Early Intervention Matters

HD Psychologists’ early intervention for children and families aims to provide a mental health check-up by:

• Identifying mild mood disorders (anxiety and depression) and self-harm, and intervening before they become a big problem.
• Developing social competencies and resilience.
• Increasing the engagement of parents by working with them to effectively support their child’s mental health.
• Providing a targeted, face-to-face, professional early intervention/prevention program to address issues before they escalate.
• Working with children who have a disability to achieve their optimum potential by using evidence-based assessments and interventions, and making appropriate referrals where necessary.

Services such as Headspace and the National Youth Mental Health Foundation have identified early preventative interventions that can prevent many of the problems experienced later in life. It is, however, not always easy to know what your children are thinking or experiencing.

HD Psychologists are trained to identify early preventative interventions to assist preschool teachers, teachers, and parents of children and young people in preventing many of the problems experienced later in life.

Emotional distress affects children’s and young people’s wellbeing, educational achievements, development, happiness, and resilience (their ability to bounce back, foster happy relationships, and enjoy life). Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm behaviours have a significant negative impact on children’s and young people’s lives. The impact of such stresses can be significantly reduced or prevented with timely psychological interventions. These issues have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of children and young people, including their educational, developmental, and wellbeing outcomes.

To support preschools, school communities, and parents in effectively identifying and responding to the mental health needs of children and young people, HD Psychologists have developed a service aimed at enhancing the mental functioning of children and young people and assisting parents, carers, and teachers in identifying and managing issues as they arise.