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.
As a result of COVID-19, many GPs have become pressed for time, however, GP’s 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 a mental health condition, critically contributing to children’s future wellbeing.
Southwest Sydney Paediatric Clinics
Infant Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (ICAMHS)
- Liverpool/Fairfield:
Phone: 9827 8011/8717 1700
- Bankstown:
Phone: 9780 2777
- Macarthur/Campbelltown
Phone: 4621 5000
SWSPHN STAR4Kids Providers (3 to 12 years)
- Camden, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee: AT Full Potential Psychology
Phone: 4655 1694
- Liverpool: Mission Australia
Phone: 9732 6500
- Bankstown/Fairfield: ProActive Psychology
Phone: 9796 3925/9727 7752
- Campbelltown: Sparrow Centre for Children
Phone: 0417 469 800
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 1400
- Campbelltown: The Benevolent Society
Phone: 4633 3777
- STARTTS
This article was 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.