Child psychology services provide specialist support from Psychologists who have completed a doctorate in clinical psychology (DClinPsy) and specialise in working with children, adolescents and the families, carers and systems that support them. In the UK, psychologists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). These psychologists play a crucial role in understanding and supporting the emotional and psychological health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. Child psychologists are dedicated professionals trained in skills to assess a child’s difficulties, formulate their needs and provide an appropriate, evidence-based intervention.
Child psychology services are specialists in providing complete comprehensive psychological assessments of children and adolescents to gather a thorough understanding of their needs and difficulties. They do this through direct assessments with children and adolescents in a safe space, completing standardised assessment measures, interviews with families, carers and the professional network and sometimes observations.
Typically, they work with children and young people who are experiencing or presenting with significant distress in their lives that is impacting their ability to function. This can present as low mood, anxiety, school avoidance, experiencing distressing thoughts and presenting with behaviours that could be harmful such as self-harm and risk-taking behaviour.
Therapeutic approaches
Evidence-based interventions employed by child psychologists vary depending on the specific needs of the child and psychologists are usually trained in a number of therapeutic models. These approaches may include Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy, Creative Therapies (such as Art, Drama, Play) and many more. Child psychologists collaborate closely with parents, teachers, and other caregivers to ensure the emotional health and wellbeing needs of children are met.
A key role of any child psychology services often involves conducting research to advance the field’s understanding of child and adolescent development and mental health. Their studies contribute to evidence-based practices and the creation of effective interventions for children and young people experiencing psychological distress.
Child psychology services should always consist of compassionate professionals dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children and adolescents. They play a critical role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing a wide range of psychological issues.
How can Meadows Psychology Service help?
Meadows Psychology Service has a wealth of experience with Child psychology services, with a staff of experienced, qualified, accredited child psychologists who have the expertise to provide individuals with psychological assessments and therapy. Our psychologists are highly knowledgeable and have tried and tested theories which are successfully applied to each individual. Contact us today to find out more.
