Lots of children and young people will benefit from seeing a psychologist for a range of reasons. These could include, emotional or social development, learning, behaviours, or mental health concerns.

If you are concerned about your child, it is helpful to seek support as early as possible. Speaking to your GP is a good starting place to discuss your concerns.

You do not need a referral to make an appointment.

A referral through your GP under a Mental Health Care Plan will allow you to claim up to 10 medicare rebated sessions per year, however you don’t need a referral to make an appointment.

Sometimes we will have a session with the child’s parent or caregiver prior to the first session to gather developmental and family history and discuss presenting concerns.

During the first session we will spend time getting to know your child and helping them feel relaxed in the space. We might play games or colour while we learn about their hobbies and interests, as well as what they would like to get out of our visits together.

The first session is 60 minutes for intake and initial assessment

Child therapy sessions are 45 minutes plus 10 minutes for parent support 

Counselling sessions are 50 minutes 

This varies depending on the agreed goals and presenting concern. We will discuss possible length and frequency of sessions after the intake and assessment session. Typically, children will attend between 6 - 20 sessions. However some may need less than this and some more.

The frequency of sessions may occur weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

We recommend and advocate for parents to be involved in the therepeutic process. Sometimes a child may want to come to sessions by themselves, however most of the time parental involvement is crucial for changes to be sustained after therapy has finished.

Sometimes it is helpful for parents to have sessions without their child attending to be able to talk freely, provide feedback or gain advice about specific behaviours.

It’s normal to feel unsure about how to talk to your child about attending therapy. It’s also normal for children to feel worried or resistant about attending. Here are some tips you might find useful:

• Explain honestly what is happening in language they understand. Speak about the appointment with a positive tone and explain the reason for their visit,

• Give them a chance to ask all their questions and answer them as honestly as you can,

• Validate their worries or concerns. Let them know they won’t have to say or do anything the don’t want to and reassure them you will be there with them (or to start with if they’re an older child),

• Let them know there will be toys and games and art to play with,

• Let them bring a comfort toy or sensory tool if they would like to,

• Show them our website and pictures and talk about what we like to do,

• Reassure them lots of kids and adults see psychologists (maybe you have too?)