Today's Kidz
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Parents Page
Sometimes we all need a little help. Seeing a psychologist can seem like a daunting step for mums and dads. We're here to help. If the information you are looking for is not here, please phone or email us with your query.
How do I prepare my child for seeing a psychologist?
It's really important to let your child know about their appointment before you attend and explain the reason for the appointment. Be gentle, kind and use words your child can understand. Children don't often understand what seeing a psychologist is all about, so it will be helpful to review the Kidz Business page with them.
- For very young children, tell them before you arrive and let them know what is going to happen. For preschool children, tell them what is going to happen the night before or on the day. You may also wish to tell them the name of the psychologist. We will send you a confirmation email when you have booked your appointment. In this email will be a link to a short video message from your psychologist. This will be helpful to review before your appointment.
- Inform adolescents at the time you are making the appointment and encourage them to talk about their thoughts and feelings towards it.
- Answer any questions honestly in words your child can understand.
- Let your child know you will be there throughout the entire appointment. It is a requirement of Today's Kidz that parent/s remain on the premises for the duration of the appointment, even if you are not in the appointment with your child.
- Reassure your child that they do not have to say or do anything that they do not want to say or do.
- Reassure your child that lots of children/adolescents have the same problems, and that lots of children/adolescents see psychologists.
- Reassure your child that they can come out of their appointment at any time to talk with you or check that you are still waiting for them in the waiting room.
- For younger children, bring a nurturing object that may help your child feel safe and secure. For babies, this may include a comfort toy or blanket. For pre-schoolers, this may include a favourite toy or book. If your child is likely to be hungry, bringing a snack and/or drink may be helpful.
- Let them know that that no one else needs to know they are seeing a psychologist unless they choose to let them know.
We know family are important
Today's Kidz operates a family inclusive practice. Our psychologists will involve parents in all consultations. At your child's first appointment, your psychologist will explain the assessment process which may include a parent interview and a child session. Parents will be asked to attend the initial part of their child's appointment. This gives you the opportunity to discuss, highlight or advise the psychologist of any concerns, developments or progress between appointments. Parents will often then be invited back into their child's session closer to the end of the appointment so your psychologist can provide an overview of strategies discussed during the appointment and highlight any parenting suggestions the psychologist might have. You can expect your psychologist to be respectful, caring, transparent and collaborative throughout the process. From time to time, your psychologist may also ask that you make an appointment to catch up with the psychologist on your own for assistance in applying parenting strategies discussed during your child's appointment.
We are a family inclusive practice and strongly advocate for family focused practice in working with children. Parents and children are our business.
Clinical Psychology Assessment
Your child may be referred to Today's Kidz by a Pediatrician, Child Psychiatrist, school teacher, Guidance Officer, or doctor for psychological testing/assessment. Psychological assessment informs diagnosis, treatment planning and parent/school strategies for child experiencing a range of issues. The assessment process involves gathering collating information from multiple sources which can include an interview with a child's parent/s to understand the child's current situation, a teacher interview, a child/young person observation/interview, and screening questionnaires. This information is then put together to develop a comprehensive understanding of your child's strengths and difficulties that assists in understanding the child’s/young person’s presenting issues. At times, a clinical assessment may include administering a range of psychometric tools and tests. The main aim of psychometric assessment is to provide a diagnosis, assess level of functioning or disability and help direct treatment. Assessment appointments are usually booked in blocks of 2 hours after an initial consultation with the child and parent/s. Please note, we do not provide psychological assessment/testing without having an individual appointment first. That way we can discuss with you the concerns being addressed, any referral information, gather background information from you and your child around the presenting problem and outline the testing process and pricing.
Today's Kidz provides clinical assessment for a range of child concerns including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- ADHD
- Dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties including Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia
- Behavioural assessments and developmental delays
- Educational profiles
- IQ giftedness and early entry programs (to pre-school and primary school)
- Intellectual Disability
Referral
Your doctor (GP, Pediatrician, Child Psychiatrist) can refer you to Today's Kidz. With a current valid doctors referral, your child can access up to 10 sessions per calendar year with a psychologist and be entitled to a Medicare rebate. If your doctor is referring you for psychological assessment, unfortunately these appointments are not covered by Medicare.
When your doctor refers your child to us, please ensure they send the referral prior to your appointment day. We will want to read through the referral and ensure we are ready for your child's appointment. Please bring any relevant documentation with you to this appointment ie school reports, teacher notes. When you make your initial appointment, we will send you out information that you will find helfpul in preparing for your child's first appointment.
When your doctor refers your child to us, please ensure they send the referral prior to your appointment day. We will want to read through the referral and ensure we are ready for your child's appointment. Please bring any relevant documentation with you to this appointment ie school reports, teacher notes. When you make your initial appointment, we will send you out information that you will find helfpul in preparing for your child's first appointment.
Fees
With a valid medical referral, consultations attract a Medicare Rebate for up to 20 consults per calendar year. Consultation fees cover your consultation cost and any additional communication with your referring doctor, school teacher, guidance officer around the treatment plan and specific strategies.
Assessment consultations are booked in 2 hour blocks. The duration of assessment appointments and fees for psychological testing are determined by the assessment being requested. Should your child require formal psychological testing, your psychologist will discuss the testing procedure, duration of testing, selection of tests, and reporting format during your initial consultation, and you will be provided with a fee schedule during your intiial consultation. All our assessment fees include a formal written report and treatment recommendations. You will also be provided with 2 additional copies of the report which can be provided to your child's school or funding bodies.
We understand kids get sick. We also strive to provide a timely, affordable and supportive service for the many families in our community. If your child is unable to attend their scheduled appointment, we request you contact our clinic ASAP. We require 24hours notice of changing or rescheduling appointments. With appointments not attended or cancelled with less notice, we are unable to fill these appointments and other families remain on our waiting lists. A cancellation fee of $55 is charged for appointments missed or cancelled within 24hours. This charge will be added to your next appointment. It is required that this account be paid prior to having your next psychology appointment.
Assessment consultations are booked in 2 hour blocks. The duration of assessment appointments and fees for psychological testing are determined by the assessment being requested. Should your child require formal psychological testing, your psychologist will discuss the testing procedure, duration of testing, selection of tests, and reporting format during your initial consultation, and you will be provided with a fee schedule during your intiial consultation. All our assessment fees include a formal written report and treatment recommendations. You will also be provided with 2 additional copies of the report which can be provided to your child's school or funding bodies.
We understand kids get sick. We also strive to provide a timely, affordable and supportive service for the many families in our community. If your child is unable to attend their scheduled appointment, we request you contact our clinic ASAP. We require 24hours notice of changing or rescheduling appointments. With appointments not attended or cancelled with less notice, we are unable to fill these appointments and other families remain on our waiting lists. A cancellation fee of $55 is charged for appointments missed or cancelled within 24hours. This charge will be added to your next appointment. It is required that this account be paid prior to having your next psychology appointment.
We provide a messaging reminder service of your upcoming appointments. We will either phone you or send an SMS two days prior to your appointment. Please respond to this service. This is a courtesy and is designed to help you to remember your appointment. In the event that you do not receive an SMS, it is your responsibility to remember the appointments you have scheduled.