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TELEHEALTH
TELEHEALTH
TELEHEALTH
Mini Minds does not provide emergency mental health services.
If you need immediate emergency support, call 000 or visit your nearest emergency department.
If you need to speak to someone urgently, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or another free helpline.
FAQ
Welcome to Our FAQ Page
At Mini Minds Child & Adolescent Psychology in East Fremantle, Perth, we understand that seeking psychological services for your child can bring up many questions. This FAQ page is designed to provide you with quick, clear answers to some of the most common queries our clients have.
Whether you’re wondering about the assessment process, what to expect during your initial consultation, or how we tailor our interventions to meet the unique needs of each child, you’ll find the information here. Our aim is to help you feel informed and confident as you make decisions about your child's psychological care.
If you have any questions that are not covered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are committed to supporting you and your child with dedicated, evidence-based psychological services.
About Psychology
How can I prepare my child for their first session? Preparing your child for their first psychological assessment or therapy session can make the experience more comfortable and productive. Here are some tips: - Explain the Purpose: Help your child understand why they are going to see a psychologist. Use simple and reassuring language, explaining that the psychologist is there to help them with any challenges they might be facing and to support them in better understanding their unique brains. - Familiarize with the Process: Let them know what to expect during the session, such as talking about their thoughts and feelings or role playing important themes discussed throughout. Your psychologist will be able to provide you with further ideas. - Encourage Questions: Allow your child to ask questions and express any concerns they might have about the session. - Stay Positive: Keep a positive attitude about the visit to reduce any anxiety your child may feel.
What is the difference between a Clinical, Registered, Educational/Developmental and Provisional Psychologist? Understanding the different roles can help you determine which professional might be best suited for your child's needs: - Clinical Psychologist: A clinical psychologist has completed advanced postgraduate studies and extensive supervised training. They are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and complex personality disorders. - Educational / Developmental Psychologist has completed advanced postgraduate studies and extensive supervised training comparable to that of a clinical psychologist. They are experts in assessing, diagnosing and treating a range of developmental disorders and mental health issues. Where possible these focus on early indentification of challenges and early intervention to achieve best possible outcomes for clients. - Registered Psychologist: A registered psychologist has completed a minimum of five years of education and training. Many of our registered psychologists have also pursued a master's degree in educational and developmental psychology, or a masters of psychology degree. These professionals are highly qualified to provide thorough psychological assessments and therapy. - Provisional Psychologist: A provisional psychologist is in the final stages of their training and is working under the supervision of an endorsed psychologist. They are gaining practical experience and can provide assessments and therapy under supervision.
Is online therapy available, and how does it compare to in-person sessions? Yes, online therapy is available at Mini Minds. Here’s how it compares to in-person sessions: - Convenience: Online therapy offers flexibility and convenience, allowing sessions to take place from the comfort of your home (whether that be local or rural). - Effectiveness: Research shows that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational conflicts. - Interaction: While the mode of interaction differs, the therapeutic relationship and techniques remain consistent, ensuring high-quality care.
How are parents involved in the therapeutic process at Mini Minds? Parental involvement is a crucial part of the therapeutic process at Mini Minds. We believe in a collaborative approach that includes: - Regular Updates: Keeping parents informed about their child's progress and any adjustments to the treatment plan. - Parent Training: Offering training sessions to equip parents with strategies to support their child's development and manage challenges at home, including parenting a neurodiverse child. - Joint Sessions: Including parents in some therapy sessions to work on family dynamics and enhance the overall effectiveness of the intervention.
How long does a typical therapy session last, and how many sessions are commonly needed? Session Length: A typical therapy session at Mini Minds lasts between 50 to 60 minutes. Number of Sessions: The number of sessions required can vary depending on the individual needs of the child and the nature of the issues being addressed. Some children may benefit from short-term therapy (6-12 sessions), while others might need longer-term support for conditions.
What funding options are available for psychological services at Mini Minds? (e.g. Medicare, Private Health Insurance, NDIS) At Mini Minds, we offer several funding options to make our services accessible: - Medicare: Rebates are available for eligible clients under the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative. - Private Health Insurance: Many private health insurance plans provide coverage for psychological services. Check with your provider for specific details. - NDIS: We are a registered NDIS provider, offering services to individuals with a disability to support their psychological needs.
Can you provide support for my child’s school-related challenges? Yes, Mini Minds can provide support for various school-related challenges. Our services include: - Collaborating with Schools: We work closely with teachers and school counselors to develop strategies that support the child's learning and emotional well-being. - Individualised Education Plans: Assisting in the creation of personalized education plans that accommodate the child's specific needs. - Workshops and Training: Offering workshops and professional development sessions for school staff on topics such as managing classroom behavior, understanding learning difficulties, and promoting mental wellbeing.
What confidentiality measures does Mini Minds implement to ensure client privacy? Mini Minds takes client confidentiality very seriously. Our measures include: - Secure Record Keeping: All client records are stored securely in compliance with privacy laws and regulations. - Confidential Communication: Communications between clients and psychologists are kept confidential, with information shared only with client consent or in cases required by law. - Professional Standards: Our psychologists adhere to strict ethical guidelines to protect client privacy and maintain professional integrity.
