Child & Adolescent Counselling

Typically, for children and young people under 18 years of age, the parent/guardian contacts us to provide consent for us to work with the child or young person.

However, in line with legislation regarding provision of health services to minors, young people aged under 18 can engage with treatment at our clinic without their parent or guardian being involved if they are judged to be competent to provide informed consent. In other words, we assess whether the child or young person fully understands what they are consenting to, for them to be able to legally give consent.

We usually encourage young people to involve their parents if possible.

In the case of parents who are separated or divorced, we will ask that both parents confirm consent for our involvement with their child, unless there are court orders specifying that only one parent has responsibility for medical decisions. We also ask for any court orders be attached to our online registration form that will be sent to you once an appointment is confirmed.

Similarly, for children in out of home care, we require written consent from the child’s legal guardian.

In line with Australian legislation, confidentiality and privacy are afforded to the young person and to parents.

Exceptions to this may include safety concerns. In those situations, clinicians are required to act in a way that promotes safety. This is done in consultation with the young person and with respect to their independence as much as possible.

For children aged 14 years and under, we ask parents/guardians to attend an initial session without the child.

For young people aged 15 years and over, the first session may be with parent(s)/guardian(s) and the child instead. During this session, your therapist will discuss how sessions will work in terms of parent/guardian involvement, and how feedback will be provided.

See our Assessments page for detailed information on cognitive and other psychological assessments.

For clients under the age of 14 years, Medicare requires an alternative claimant for rebates. This is typically the child’s parent or legal guardian. The Cairnmillar Clinic registration form has fields to provide information for alternative claimants (full name, date of birth and Medicare number are required).

Clients aged 15+ are not required by Medicare to have an alternative claimant, however as a parent or legal guardian incurring medical expenses, you may wish to provide alternative claimant details to ensure you receive the rebate directly.

Please contact the clinic at [email protected] or 1800 391 393 if you have any questions.

Please refer to our Fees & Rebates page for detailed information.