedly)
  • Mental rituals (praying, reviewing, cancelling thoughts)

In children, OCD can sometimes look like rigidity, avoidance, or emotional outbursts. Young people may feel embarrassed or worried about being misunderstood, which can delay disclosure.

When OCD support may be helpful for your Child

It may be helpful to seek professional support if:

Rituals or reassurance-seeking are increasing in frequency

OCD symptoms are affecting school attendance, learning, or friendships

Your child avoids everyday activities due to fear or distress

Family routines are becoming organised around rituals

There is significant distress when rituals are interrupted

Your child is spending a lot of time “stuck” in thoughts or checking

Our Assessment Process

How assessment may help

An assessment to understand symptom patterns and triggers

Age-appropriate psychoeducation about OCD

Building a shared plan that the young person understands

Gradual practice with facing fears and reducing rituals

Parent coaching to reduce unhelpful reassurance cycles

Regular review to monitor progress and adjust the plan

What to expect at The Avenue Place

As a deliberately small psychology clinic in Berwick, we prioritise continuity and collaborative care. Families attending for OCD support can expect:

An initial assessment with parent/caregiver involvement

Clear explanation of findings and recommendations

A structured therapy plan with measurable goals

Consistent sessions with the same psychologist wherever possible

Regular review of progress

If you would like to discuss whether treatment may be appropriate for you, please contact our team.
Prefer to speak on the phone?

Call our friendly team directly on (03) 9769 9912.

When additional or urgent support may be required

If your condition is accompanied by thoughts of self-harm, significant risk, or immediate safety concerns, urgent support should be sought.

You can contact:

  • Lifeline: 13 11 14
  • Emergency services: 000

If you are unsure about suitability for private therapy, our team can assist in guiding you toward appropriate services.

OCD support in Berwick and surrounding suburbs

Our psychologists provide OCD support for children and adolescents in Berwick and nearby areas including Officer, Clyde North, Narre Warren, Pakenham, Cranbourne and surrounding suburbs.

Telehealth appointments are available within Victoria where appropriate.