Counsellors help people with their thoughts, feelings, experiences, relationships and behaviour. They help families work better together.
Children, adolescents, parents and families.
Individual adults.
You can ask for this service by calling the Central Referral Service on 1800 600 681.
An administration officer will gather some information from you and pass your request on to the counselling team.
There may be waiting times for counselling services.
Where is the service provided?
Counselling services are usually provided at one of our Community Health Centres. Some visits may happen in your home or at a community venue such as your child’s preschool.
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Is there a cost for this service?
This service is free if you have a Medicare card and live, work or study in the Cumberland, Parramatta, Blacktown or Hills local council areas.
Who will I meet at my appointment?
What can I expect at my first appointment?
When you arrive at the Community Health Centre, a receptionist will greet you. The receptionist will tell your counsellor you have arrived, and will ask you to wait in the waiting area.
Your counsellor will talk to you about your concerns and difficulties for you or your family.
Together, you and your counsellor will decide on what is important to you, your goals and how counselling can assist you.
Your counsellor might ask you to fill out a questionnaire.
What do I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your Medicare card to your first appointment.
Please bring copies (if any) of relevant assessments or reports from other professionals such as psychologists, paediatricians, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, school counsellors, etc.
We may send you a questionnaire to complete and bring to your first appointment.
What is the Blue Book (My Personal Record)?
Your child’s Blue Book (My Personal Health Record) is given to you in the hospital after you’ve had your baby.
Notes about your child’s health and progress can be made in the Blue Book by you, a Child and Family Health nurse, your doctor or any other health professional your child sees.
The Blue Book has helpful information - look in the ‘Useful contacts and websites’ section and on the back cover.
The Blue Book is also available in other languages.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. Referrals from a GP are not required.
Do I need to be involved in counselling for my child?
Parents and carers have an important role in the way that children think, feel and act. Counselling for children will always involve parents/carers.
It may be appropriate for the child to speak with the counsellor by themselves, on some occasions. The counsellor will discuss this with you.
I’m a kid, can I come to counselling by myself?
It’s important to talk to your parents or carers about this, and ask them to help you find support. Talking to other safe adults like your school counsellor can also help.
It can be possible for young people to access counselling without the permission of their parents/carers in some instances, depending on their age.
Kids looking for help can always call the Kidshelpline 1800 55 1800.
Do you speak a language other than English?
A free and confidential interpreter service, including Auslan, is available. Ask staff to arrange an interpreter for you.
Specialist Arabic, Mandarin and Cantonese speaking counsellors are available at Auburn, Parramatta and Merrylands centres.
In an emergency call 000
The Child & Family Health Counselling Service is not a crisis service and is unable to provide immediate or urgent support.
If your life is in danger or you or someone you know is considering suicide, please phone:
- Emergency (000)
- NSW Mental Health Intake Line 1800 011 511.
Child development describes the changes in your child’s physical growth. As children grow they also learn social, emotional, behaviour, thinking and communication skills.
Learn the Signs Act Early is a new tool in your child's Blue Book that you can use
to
learn about your child's brain and physical development.
We can help if you have questions about your child’s development.