Best Start Clinic Psychology
Best Start Clinic Psychologists are dedicated to utilising up-to-date and evidence-based science in the treatment of clients presenting concerns. Specifically, a variety of evidence-based early intervention programs and therapy approaches are applied to assist individuals, parents and families in identifying and achieving their goals.
Our Psychologists provide professional support for a wide range of difficulties including:
- Autism Spectrum disorders
- Developmental concerns, difficulties and delays
- Social and emotional learning, including promoting resilience and coping skills in children
- Behavioural difficulties and disorders, including managing challenging behaviours associated with Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Learning and learning difficulties
- A wide variety of disability support services including
- cognitive,
- behavioural and
- social problems associated with disabilities
- Cognitive, Educational and Developmental Assessments
- Attention deficit & hyperactivity
- Anxiety, fears and phobias
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression
- Managing anger
- Social skills and friendships
- Eating disorders
- Grief and loss
- Dealing with divorce and parental separation
- Social Skills Groups addressing a variety of difficulties
*Best Start Psychologists also provide intervention and support to parents in all of the above areas as well as offering ongoing parenting support strategies.
Why a Best Start Clinic Psychologist?
Best Start Clinic psychologists are experts in human behaviour, providing assessment and intervention for a wide variety of difficulties and presenting concerns. At Best Start Clinic, we specialise in working with children, young people and families, especially those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, social, emotional or learning difficulty.
Best Start Clinic psychologists employ only evidence-based psychological interventions. When working with parents and families, this model is psycho-educational, meaning that you will be equipped with practical strategies and taught the skills necessary to assist your child in managing and overcoming their presenting difficulties.
Confidentiality
All registered Psychologists practicing within Australia are bound by the Australian Psychological Societies (APS) Code of Ethics, which is utilised by the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA). The code states that client confidentiality must be maintained at all times, with specific exceptions relating to client safety, duty of care and legal obligation.
All registered Psychologists who also maintain membership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS), also adhere to the APS Ethical Guidelines. Specifically, when working with children the APS “Guidelines for working with young people” state that psychological therapy remains confidential unless permission is granted by the client to discuss information disclosed during therapy sessions.
Confidentiality between a young person and their psychologist is an integral element of successful therapeutic relationships and outcomes. The psychologist will always encourage the young person to talk with their parents or caregivers, however, confidentiality will only be breached in accordance with the Code of Ethics relating to client safety, duty of care and legal obligation.
Please refer to the following link for further information regarding the Code of Ethics and Ethical Guidelines.
Early Intervention
Why Early Intervention?
Scientific research into early intervention has consistently demonstrated that the early years of life are critical for creating the foundation for learning, behaviour and development.
During the first three years of life, the child’s developing brain absorbs experiences through developing neural connections, forming a basis to impact long-term social and emotional wellbeing when the brain is in its’ most ‘plastic’ form.
Early intervention services are essential for a child’s success.
Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) Services
Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention Programs (EIBI) are evidence-based programs for children with and ASD and utilise either the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) or that of Applied behaviour Analysis (ABA).
All programs, whether ESDM or ABA, are individualised and tailored to each individual child’s needs in an effort to help children develop the skills necessary for long-term success.
All individual programs provide teaching objectives and goals across all developmental and skill areas of need. A typical program may address the following skill areas:
- Communication skills
- Cognitive skills
- Play skills
- Academic skills
- Daily living skills
- Emotional awareness and regulation
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Generalisation of skills across people, materials and environments
- Imagination and creativity
- Imitation
- Independence
- Language skills
- Learning how to learn
- Learning through observation of others
- Organisational skills
- Perspective taking
- Safety
- School/Kindergarten readiness
- Self-awareness and self-evaluation
- Self-help skills including dressing, eating, toileting
- Sibling interaction and other family relationships
- Social skills
Funding for EIBI
Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) programs can be costly and may place a large financial burden on families accessing such services.
Fortunately, there are a number of funding sources and rebate packages and options to help facilitate the implementation of such programs.
Click here for more information on funding.
Best Start Clinic Assessment Services
Assessments are necessary in order to inform therapeutic goals and treatment pathways.
Best Start Clinic psychologists conduct clinical, educational and developmental assessments in accordance with clients presenting difficulties. Clinical interventions are then provided in accordance with the outcomes of these assessments.
