Services
We provide two main types of service;
talk therapy and assessment.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapies are psychological treatments for mental, emotional, behavioural, and relational problems. As the name suggests, talk therapies use discussion and conversation as well as reflection, listening, and challenging to help relieve distress, establish new ways of thinking, and promote behaviour change. Talk therapy is often referred to as psychotherapy and includes cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, interpersonal therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and many others. Talk therapy sessions may also include psycho-education, relaxation strategies, problem-solving, skills training, stress management, and parenting support.
What to expect in your first session
Adults
In the first session we listen carefully to your needs and formulate a plan with you for moving forward. We collect your demographic information and take notes to maintain confidential records of our service provision. We will ask you to sign a consent form before your first session.
Children (up to 18 years)
Because parents play such an important role in the lives of their children, we insist on meeting with and gaining written consent from both parents before commencing any individual sessions with the child. This is called a parent consult. In the parent consult we discuss the needs of the child within the context of the family unit and then formulate with you a plan for moving forward. This plan may include individual sessions with the child, but not always. Often effective change for the family and the child can be achieved though conducting sessions with the parents alone.
Please note we do not provide services to families where there is a family court order in place, nor do we provide reports for family court. We recommend that families that require these services consult a forensic psychologist.
A referral is not necessary to access services.
Medicare rebates are available for therapy services with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP or Psychiatrist.
Private Health Insurance rebates may apply depending on your level of cover.
Assessment
Assessment refers to formal cognitive, educational, and behavioural assessments conducted by a psychologist when there are concerns about a child’s development, academic performance, or behaviour. Assessment may also be sought when a child is exceeding expectations. We provide three assessment packages to meet different areas of concern.
Assessment Package 1 – Cognitive Assessment
The information provided by this assessment is helpful when there are concerns about a child’s general learning abilities or overall cognitive development. For ages 4 – 17.
Package includes:
- Parent intake session (60 minutes)
- Cognitive assessment: WPPSI-IV or WISC-IV (60 – 90 minutes)
- Written report (approx. 5 pages)
- Parent feedback session (60 minutes)
Assessment Package 2 – Cognitive and Educational Assessment
The information provided by this assessment is helpful when there are concerns about a child’s academic progress or if there are indicators of a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and/or mathematics (dyscalculia). If diagnostic criteria is met, diagnosis if an SLD may be an outcome of this assessment. The information in this assessment is also helpful when a child is excelling in one, or many, learning areas and may require extension or grade advancement. For ages 6 – 17.
Package includes:
- Parent intake session (60 minutes)
- Cognitive assessment: WISC-IV (60 – 90 minutes)
- Educational Assessment: WIAT 4
- Additional educational assessments based on individual needs (60-90 minutes)
- Written report (approx. 9 pages)
- Diagnosis of SLD if diagnostic criteria is met
- Parent feedback session (60 minutes)
Assessment Package 3 – Cognitive, Educational, and Behavioural Assessment
The information provided by this assessment is helpful when there are concerns about a child’s academic progress and/or their behaviour including hyperactivity, attention, defiance, and aggression. If diagnostic criteria is met, diagnosis of ADHD or ODD may be an outcome of this assessment. For ages 6 – 17.
Package includes:
- Parent intake session (60 minutes)
- Cognitive assessment: WISC-IV (60 – 90 minutes)
- Educational Assessment: WIAT 4
- Additional educational assessments based on individual needs (60-90 minutes)
- Behaviour Assessment: Conners 4 (parent and teacher)
- Communication with child’s teacher
- Written report (approx. 15 pages)
- Diagnosis – if diagnostic criteria is met
- Parent feedback session (60 minutes)
Please note a 10% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking an assessment. An additional 40% of the assessment fee is due following the parent intake session and the remaining balance is due before the parent feedback session. Unfortunately, we cannot release the report until final payment is received.
Medicare rebates do not apply to assessment services. Private Health Insurance rebates may apply for some assessment services depending on your level of cover.
Our team
Meet the friendly staff at Lifeworks Psychology Australia.