Psychologists in the program work with children aged 0 -14 years of age and their families to provide assessments and interventions for a range of concerns including:
- child anxiety and depression
- behavioural and developmental issues
- social difficulties
- emotional difficulties
- transition to school concerns
- attachment difficulties
- cognitive function – ability and achievement assessments (when indicated)
- parental adjustment to child illness/disability/behaviour
Eligibility Criteria
This service is for:
- children aged 0-14 who live in the City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey, or Cardinia Shire
- OR those who cannot access local services due to poor transport accessibility
- OR those where the service is not provided by local community health service
This service is not for:
- children who come from high-income families
- children with acute severe psychiatric issues, including current suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviours. Please refer to Early in Life Mental Health Services (ELMHS).
- children who have been sexually assaulted. Please refer to SECASA.
- children currently with Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS), or on a waitlist for this service: they should be eligible to receive therapy support at these settings.
- children being referred for a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Please refer to a paediatrician or Early in Life Mental Health Services (ELMHS).
- children with a current diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder :0 – 5 years old.
- family/couples therapy and family separation. Please refer to services such as Relationships Australia or Windermere.
- current family violence. Please refer to Family Violence Services such as Safe Steps (T:1800 015 188.) or DFFH Child Protection (T:1300 598 521) .
- other members of the client’s family. Child and Family psychologists only provide child-focussed parenting sessions not individual therapy for other family members.
Alternative services and resources for people who are waiting or do not currently qualify for Monash Health services.
If there is an emergency and someone is in immediate danger, please call 000.
For urgent or crisis assessment contact the Monash Health Psychiatric Triage Service on T: 1300 369 012 or to refer to Early in Life Mental Health Services (ELMHS) – https://monashchildrenshospital.org/mental-health
Psychology and Social Work
- Private Psychologists can be accessed via GP through a Mental Health Care Plan
- Find a psychologist in private practice via the Australian Psychological Society https://www.psychology.org.au/Find-a-Psychologist
- Australian Psychological Society. T: 1800 333 497 or (03) 8662 3300.Website: http://www.psychology.org.au
- Australian Association of Social Workers T: 9663 3889. Website: http://www.aasw.asn.au/
Postnatal Depression Services:
- Post and Antenatal Depression Association. T: (03) 9428 4600(Metropolitan) or 1800 130 026 (Rural/Regional). Website: http://www.panda.org.au/
- Raphael Centre (St John of God Hospital, Berwick). Phone: 97073988
Family Counselling and Support Services:
- Windemere. T: (03) 9705 3200
- Better Place Australia (formerly Family Mediation Centre) Relationship Services. T: (03) 8781 9111 or Free call 1800 639523
- Relationships Australia. T: 1300 364 277
Sexual Abuse:
- SECASA (South East Centre Against Sexual Assault). T: (03) 9928 8741 or call the Crisis Line 24 hours. T: (03) 9594 2289
Mental Health Services (e.g. current suicidal thoughts/self-harm behaviours)
- Early in Life Mental Health Services (ELMHS) T: (03) 8768 1569 or call Triage on: 1300 369 012.
- Parent line. T: 1300 30 1300
- Monash Children’s Hospital. T: 13 22 29
- Child First. T: (03) 9705 3939
Family Violence
- Orange Door
- Call 1800RESPECT or 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre. T:1800 015188
- Victoria State-wide after-hours support
Referral Method(s)
Referrals should be sent by eReferral through Healthlink or by email.
Phone: 03 8572 5631
Email: referrals.childandfamily@monashhealth.org
For more information or assistance with your referral please email referrals.childandfamily@monashhealth.org
Eligible Postcodes
City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey or Cardinia Shire
- Greater Dandenong – 3171, 3172, 3173, 3174, 3175, 3975
- Casey – 3156, 3177, 3802, 3803, 3804, 3805, 3806, 3807, 3912, 3975, 3976, 3977, 3978, 3980
- Cardinia – 3139, 3159, 3781, 3782, 3783, 3806, 3807, 3808, 3809, 3810, 3812, 3813, 3814, 3815, 3816,3978, 3980, 3981, 3984, 3987
Additional information required
Include all patient demographic and clinical details as well as relevant investigation results
Service contact details:
Service Enquiries: 8558 9000
Service Enquiries Email: childandfamilyprogram@monashhealth.org
Contact hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays)
Click here for more information about this service.
Please review the eligibility criteria before submitting a referral.