Supporting Children’s Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Supporting Children’s Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Understanding Child Psychological Services

Every child deserves the chance to grow in a safe, nurturing environment. But sometimes, children and young people face emotional, behavioural, or developmental challenges that are difficult for families to manage on their own.

Child psychological services offer professional support tailored to the unique needs of children and their families. Through early intervention and therapeutic guidance, these services can help children overcome obstacles and thrive.

🧠 What Are Child Psychological Services?

Child psychological services are focused on supporting a child’s mental, emotional, and social development. These services are provided by trained professionals such as:

• Counsellors
  
  
• Psychologists
  
  
• Social workers
  
  
• Occupational therapists
  
  
• Mental health clinicians

They work closely with the child and their family to assess concerns, identify any underlying mental health issues or developmental delays, and offer therapeutic support.

💬 What Can These Services Help With?

Common concerns that child psychological services may address include:

• Anxiety, stress or excessive worry

   

• Grief and loss, including after parental separation or bereavement

   

• Social withdrawal or difficulty making friends

   

• Learning difficulties or attention challenges

   

• Emotional outbursts or aggression

   

• Trauma or neglect

   

• Parenting struggles or family conflict

   

• Bullying and self-esteem issues

   

Early support can make a significant difference to a child’s future health, education, and emotional wellbeing.

🔍 Signs a Child May Need Support

Every child is different, and many behaviours may seem like part of growing up. However, some signs may indicate the need for professional help:

• Ongoing sadness, irritability, or mood swings

   

• Problems concentrating, learning, or staying engaged at school

   

• Withdrawal from family or friends

   

• Unexplained medical complaints (e.g., headaches, stomach aches)

   

• Regression (e.g., bedwetting, thumb-sucking)

   

• Sleep problems, nightmares, or changes in appetite

   

• Self-harming behaviours or talk of suicide

   

• Excessive clinginess or fearfulness

   

It is important to consider whether these behaviours are typical for the child’s developmental stage. If in doubt, seek professional advice.

🛋️ What Support Services Are Available?

A wide range of supports are available to help children and families, including:

• Individual counselling for children

   

• Parent education and coaching

   

• Family therapy

   

• Support for developmental delays and learning difficulties

   

• Educational assessments and school consultation

   

• Social skills groups and behavioural therapy

   

These services focus not just on the child, but also on helping parents and caregivers feel supported and empowered.

🧭 Accessing the Right Help

You can begin by talking to your family doctor. They may refer your child to a mental health professional or suggest a Mental Health Care Plan if eligible for a Medicare rebate.

If your child is in immediate emotional distress or needs urgent support, contact one of the following services:

• Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800 or 1800 55 1800

   

• Lifeline – 13 11 14

   

• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467

   

• Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511

   

• Emergency Services – Call 000 in life-threatening situations

   

🌱 You Are Not Alone

Seeking help is a strength. Child psychological services are designed to provide your child with the tools to cope, grow, and feel safe—and to support you as a parent along the way.

📩 Reach out to our team to explore how we can support your child’s wellbeing through personalised, compassionate care.