Child-Focused Mental Health Care
Our approach
The Little Kind Psychology is a clinical psychology service based in the hills of the Dandenong Ranges that supports the unique needs of preschool and primary school-aged children. The clinic provides a range of services including individual therapy, psychological assessment, group programs and professional development opportunities.
The Little Kind Psychology provides evidence-based services that draws from knowledge and experience in child development to address a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, grief and loss, social difficulties, self esteem and confidence, childhood trauma, adjustment issues, school-based difficulties and issues with feeding, sleeping and toileting. The clinic provides a nurturing space for children whilst also working collaboratively with parents, teachers and allied health providers to ensure ongoing support for children at home and school.
Referrals and Funding.
You don’t need a referral to see a psychologist, however if you would like to claim medicate rebates for your child’s sessions or for yourself, then you will need to visit your GP for the appropriate paperwork prior to attending an appointment.
The Little Kind Psychology is a privately operate clinic and fees are payable for assessments, treatment sessions and group programs. Most clients are eligible for Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). Health Insurance rebates also apply for some clients.
Please contact us for more information regarding our current fee schedule.
Mental Health Care Plans
A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is issued by your GP for mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, behavioural problems etc. When assessed as eligible, parents and children are able to access up to ten sessions in any calendar year, with a review by the referring practitioner required after the initial six sessions.
You will need to visit your GP to assess your eligibility for this funding. Your GP will give you the paperwork to present to The Little Kind Psychology so your rebates can apply for your child’s therapy sessions.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The Little Kind Psychology is able to support self-managed and plan managed NDIS participants who require psychology support. If you are self-managed client, you are required to pay for services at the time of consultation. A payment receipt can then be submitted to NDIA for reimbursement.
What To Expect from a Child Psychologist.
Your first session with your psychologist will generally consist of a parent-only session, which allows for information to be shared freely. Your psychologist will try to gain a good understanding of your child’s presenting difficulties and your current concerns. Following this, a treatment plan will be collaboratively established, and your child will be invited to attend the second session. Depending on the age of the child, they will often be invited to attend the session alone, with your psychologist. You will be invited in towards the end of the session so that your psychologist can provide you with feedback from the session and to make plans for using strategies at home between sessions. Sessions are highly flexible and will be tailored to your child and his or her needs.
Helping your child prepare.
You can help prepare your child for the appointment with your psychologist by using the following tips:
Tell your child about the appointment, and explain the reason for the visit in words that your child can understand. Tell them about what will happen once they are meeting with the psychologist including the location (in-clinic or telehealth), length of the appointment and the psychologist’s name.
For younger children, a psychologist can be explained as similar to a medical practitioner who is a ‘feelings expert’. For example, when you are feeling unwell, you see a doctor; when you have a sore tooth, you see a dentist; and when you feel worried, sad or frustrated, you see a psychologist. The psychologist helps come up with ideas and strategies to help children feel better. You can also let your child know that the therapist helps parents with ideas too so that they do not feel that they are being single out or that they are the problem.
Reassure your child that lots of children have the same problems, and that lots of children see psychologists. Let them know that they do not have to say or do anything that they do not want to do.
Plan fun activities around the appointment. For example, let them pick a preferred activity so they have something to look forward to after the appointment.
Let your child bring an object from home to help them feel more at ease in the appointment and able to share this part of themselves with the psychologist. For example, a favourite book, toy or comforting object may help them feel a sense of safety and security.
Answer any question honestly in words your child understands.