FAQ

Can I sit in for my child’s counselling appointments?

In most cases, parent(s)/carers will usually be asked to sit in for all or some of the first session, to assist with providing information about your child’s current symptoms and history.

The structure of further sessions depends on your child’s age, maturity, needs and preferences. Typically, parents/carers are asked to sit in for a few minutes at the start and end of each session. This is so that you have the opportunity to provide information, ask questions, and so that you can be informed of the strategies discussed in session.

Parents are more than welcome to stay for the whole session if this is what their child prefers and is what makes them most comfortable.

Please note that due to confidentiality, information shared with parents will be dependent on what your child is comfortable sharing. If there is any information that indicates risk to your child/others (e.g. self-harm, suicidality), confidentiality will be breached and this information will be shared with parents.

How Do I Get Rebates for Counselling Sessions?

Medicare Rebates may be available for your child’s counselling sessions. To check whether your child is eligible for a rebate, please make an appointment with your GP and specify when making the appointment that you are wanting a “Mental Health Care Plan”. Some medical practices require you to make a longer appointment. If eligible, your child will be able to access rebates for 10 sessions for calendar year. These rebates can be automatically processed for you at the practice, or you can choose to claim them yourself.

You may also be eligible for rebates if you have private health cover. This will be dependent on your level of cover, and you will need to check with your provider. Completed invoices can be provided to you following sessions so that you can claim these rebates.

Can Psychologists prescribe medication for treatment of ADHD?

No, Psychologist’s cannot recommend or prescribe medication as a treatment option for ADHD. Only medical professionals, such as Paediatricians and Psychiatrists, can discuss and explore with you the option of medication for your child.

What happens if my child doesn’t receive a diagnosis following an assessment?

Psychologists make diagnoses based on a set of criteria outlined in “The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Addition” (DSM-5). In order for a diagnosis to be made, your child will need to meet all of the criteria outlined in the DSM-5. There are various reasons why your child might not receive a diagnosis, including:

  • Sub clinical symptoms- meaning your child meets some, but not all of the symptoms for a disorder, or, the severity and impact on their academic, social and emotional functioning is not significant. In this case, your child may meet criteria at a later stage, when the demands increase (e.g. progressing through school and entering high school). Or, your child may simply display some traits and symptoms, but they may improve with age or learn to adaptive coping strategies.

  • Medical or other causes for symptoms- Psychologists use a process called “Differential Diagnosis” when completing an assessment, which means they explore all the other possible explanations and causes for your child’s symptoms. A diagnosis will only be made if these other causes are ruled out. Examples include poor vision or hearing, low iron, fine and gross motor difficulties, language delays, medical conditions, anxiety, depression, sleeping difficulties, trauma etc. Having these difficulties does not necessarily mean that your child won’t receive a diagnosis, as many conditions can be co-occurring. However, if there is significant evidence that these other conditions are the primary cause of your child’s difficulties, then a diagnosis will not be made and you will be encouraged to explore these other avenues.

Should I see a Psychologist or a Paediatrician to have my child assessed for ADHD?

Psychologists, Paediatricians and Psychiatrists can all diagnose ADHD. However, only Paediatrician’s and Psychiatrists can diagnose and prescribe medication for treatment of ADHD. Below are some reasons why parents may seek to have an assessment by a Psychologist, rather than, or prior to, an assessment by a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist:

  • At the current time, you are not wanting to explore medication options for ADHD.

  • You want to start with non pharmacological interventions for ADHD, such as evidence-based strategies, therapy and environmental accomodations at home and at school for your child.

  • You want an ADHD assessment done quickly. Many parents have difficulties finding Paediatricians with open books, and wait times can span over 12+ months. Current wait times at Peppermint Psychology are only 2-3 weeks for an intake assessment.

  • You are seeking a thorough assessment to seek clarity about the causes of your child’s symptoms.

  • You are seeking a comprehensive report documenting your child’s symptoms, strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations, so that you implement these at home provide a copy of the report to your child’s teachers.

Does my child need to be assessed for ADHD by a Psychologist first, before seeing a Paediatrician?

No, you do not need to have an ADHD assessment completed by a Psychologist before your child can see a Paediatrician. However, many parents choose to see a Psychologist for an assessment first, for the reasons listed in the above section.

You can absolutely see a Paediatrician first. This option is particularly useful if you are confident that you would like your child to be treated with medication. To get a referral for your child to see a Paediatrician, you will need a referral from your GP. Given extensive wait times, it is best to action this as soon as possible so that you can get your child on a waitlist.