Early child mental health assessments: how GPs can support effective intervention

More imperative than ever, early mental health assessments and support for children and young people should be provided to prevent unnecessary long-term impacts. Many families visit their GP frequently, and these consultations present the ideal opportunity for early intervention.

GPs are often pressed for time, however their skills and knowledge are crucial in supporting children’s mental health, especially infants and toddlers.

Australia’s Emerging Minds provides an evidence-informed guide created specifically for GPs. This article includes links to brief videoclips, podcasts and e-learning courses on conducting child mental health assessments.

Early intervention and referral by GPs can prevent progression of mental health conditions, critically contributing to children’s future wellbeing. A Mental Health Care Plan will be required for supports to be provided to children.

Southwest Sydney Paediatric Clinics

SWSLHD Community Paediatrics

SWSLHD Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Infant Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (ICAMHS)

• Liverpool/Fairfield:
  • • Phone: 9827 8011/8717 1700
    • Referral form
• Bankstown:
  • • Phone: 9780 2777
    • Referral form
• Macarthur/Campbelltown
  • • Phone: 4621 5000
    • Referral form

SWSPHN STAR4Kids Providers (3 to 12years)

• Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee: Community Links Wellbeing. Phone: 0455 104 104
• Liverpool: Mission Australia. Phone: 97326500
• Bankstown/Fairfield: ProActive Psychology. Phone: 9796 3925/9727 7752
• Campbelltown: Sparrow Centre for Children. Phone: 0417 469 800
• Referral: SWSPHN Mental Health Referral Form

Family Mental Health Support Services

• Liverpool: Mission Australia – Happy Healthy Minds. Phone: 9732 6500
• Fairfield: Woodville Alliance. Phone: 9724 3807
• Bankstown: Break Thru People Solutions. Phone: 8700 140
• Campbelltown: The Benevolent Society. Phone: 4633 3777
• STARTTS: www.startts.org.au

Read more about Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees

These articles are written by members of the ‘Stronger Seeds, Taller Trees’ project which includes professionals from a number of government and non-government organisations in South Western Sydney. The group aims to support GPs working with families to navigate and access timely services when they have a concern about a child’s development.

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