Coming to see a paediatric clinical psychologist: Information for parents and carers

What is a paediatric clinical psychologist?

Paediatric clinical psychologists have been trained to help understand how children and young people think, feel and behave.

We specialise in providing support for children/young people who are experiencing health problems. We also support their families. We work together with children/young people and their families to improve their quality of life.

It is common for health problems to affect our lives in many different ways, including the ways we think, feel and behave. This can impact on our wider lives and on our relationships with other people. It can also affect how we respond to, and manage, health problems and any symptoms and/or treatments. 

How we can help?

Paediatric clinical psychologists in this service work with children/young people and families to find solutions to a range of difficulties.

How do we work with you?

We work in a range of different ways which might include:

• We usually like to meet in person, but can sometimes offer telephone or video appointments
• Meeting your child and the wider family. Depending on the age and needs of your child, we may spend some time with yourself and with your child separately.
• Listening carefully to what you all have to say, asking you what difficulties you are having, what you would like to work on together and making a plan about what to do next.
• Using a range of different psychological therapies.
• Using questionnaires and formal assessments.
• Speaking to other professionals such as your child’s school and the medical team(s) responsible for your child’s care.
• Observations (for example at your child’s school).
• Sometimes we may think that it is more appropriate for you to be seen by another service, or to see someone in your local area; if this is the case we will discuss this with you.

What does your child need to know about the appointment?

It is useful to prepare your child for the appointment. Please explain that the paediatric clinical psychologist is there to help children/young people and their families by talking, listening, playing and/or drawing. You can explain that the paediatric clinical psychologist sees lots of children/ young people with similar difficulties.

For older children and teenagers there is a leaflet about coming to see a psychologist that you can look through with them before the appointment.

Consent

You have to give your consent to see a paediatric clinical psychologist. If you or your child no longer want to see us you can withdraw that agreement at any time without telling us why.

Taking notes in sessions

Often we take notes in sessions to ensure that we have a record of what is spoken about. These are kept safely and securely within the psychology department.

Do we share information with others?

Because we are part of a team of professionals, sometimes we might need to talk to them about what you have told us, but we will always ask your permission and be clear about who we are talking to and why. We do write back to the professionals who have referred you/your child with a summary of our assessment and we sometimes write to other people who are involved in your/ your child’s care. This will be discussed with you and you can have a copy of these letters if you wish. If there is any information you do not wish to be shared in these letters it might be possible that we can keep this in confidence

If we had concerns about the safety of your child or somebody else then we have duty to take appropriate action.

Accessing the paediatric clinical psychology service

If you would like to meet with a paediatric clinical psychologist then please speak to your child’s doctor or a member of your child’s medical team.

Can you get help with travel costs?

People on certain benefits may be entitled to help with travel costs. Please call at the cashier’s office in the New Victoria Wing, RVI or Freeman Hospital for details. If you are eligible you will need to bring proof of benefits, travel costs and confirmation of your attendance.

For further information

If you would like further information about the paediatric clinical psychology service you can speak to a member of your child’s medical team or contact the team directly on the number below.