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Counselling and Psychology

This page has information about the Child and Family Program’s Community-based Counselling and Psychology services.

Counselling and Psychology

Counsellors and Psychologists support children and families with behaviour and emotion-related concerns.

What we do

Psychologists in the program work with children aged 0 – 14 years of age and their families to provide assessment and interventions for a range of concerns. These may include:

  • 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

Our team

Child and Family Psychologists are highly qualified and skilled practitioners. They work with children and their families to help them “live their best lives”.

Who can use this service?

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

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)

Family Violence

How to refer

For referrals please:
Phone: (03) 8572 5631
Email: referrals.childandfamily@monashhealth.org

For more information or assistance with your referral please email referrals.childandfamily@monashhealth.org

Please note:

  • Parents/caregivers will be required to attend assessment appointments and engage in parent/caregiver therapy sessions where clinically indicated.
  • If the child is being seen individually, parents/caregivers must remain in the waiting room for the duration of the appointment in case they are needed (e.g. child becomes distressed, risk issues arise or the child requires assistance to go to the toilet).

Cost

There is no charge for counselling or psychology services.

Where services are delivered

  • Our services are delivered at Springvale and Pakenham Community Health centres, and at Cranbourne Community Hospital

Operating Hours

8am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

Contact us

Phone 03 9792 7716

Email: childandfamilyprogram@monashhealth.org

Help contacting us

For people who need help with English or an interpreter: : TIS: 131 450

For people with hearing or speech loss: TTY: 1800 555 677

Speak and Listen: 1800 555 727

Internet relay: National Relay Service: www.relayservice.gov.au