All assessments are conducted utilising the most up-to-date assessment tools.
The following are a list of assessments that Best Start Clinic Psychologists offer:
- Academic Achievement
- Adaptive Behaviour
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Anxiety
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cognitive Assessments
- Depression
- Giftedness
- Intellectual Disability
- Learning Difficulties (such as Dyslexia)
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder and associated behavioural disorders
- School Readiness
Assessments can involve anywhere from 1-5 assessment sessions (depending on the necessary assessment tools delivered), and usually run for 90 to 120 minutes. In addition to sessions with the child, assessment may involve discussion with parents, caregivers and schools, kindergartens, or early learning centres.
Following the completion of the assessment, a comprehensive report will be completed and provided to you. All reports will include recommendations for home and school or kinder if necessary. A report feedback session will then be conducted to address any questions or concerns that parents, caregivers or teachers may have.
If you would like further information on Best Start Clinic Assessment Services, or if you would like to speak with us about the assessment suitable for you, please contact us.
Best Start Clinic Counselling Services
Best Start Clinic provides counselling to children and their families when there are difficulties coping with the day-to-day demands of life.
Best Start Clinic Counselling Services include:
- Adjustment difficulties
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Family support
- Grief and loss
- Relationship difficulties
- Self esteem and confidence
- Separation and Divorce
*Please note: Clients may be eligible to claim Medicare rebates for counselling services.
For further information about Best Start Counselling services, or to make a appointment for yourself or your child, please contact us.
Best Start Clinic School Services
Best Start Clinic understands that the school environment can present challenges for many students, particularly those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Difficulties at school can often be recognised by teachers first, activating the need for additional assistance supporting students with these difficulties. If your child is experiencing educational, emotional or personal difficulties at school, Best Start Clinic can work collaboratively with your child’s schools in an effort to support your child, their teachers and the school in managing their presenting difficulties.
As with other programs at Best Start Clinic, school services will be individually tailored to the needs of the student, their teachers and the school in an effort to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Best Start Clinic School Services:
- Consultation
- Classroom observations
- Participation in formulation of Behavioural Support Plans
- Functional Behavioural Analysis
- In-class assistance and support
- Care team meetings
Best Start Clinic Social Skills Groups
Best Start Clinic offers a range of targeted social skills group programs to help children manage a variety of common difficulties experienced by school-aged children.
All groups are facilitated by Best Start Clinic’s experienced psychologists and therapists and offer a carling and supportive environment for your child to learn specific skills and practise them in a safe environment.
All Social Skills Group programs are interactive, fun, and involve structured sessions aimed at assisting children to develop a variety of social skill or self-management areas.
Children will be encouraged to learn skills to develop their coping strategies through the provision of an evidence-based intervention program based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Children will use a workbook to take home which includes activities and information sheets, as well as homework and practise tasks.
Best Start Clinic Social Skills Group programs include a focus on:
- Managing Anxiety
- Anger Management
- Friendships
- Improved behavioural control and self-regulation
- Communication Skills
- Building resilience
- Problem Solving
- Dealing with peer pressure and bullying
Making an appointment
If you believe you or your child would benefit from working with a Psychologist at Best Start Clinic, you can simply contact us to book an appointment.
Alternatively, a letter of referral may be provided from a General Practitioner, Paediatrician, or other relevant service.
Associations and Support
The Australian Psychological Society is the peak Professional Body for Psychologist is Australia, representing over 21,000 members. The role of the APS is to protect the integrity of the psychological profession and ensure that services are of high quality. http://www.psychology.org.au/
ABIA is a not-for-profit association providing education, information, support, advice and assistance to families, carers and professionals concerned with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and other effective methods of care and treatment towards children with ASD.
http://www.abia.net.au/index.html
Autism Awareness is a not-for-profit parent run organisation established to foster public awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). http://www.autismawareness.com.au/
Amaze is a member-based, not-for-profit organisation, providing a range of services and information to individuals and agencies.
http://www.amaze.org.au/
Centre for Inclusive Schooling of Children with Autism (CISCA) work towards providing children with ASD effective and supportive educational environments.
http://www.cisca.com.au/
