Therapy Near Me Mental Health Articles

Our practice is a Registered NDIS Provider specialising in providing affordable and comprehensive NDIS psychology services:

1. Private clients (non-NDIS funded) can get sessions as cheap as $75 p/s when not on a Mental Healthcare Plan. Clinic locations available in all major CBDs.
2. We are a Registered NDIS Psychology Service Provider and we take on all NDIS participants, including NDIA managed.
3. Our NDIS session rate is around 25% less than the recommended NDIS billing rate for psychology ($165 vs $214.41 p/s). Leaving participants with more funding for additional services.
4. We treat all age groups and presentations.
5. Our 24/7 Telehealth service is available to everyone, anywhere in Australia, no matter how remote or what time of day it is.
6. We provide a home visit service for all metropolitan areas in capital cities around Australia, for the convenience of our NDIS participants.

Our experienced psychologists have guaranteed immediate (same week) capacity for new NDIS clients.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides essential support for children with disabilities, focusing on helping them achieve their developmental milestones, improve their quality of life, and reach their full potential. A crucial aspect of this support is the role of NDIS child psychologists. These professionals specialise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychological issues in children, ensuring that young participants receive the mental health care they need. This article delves into the role of NDIS child psychologists, the benefits of their services, and how families can access this support under the NDIS.

Keywords: NDIS child psychologist, child psychology, mental health support for children, NDIS children’s services, disability services, child development, NDIS mental health, Australia

An NDIS child psychologist is a registered mental health professional who specialises in providing psychological services to children and adolescents under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). These psychologists have expertise in child development, behavioural issues, and the mental health challenges that children with disabilities may face. Their role is to assess and support the psychological and emotional well-being of young participants, helping them navigate the challenges associated with their disability and promoting healthy development.

To become an NDIS child psychologist, a professional must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and meet the standards set by the Psychology Board of Australia. They must also hold a recognised qualification in psychology, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, with additional specialised training in child and adolescent psychology. NDIS registration involves an additional layer of scrutiny, ensuring that the psychologist is qualified to deliver services in line with the specific needs of NDIS participants (AHPRA, 2021).

NDIS child psychologists provide a range of services designed to support the mental health and developmental needs of children with disabilities. These services are tailored to each child’s unique circumstances and may include assessment, diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and behavioural support.

One of the primary roles of an NDIS child psychologist is to conduct comprehensive psychological assessments. These assessments are critical for understanding a child’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning. Through these evaluations, the psychologist can diagnose mental health conditions, developmental delays, and other challenges that may impact the child’s well-being. The assessment process typically involves observations, interviews with the child and their caregivers, and the use of standardised testing tools (APA, 2013).

Psychological assessments are not only used to identify issues but also to inform the development of tailored intervention plans. These plans are designed to address the specific needs of the child, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their developmental goals.

NDIS child psychologists provide various therapeutic interventions to help children manage mental health conditions and behavioural issues. Common therapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), play therapy, and family therapy. These interventions aim to improve the child’s emotional regulation, social skills, and coping mechanisms, allowing them to better manage the challenges associated with their disability (Parker et al., 2020).

For younger children, play therapy is particularly effective. This approach allows children to express their thoughts and feelings through play, which is a natural medium of communication for them. Play therapy can help children process their experiences, develop problem-solving skills, and build resilience.

Behavioural support is another key area where NDIS child psychologists contribute. They develop positive behaviour support (PBS) plans that are tailored to the child’s needs. PBS is a proactive approach that focuses on understanding the reasons behind challenging behaviours and teaching more adaptive behaviours. This approach is particularly beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental conditions that may involve behavioural challenges (Carr et al., 2002).

The goal of PBS is not just to reduce challenging behaviours but to improve the child’s overall quality of life. By addressing the underlying causes of these behaviours, psychologists help children develop more effective ways of communicating and interacting with their environment.

Supporting the parents and families of children with disabilities is an integral part of the role of an NDIS child psychologist. These professionals provide guidance and training to parents, helping them understand their child’s needs and how to support their development effectively. This may include strategies for managing behavioural issues at home, techniques for improving communication, and advice on how to foster a supportive and nurturing environment for the child (Sanders & Turner, 2018).

Family therapy may also be employed to address dynamics within the family that may affect the child’s well-being. By working with the entire family, psychologists can help improve relationships, reduce stress, and promote a more harmonious home environment.

Accessing the services of an NDIS child psychologist offers numerous benefits for both the child and their family. These professionals provide specialised support that is crucial for promoting healthy development and improving the child’s quality of life.

One of the most significant benefits of working with an NDIS child psychologist is the focus on early intervention. Research shows that early intervention is critical for improving outcomes for children with developmental delays and disabilities. By identifying and addressing issues early on, psychologists can help mitigate the impact of these challenges and set the stage for better long-term development (Guralnick, 2011).

