Child Psychology and Counselling Services

How can a Child Psychologist help your child?

Just as you would consult a medical doctor for your child’s physical health, you can consult a child psychologist to support your child’s emotional, social and behavioural well being.

Specialist children’s psychologists help kids who experience issues like:

  • Behavioural difficulties
  • Learning problems
  • Stress caused by family breakdown or bereavement
  • Lack of self esteem
  • Bullying / friendship issues
  • Anxiety

Child psychologists also support parents and carers with strategies and resources that are individually devised to improve the quality of family life.

In addition, Child Psychologists are qualified to assess children’s learning abilities and IQ.

 

Child Psychology services at Kids First

Kids First’s highly qualified and experienced psychologists provide caring support and assessment services to children aged 3-18 and their families.

Our psychology services include:

  • Building Confident Kids – A small group program for children aged 5-7 and 8-10 supporting self esteem and social resilience
  • Individual counselling
  • Family Counselling
  • Parenting skills support
  • Preparation for teacher meetings
  • Formal cognitive and developmental assessments for presentation to schools
  • Assessment, funding and support applications for children with special needs
  • IQ testing to identify gifted children
  • Ongoing case management

 

IQ/Psychometric Assessments at Kids First

A psychometric assessment is used to evaluate a child’s IQ (academic potential) and academic skills in reading, spelling, mathematics, written and oral language skills. This type of specific assessment is useful for parents and schools because it provides standardised information about a child’s learning ability or educational performance. A psychometric assessment is also commonly used to assess giftedness and this service is available at Kids First.

 

Medicare and Health fund rebates

A medical referral is not necessary for children to access psychology services at Kids First, however, rebates may be available through Medicare if appropriate referral is made by your family doctor or paediatrician. Many health funds also provide cover for psychology services – please check with your health fund for the specifics of your policy.

Child Psychology services at Kids First are registered for Medicare, private health insurance rebates and the FAHCSIA Early Intervention funding for children with Autism. For additional information about rebates and funding, click here.

Parent Testimonial

Karen Spitzer has been working with our family for the past two years. Without Karen’s incredible knowledge, insight and ability to bring out the best in our son, we would not have achieved the lasting results needed to ensure that our son is a well balanced and happy child. Her patience, care and support surpassed our expectations and we are so grateful to have Karen guide us through our journey. In our son’s words “Karen is a substitute Mum who teaches me life skills. I trust her and I like her. She is still nice, even when I am a bit cheeky!” Everyone needs “Karen” in their lives.

Dianne McIntosh