Mulraney, M.Lee, C.Freed, G.Sawyer, M.Coghill, D.Sciberras, E.Efron, D.Hiscock, H.2021-06-182021-06-182021Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 2021; 57(4):526-5321034-48101440-1754http://hdl.handle.net/2440/130790Aim: To determine: (i) wait times and out-of-pocket costs for children attending private specialists for initial mental health appointments; and (ii) whether these differed between specialists working in metropolitan versus rural areas and in low, medium and high socio-economic areas. Methods: Prospective secret shopper study whereby a researcher posed as a parent seeking an appointment for her child with anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We contacted 317 private paediatrician, psychiatrist and psychologist practices in Victoria and South Australia between 12 March and 5 May 2019. Results: One third (29.8%) of private practices were closed to new referrals. The average wait times for paediatricians, psychiatrists, and psychologists were 44, 41 and 34 days, respectively. Average out-of-pocket costs quoted were AU$120 for paediatricians, AU$176 for psychiatrists and AU$85 for psychologists. Conclusion: Parents face extensive wait times and substantial out-of-pocket costs when seeking private mental health services for their child.en© 2020 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of PhysiciansChild; cost; health service; mental health; wait timeJournal article100003054910.1111/jpc.152530005877725000012-s2.0-85096776274557196Sawyer, M. [0000-0002-7834-0561]