Early intervention services provided by NDIS child psychologists may include developmental assessments, targeted therapy, and support for parents in implementing strategies at home. These services are designed to enhance the child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development, helping them reach their full potential.

Children with disabilities are at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and behavioural disorders. NDIS child psychologists play a crucial role in addressing these issues, providing therapy and support to help children manage their emotions and build resilience. This focus on mental health is essential for ensuring that children with disabilities lead happy and fulfilling lives (Parker et al., 2020).

By working with a child psychologist, children can learn to express their feelings in healthy ways, develop coping strategies, and build self-esteem. These skills are invaluable for navigating the challenges associated with their disability and for overall well-being.

Engaging with an NDIS child psychologist can also have positive effects on family dynamics. By providing parents with the tools and strategies they need to support their child effectively, psychologists can help reduce stress and improve communication within the family. This, in turn, creates a more supportive and nurturing environment for the child’s development (Sanders & Turner, 2018).

Family-focused interventions, such as parent training programs and family therapy, can strengthen the family unit and promote better outcomes for the child. These interventions help parents feel more confident in their ability to support their child and foster a sense of unity and understanding within the family.

Accessing the services of an NDIS child psychologist involves several steps, from incorporating psychological services into the NDIS plan to selecting the right psychologist for the child’s needs.

To access psychological services under the NDIS, families need to ensure that these services are included in the child’s NDIS plan. This process typically begins with a planning meeting with the child’s NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). During this meeting, the family can discuss the child’s mental health needs and the potential benefits of engaging with an NDIS child psychologist.

If psychological services are deemed necessary, they will be included in the child’s NDIS plan under relevant support categories, such as “Improved Daily Living.” This category covers therapeutic services, including those provided by psychologists, and allows for the allocation of funding to cover these supports (NDIS, 2021).

Families can find an NDIS child psychologist through various resources, including the NDIS provider directory, referrals from GPs or other health professionals, or recommendations from support coordinators. It is important to choose a psychologist who specialises in working with children and has experience with the specific challenges associated with the child’s disability.

When selecting a psychologist, families should consider factors such as the psychologist’s qualifications, areas of expertise, and therapeutic approach. Scheduling an initial consultation can also help determine whether the psychologist is a good fit for the child’s needs (NDIS, 2021).

Once a psychologist has been chosen, the family or their support coordinator will need to coordinate the delivery of services. This includes setting up appointments, agreeing on a service schedule, and ensuring that the psychological services align with the child’s NDIS plan and goals.

Regular progress reviews are essential to ensure that the psychological support remains effective and continues to meet the child’s evolving needs. These reviews provide an opportunity to adjust the intervention plan as necessary and to celebrate the child’s achievements and progress (Parker et al., 2020).

NDIS child psychologists play a vital role in supporting the mental health and developmental needs of children with disabilities. By providing tailored psychological assessments, therapeutic interventions, and behavioural support, these professionals help children overcome challenges, develop essential life skills, and improve their overall quality of life. Accessing the services of an NDIS child psychologist requires careful planning and coordination, but the benefits are significant, offering families the support they need to help their child thrive. As the NDIS continues to evolve, the role of child psychologists in delivering comprehensive, child-centred care will remain essential in fostering the healthy development of young participants.

• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). (2021). Psychology. https://www.ahpra.gov.au
• American Psychological Association (APA). (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Carr, E. G., Dunlap, G., Horner, R. H., Koegel, R. L., Turnbull, A. P., Sailor, W., … & Fox, L. (2002). Positive behavior support: Evolution of an applied science. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 4(1), 4-16.
• Guralnick, M. J. (2011). Why early intervention works: A systems perspective. Infants & Young Children, 24(1), 6-28.
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). (2021). NDIS Provider Registration Guide to Suitability. https://www.ndis.gov.au
• Parker, Z. J., Van Dyke, N., & Connor, J. P. (2020). The use of psychological services by people with disabilities: Patterns and correlates in a nationally representative sample. Rehabilitation Psychology, 65(3), 267-278.
• Sanders, M. R., & Turner, K. M. T. (2018). The importance of parenting in influencing the lives of children. In H. E. Fitzgerald, K. H. Maton, & C. E. Tucker (Eds.), APA handbook of community psychology: Methods for community research and action for diverse groups and issues (pp. 455–469). American Psychological Association.
• Wehmeyer, M. L., Palmer, S. B., Agran, M., Mithaug, D. E., & Martin, J. E. (2003). Promoting causal agency: The self-determined learning model of instruction. Exceptional Children, 69(4), 439-453.

How to get in touch

If you or your NDIS participant need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@therapynearme.com.au.