Paediatrician for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
At MediKids, Dr Vivek Akkera provides thorough medical assessments to support families navigating child and adolescent mental health concerns.
If you have questions, here is a good place to start.
Understanding Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Child and adolescent mental health covers a broad range of emotional, behavioural, and psychological concerns that can affect young people from early childhood through to late adolescence. These difficulties often show up in ways that may not immediately appear ‘mental health related’ to parents.
A medical assessment helps clarify whether symptoms relate to a mental health condition, a developmental difference, a physical health issue, or a combination of these factors. This distinction is important for ensuring your child receives the right support.
When To Seek Help For Your Child's Mental Health
It is normal for children and teenagers to experience emotional ups and downs as they grow and develop. However, when difficulties persist, intensify, or begin to affect daily life, it may be time to seek a professional assessment.
Consider booking an assessment if your child is showing any of the following:
- Persistent anxiety or worry that is hard to manage
- Ongoing sadness, low mood, or tearfulness
- Difficulty regulating emotions, including frequent outbursts or meltdowns
- Unexplained headaches, stomach aches, or fatigue
- School refusal or a significant drop in school engagement
- Social withdrawal or loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
- Sudden or significant changes in behaviour
Early assessment does not mean there is something seriously wrong. It means you are taking a proactive step to understand your child’s needs and access appropriate support sooner rather than later.
Mental Health Conditions We Help With
We help assess a wide range of child and adolescent mental health presentations. The table below outlines the key areas covered during consultations at MediKids Paediatrics.
| Area | Examples |
|---|---|
| Mood and emotional health | Depression, persistent low mood, tearfulness, emotional numbness |
| Anxiety disorders | Generalised anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, school-related fears |
| Emotional regulation | Frequent meltdowns, explosive behaviour, difficulty managing frustration |
| Physical symptoms of mental health | Unexplained headaches, stomach aches, fatigue, sleep difficulties |
| Stress and adjustment | Difficulty coping with family changes, loss, transitions, or life events |
| Behavioural concerns | Oppositionality, impulsivity, aggression, risk-taking behaviour |
Assessment may also identify contributing factors such as developmental conditions (including ADHD and autism spectrum disorder), learning difficulties, or underlying physical health issues that are influencing your child’s wellbeing.
Why Consult a Paediatrician for Child and Adolescent Mental Health
A paediatrician brings a medical perspective that complements the work of GPs, psychologists, counsellors, and other allied health providers. Here is what a paediatric consultation can offer your family.
Comprehensive Medical Assessment
A paediatrician conducts a thorough review of your child's medical history, development, and current symptoms. This helps rule out or identify any physical health conditions that may be contributing to emotional or behavioural difficulties, such as thyroid issues, sleep disorders, or nutritional deficiencies.
Diagnostic Clarity
Some presentations overlap across multiple conditions, making it difficult to determine the most accurate diagnosis without a structured medical assessment. A paediatrician works methodically to build a clear clinical picture, which helps guide the most appropriate treatment and referral pathway for your child.
Medication Assessment and Management
Where medication is considered as part of a broader treatment plan, a paediatrician can assess suitability, discuss the options with your family, and provide ongoing monitoring. This sits outside the scope of psychology and is more specialised than what a GP typically manages for complex presentations in children and adolescents.
Holistic Care Coordination
A paediatrician works alongside GPs, psychologists, school counsellors, and occupational therapists to coordinate care effectively. Rather than replacing other providers, a paediatric consultation helps ensure all aspects of your child's health and wellbeing are considered together.
Your Specialist Paediatrician For Mental Health
Dr Vivek Akkera is a consultant paediatrician with experience in developmental and behavioural health, including child and adolescent mental health. He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP).
Dr Akkera takes a collaborative, family-centred approach to care. He works closely with parents, carers, and allied health providers to ensure each child receives thorough assessment and coordinated support. He understands that navigating mental health concerns as a parent can feel overwhelming, and he aims to provide clear, practical guidance at every step.
Dr Akkera consults at MediKids Paediatrics in Sydney and welcomes referrals from GPs and self-referrals from families seeking specialist paediatric assessment.
Why Choose MediKids For Child and Adolescent Mental Health Concerns
Choosing the right support for your child’s mental health can feel overwhelming. MediKids Paediatrics offers a structured, medically informed starting point for families seeking clarity, coordinated care, and a consistent point of contact throughout their child’s assessment and management journey.