What strategies do your psychologists use to handle anxiety and depression in adolescents? Our psychologists use evidence-based approaches to manage anxiety and depression in adolescents, including: - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping adolescents identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Teaching skills for managing emotions, improving relationships, and coping with stress. - Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR): designed to alliviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. - Acceptance Committment Therapy (ACT): A type of mindful psychotherapy that helps you stay focused on the present moment and acceopt thoughts and feelings without judement. - Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Teaching mindfulness techniques to help adolescents manage stress and improve emotional regulation. - Family Therapy: Involving family members to create a supportive home environment that promotes the adolescent's mental health.
Psychological Assessments
What is a psychological assessment? A psychological assessment evaluates various aspects of a child's psychological health, functioning or unique learning style, using a combination of techniques including interviews, observation, and standardized tests. These assessments help identify the the child’s strengths and challenges and will provide recommendations as to how to support the child in reaching their full potential.
What does a cognitive assessment involve? A cognitive assessment involves evaluating major areas of cognition, including memory, verbal reasoning, problem-solving and language abilities. These assessments help understand your child's cognitive strengths and challenges, aiding in academic planning and personal development.
What psychological assessments do you provide? ADHD Assessments: Using evidence-based diagnostic tools to evaluate attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, understanding the child's strengths and challenges for effective intervention. ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Assessments: Conducting thorough evaluations for autism spectrum disorder, focusing on a holistic view of the child's behavior and developmental history. Learning Difficulties Assessments: Identifying specific learning disorders (SLD), such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, to provide targeted educational support. Psychometric/Educational Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations to understand a child’s educational needs and cognitive profile, including full psycho-educational assessments. Cognitive Assessments: Assessing intellectual functioning and cognitive abilities (IDD), which can help in understanding a child's learning potential and identifying any areas that may need support.
How long does it take to receive assessment results? The timeline for receiving assessment results can vary based on the complexity of the assessment and the number of sessions required. Typically, you can expect a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations within 2-4 weeks after the final assessment session.
Why is an initial consultation important? An initial consultation is crucial as it helps our psychologists gather essential background information, discuss any previous interventions, and understand your current concerns. This session sets the foundation for a tailored assessment plan that addresses your child’s unique needs.
Are parents involved in the assessment process? Yes, parent involvement is crucial. We engage parents throughout the assessment process, from the initial consultation to the feedback sessions where results and recommendations are discussed. Parents may also be asked to evaluate their child’s behaviour and emotional functioning using standardised questionnaires.
How do I know if my child needs an autism assessment? Signs that your child might benefit from an autism assessment include differences in social interactions, differences in verbal and non-verbal communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests.
Will my child’s teacher be involved in the assessment process? Yes, teacher involvement is crucial. Typically teachers will be asked to evaluate the child’s behaviour and emotional functioning in the school environment using standardised questionnaires.
What can I expect from an ADHD assessment? An ADHD assessment at Mini Minds involves observing your child in different settings, understanding behavioral and cognitive patterns through standardized tests, and discussing the findings in detail with you. The goal is to accurately diagnose and understand your child’s challenges to suggest effective behavioural interventions.
How can I prepare my child for an assessment? Preparing your child for an assessment involves explaining in simple terms what will happen, ensuring they rest well the night before, and bringing any necessary comfort items or snacks. It’s important to keep the day as stress-free as possible.
How are learning difficulties identified? Learning difficulties are identified through psychoeducational assessments that evaluate a range of cognitive and educational abilities. These assessments help pinpoint specific difficulties in processing information, which can manifest as challenges in reading, writing, math, or problem-solving skills.
Is there support available after the assessment? After the assessment, we provide detailed feedback and discuss next steps, including therapeutic interventions and supports if needed. We offer ongoing support and can adjust strategies as your child grows and their needs change.
Definitions
ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental variation characterized by unique ways of interacting with the world, including differences in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Each individual with ASD has distinct strengths and areas for growth.
SLD - Specific Learning Disorder Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) refers to challenges in reading, writing, or math that occur despite typical intelligence levels. It includes conditions like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. With the right support, individuals with SLD can thrive academically and beyond.
ADHD - Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental difference marked by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Individuals with ADHD often exhibit creativity and energy, which can be harnessed for success with appropriate strategies.
IDD - Intellectual Developmental Disorder Intellectual Developmental Disorder (IDD) involves variations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, impacting everyday skills. With supportive environments and tailored interventions, individuals with IDD can achieve meaningful personal growth and development.
Anxiety Anxiety is a natural emotional response that becomes a concern when it excessively interferes with daily activities. With effective coping strategies and support, individuals can manage anxiety and enhance their well-being.
Depression Depression is a mood condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. By focusing on strengths and utilizing therapeutic interventions, individuals can overcome depressive symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Trauma Trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response to distressing events. With the right support and therapeutic approaches, individuals can heal and build resilience, turning adversity into personal growth.
Neurodiversity and Neuroaffirming Psychology Neurodiversity embraces the idea that neurological differences, such as autism and ADHD, are natural variations of the human brain. Neuroaffirming psychology supports and validates these differences, promoting acceptance, growth, and tailored interventions.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that empowers individuals to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, fostering emotional growth and resilience.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes developing skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, promoting overall growth and well-being.
Complex Personality Disorder Complex Personality Disorder involves enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that can significantly impact personal and social functioning. With appropriate support and therapeutic interventions, individuals can achieve meaningful change and personal growth.
Eating Disorders Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy eating habits and preoccupations with food, weight, and body image. Through compassionate support and tailored treatment, individuals can recover and develop a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.
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