The first appointment is an initial assessment. Your young person is not required to attend the first appointment, this appointment is for parents only. This is to ensure a comprehensive discussion of all aspects of your child’s development to facilitate a thorough discussion of your child’s difficulties from the parents perspective, as well as to obtain parental goals.

Appointments are for 45 minutes in duration. The initial assessment usually takes one session to complete but may take more. If you feel that you would like more time for the initial assessment or any given appointment, you may book more than one appointment.

Following this, a treatment plan will be discussed and agreed. This may include the psychologist working directly with the young person, working directly with the parent(s)/guardian(s), working directly with other professional(s), or working with some or all parties. Or it may be agreed that no further appointments with the psychologist are necessary, and incorporate advice and signposting, onward referral to other services, or providing information and resources to support the young person via the parent(s)/guardian(s)/school.

Sessions are confidential. However, there are exceptions to this, and this will be discussed with you in detail at your first appointment.

Parental/guardian involvement is a key component of psychological work with a child. A parent/guardian is required to be available during the young person’s appointment. You may be asked to join your child’s appointment at any time.