Child and Adolescent Counselling
When your child is having a difficult time, it can be hard to know what kind of support they need or where to begin.
Best Life Therapy & Mediation provides counselling for children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years. Our team works with young people and their families to understand what has been happening and determine the most suitable next step.
Appointments are available at our Leeming practice, with telehealth also available where appropriate.
When counselling may help
Children and adolescents may come to counselling for support with:
- Emotional regulation
- School-related challenges
- Challenges associated with neurodivergence
- Family separation or changes at home
- Relationships and communication
- Other concerns affecting their wellbeing or daily life
You do not need to know exactly what kind of support your child needs before contacting the practice. The first parent or caregiver consultation allows you to explain what has been happening and discuss the available options.
What happens first?
A parent or caregiver consultation is required before counselling begins with a child or adolescent.
This initial appointment provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, share relevant background information and talk through what support may be suitable for your child.
Parent and caregiver consultations can be held:
- Face-to-face at the Leeming practice
- By telehealth
After this consultation, the practitioner will discuss the recommended next steps with you.
Face-to-face and telehealth appointments
Both face-to-face and telehealth options are available.
Parent and caregiver consultations can be held either face-to-face or by telehealth.
For children and adolescents, face-to-face appointments are generally preferred as best practice. Telehealth may also be considered where appropriate for the young person’s needs and circumstances.
Who provides child and adolescent counselling?
Child and adolescent counselling is currently available with:
- Maria
- Charity
- Raelene
- Joel
- Sherine
Practitioner availability may change. Visit the Team page to learn more about the practitioners and view the current booking options.
Information parents and caregivers can provide
Parents and caregivers are welcome to email through any information that may help the practitioner understand the child or adolescent’s needs, including:
- GP referrals
- GP care plans
- Allied health reports
- Relevant physical health reports
- Relevant psychological reports
- Other reports relevant to the child or adolescent’s care
These documents are not mandatory unless you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for appointments with Charity. In that case, a GP care plan is required.
Relevant documents can be emailed to:
info@bestlifetherapyandmediation.com.au
Not sure where to start?
The Find the Right Service page can help you understand the available practitioners and booking pathways.
You can also contact the practice if you are unsure which appointment is right for your child or family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do you accept for child and adolescent counselling?
Best Life Therapy & Mediation provides counselling for children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years.
Does a parent or caregiver need to attend an appointment first?
Yes. A parent or caregiver consultation is required before counselling begins with a child or adolescent.
This appointment allows you to explain your concerns, provide relevant information and discuss the most appropriate next step.
Can the parent or caregiver consultation be held by telehealth?
Yes. Parent and caregiver consultations can be held face-to-face at the Leeming practice or by telehealth.
Are appointments for children and adolescents available online?
Both face-to-face and telehealth options are available. Face-to-face appointments are generally preferred for children and adolescents as best practice. Telehealth may be considered where appropriate.
Do we need a referral?
A referral is not generally required to begin the process.
Parents and caregivers are welcome to provide any GP referrals, care plans, allied health reports or other relevant reports they already have.
A GP care plan is required if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate for appointments with Charity.
Who provides child and adolescent counselling?
Child and adolescent counselling is currently available with Maria, Charity, Raelene, Joel and Sherine.
Availability varies, so please view the Team page and current booking options or contact the practice for guidance.
Ready to take the next step?
Start by arranging a parent or caregiver consultation. You can also contact the practice if you are unsure which appointment or practitioner to choose.