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Child or Adolescent - Parent Consultation
Understanding Your Child’s Development
Assessment Information Sheet – HarbourLight Psychology Melbourne
Parent Consultation For Child or Adsolescent 5-17 yrs old
When concerns arise about learning, behaviour, attention, emotions, or social skills, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. This Initial Comprehensive Parent–Child Consultation is a structured, supportive session guided by developmental questions and clinical observation, intended to support parents in gaining greater understanding and direction.
This session focuses on understanding your child’s strengths, challenges, and developmental history to help inform possible next steps. It may assist in determining whether practical strategies, monitoring, or further assessment could be considered.
This service is suitable for children aged 5–17 years and is designed as a starting point, without committing to full testing.
What This Consultation Explores
During the session, areas that may be explored include:
• Developmental history and milestones
• Learning style and school experiences
• Behaviour patterns at home and school
• Emotional regulation
• Attention, social communication, or sensory preferences
• Family concerns and goals
Common Reasons Families Book This Session
Families often seek this consultation when:
• Learning or school concerns have emerged
• Behaviour or emotional changes are noticed
• There are questions about attention or regulation
• Parents are wondering about neurodiversity traits
• They want guidance before pursuing formal assessment
• They feel unsure about next steps
Our Consultation Process
The session is parent-led, collaborative, and supportive.
What to expect:
Initial Session (80 minutes):
A structured discussion exploring your child’s history, current concerns, and strengths.
Your child will usually attend for some of the session, depending on age and needs.
Feedback & Guidance:
Your psychologist will summarise observations and discuss possible next steps, such as:
• practical strategies
• monitoring
• referral options (if required)
• further assessment (if clinically indicated)
Optional Follow-Up:
Families may choose a follow-up session to support implementation or planning.
Practical Details
Duration: 80 minute session, in-clinic or telehealth.
Cost: $350
Rebates: Medicare rebates may be available with a GP Mental Health Care Plan, subject to eligibility criteria. For private health or third-party funding, please check directly with your provider or case manager.
Wait Time: Usually 1–2 weeks.
How This Consultation May Help:
This consultation may assist parents to:
• Clarifying developmental patterns
• Understanding strengths and challenges
• Receiving practical strategies for home or school
• Deciding whether further assessment is needed
• Feeling more confident about next steps
This consultation provides guidance only and does not replace a comprehensive assessment. Outcomes may vary between individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if this is right for my child?
If concerns about learning, behaviour, or emotions are ongoing or unclear, this consultation can provide guidance without pressure to proceed further.
Will this lead to a diagnosis?
Not necessarily. This session is focused on understanding and planning. Formal diagnosis is only considered if clinically indicated and as part of an appropriate assessment process.
Is this the same as a full assessment?
No. This is an initial consultation, not a diagnostic assessment.
Is it covered by Medicare?
Rebates may apply with a GP Mental Health Care Plan if eligible.
Can the session be online?
In-person sessions are recommended for the first appointment, particularly for children. Telehealth may be available where appropriate.
About Our Approach
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Registered psychologists using a structured and family-centred approach.
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Focus is on understanding your child’s development.
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Providing clear, considered guidance.
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Time for discussion during the session.
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Typical wait times (2–4 weeks for initial sessions).
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Flexible scheduling including evenings and telehealth.
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Location: Melbourne / East Melbourne.
Get Started
If you would like to discuss your child’s development and possible next steps, you are welcome to get in touch.
HarbourLight Psychology – supporting families to move forward with confidence.
Feel understood. Find your way forward.
Get in touch for any questions so we can start working together. Call 03 8594 0423 or message below