Family-Centred Care
We understand that seeking help for your child's mental health can feel daunting. Our consultations are structured to be thorough and unhurried, giving you the space to share your concerns and ask questions.
Comprehensive Assessments
Each consultation involves a detailed review of your child's medical history, development, behaviour, and school functioning. Where relevant, standardised assessment tools are used to support diagnostic clarity.
Flexible Appointment Options
We offer both in-clinic and telehealth consultations to suit your family's needs and location. Whether you prefer to attend in person at our Sydney practice or consult remotely, MediKids makes it straightforward to access specialist paediatric care without unnecessary barriers.
Your Child's Journey
Your First Visit
Your journey begins here. Book your child’s first appointment through our online portal. A referral isn’t required, but it is if you’d like to claim a Medicare rebate.
Preparing for Your Visit
Please bring your referral letter, Medicare card, and Blue Book. School reports, past records, or short videos of symptoms are also helpful for giving us a clear picture.
Virtual Consultations
Some visits are easier from home. Telehealth lets you connect with your pediatrician clearly and reliably, without the stress of travel or waiting.
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The Day of Your Visit
Your first consultation usually lasts 45 minutes. You’ll find us on Level 4 of the Bond Building, Bella Vista, with convenient visitor parking available when you arrive.
Is your child struggling with mental health concerns?
Book An Assessment
Parent Form
Contact Information
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista NSW
- 02 8530 8312
- 04 0490 6903
- info@medikids.com.au
- medikids.com.au
Parking
Free visitor parking (up to 2 hours) is available in the basement at 8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, with lift access to all clinic levels. Street parking is also nearby.
Walking from Bella Vista
We’re a 10-minute walk from Bella
After Hours
For urgent matters, call us on 04 0490 6903.
We’re a specialist clinic and don’t provide emergency care.
In serious situations, call 000 or visit the nearest hospitals:
The Hills Private or Blacktown Hospital.
Emergencies & Referrals
If your child needs to be seen urgently, we may be able to help without a referral.
However, without a valid GP referral, you won’t be able to claim a Medicare rebate for the visit.
Doctor Referral Form
Contact Information
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista NSW
- 02 8530 8312
- 04 0490 6903
- info@medikids.com.au
- medikids.com.au
Parking
Free visitor parking (up to 2 hours) is available in the basement at 8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, with lift access to all clinic levels. Street parking is also nearby.
Walking from Bella Vista
We’re a 10-minute walk from Bella
After Hours
For urgent matters, call us on 0404 906 903.
We’re a specialist clinic and don’t provide emergency care.
In serious situations, call 000 or visit the nearest hospitals:
The Hills Private or Blacktown Hospital.
Emergencies & Referrals
If your child needs to be seen urgently, we may be able to help without a referral.
However, without a valid GP referral, you won’t be able to claim a Medicare rebate for the visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Mental Health
Do I need a referral to see a paediatrician for mental health?
A GP referral is generally not required to book an appointment at MediKids, but having one is recommended. A referral from your GP allows access to your child’s medical history and may make your child eligible for a Medicare rebate under certain MBS item numbers. If you do not have a GP referral, please contact us and we can advise on the best approach.
How is seeing a paediatrician different from seeing a child psychologist?
A paediatrician and a psychologist provide complementary services. A paediatrician takes a medical approach, assessing physical health, developmental factors, and the appropriateness of any medication. A psychologist focuses primarily on assessment and therapy for emotional and behavioural difficulties. Many children benefit from seeing both, with their care coordinated between providers.
Can a paediatrician prescribe medication for anxiety or mood disorders?
Yes, a paediatrician can assess whether medication is appropriate and, where it is, prescribe and monitor it as part of a broader treatment plan. Medication is generally considered alongside, rather than instead of, psychological and behavioural support. Dr Akkera discusses all options openly with families before any decisions are made.
At what age should a child see a paediatrician for mental health?
A paediatric mental health assessment can be beneficial for children and adolescents of any age, from early childhood through to 18 years. The approach is tailored to your child’s age and developmental stage. If you are unsure whether your child is the right age, contact MediKids and we will help you determine the most appropriate next step.
What signs might indicate a child needs a mental health assessment?
Signs that may warrant assessment include persistent anxiety or low mood lasting more than a few weeks, significant changes in behaviour or school performance, unexplained physical symptoms, emotional outbursts that seem beyond typical development, social withdrawal, or your own instinct as a parent that something is not quite right. You do not need to wait until things become severe to seek an assessment.