Counselling

Counselling is available to anyone in the family including:

• Parents/caregivers
• Siblings
• Grandparents
• Other family members and people in the child's support network.

Counselling is offered by our team of psychologists. Each psychologist has experience working with both children and adults. Learn more about them here.

A diagnosis of childhood cancer is a stressor that can affect the mental health and wellbeing of all family members. This may include changes to your mood, behaviour, coping, and functioning. Different challenges can arise at different points along the cancer experience. 

Many family members find it helpful to speak with a psychologist during stressful times, periods of change, or other difficult times. Counselling offers:

• A safe space to express your feelings
• Help to build understanding and resilience
• Support to strengthen existing coping strategies and develop new ones 

Psychologists provide evidence-based treatment tailored to your specific goals and treatment preferences, recognising that every person is different.

In Person: Counselling sessions are available at the Childhood Cancer Association Office. 

Via Telehealth:  If you can’t attend in person, we offer telehealth services by phone or video. We recommend an initial face-to-face appointment with one of our psychologists prior to commencing telehealth services, if it is possible.

For further information about our counselling services or to book an appointment for yourself or a family member, please contact the Family Service Team.

The Family Service Team is available Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm.  We are closed on weekends and public holidays.

In Case of an Emergency 

If you need emergency or crisis care please contact:

• Women’s & Children’s Hospital: (08) 8161 7000
• Assessment & Crisis Intervention Service (ACIS): 131 465
• Lifeline: 131 144
• Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
• Or visit your nearest hospital emergency department

What training do psychologists have?

Psychologists are highly trained mental health professionals. They complete at least six years of training and participate in ongoing professional development. All psychologists are registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Do I need a referral?

No referral or Mental Health Care plan is needed to access our counselling services. 

Do you have wait times?

Our psychologists typically have good availability, so wait times are minimal. 

How long are appointments?

Appointments usually last 50–60 minutes. For your first session, please arrive 10 minutes early to complete some initial paperwork.

Do you provide assessments or reports for third parties? 

To stay focused on therapy we don’t provide formal assessments, reports, or letters, including those for legal, Centrelink, or employment purposes.

Do you work with interpreters?

Yes, we are happy to work with interpreters. We can arrange interpreting through the Interpreting and Translating Centre (ITC).