High school and adolescence present a particular set of changes for children and their parents. Little Tree clinicians are able to assess teenagers for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and can diagnose developmental conditions such as Autism, ADHD, and specific learning disorders. School refusal can present at this time and often requires a multifaceted approach which can include the involvement of a psychologist, occupational therapist or speech pathologist.
Clinicians at Little Tree work as a team with other practitioners both within the practice and in the community. Becca Roberts our Mental Health Occupational Therapist specialises in ADHD support and she also provides a program “Study without Stress” which can benefit all teenagers navigating study at high school.
Little Tree provides comprehensive assessment which also addresses relationships within the family and with peers. Treatment is tailored to the individual adolescent and their family. Some of the approaches used include individual psychotherapy, including psychodynamic psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The Circle of Security Parenting Program can be used to strengthen parents’ skills and confidence in improving their relationship with their teenager.
