Preparing for Your Child’s First Psychology Appointment

What to bring

Bring information that is relevant to the question, rather than every document your child has ever received. Useful items may include:

• a short timeline of concerns and important family or developmental events
• medical, developmental or previous psychological reports
• school reports, learning plans and selected work samples
• a current medication list and details of relevant health conditions
• information about previous strategies, services and outcomes
• the names of professionals or educators who may hold useful information
• your child’s questions, preferences and concerns about attending.

Information from a teacher or another professional should only be requested or shared through an agreed consent process. If a report is lengthy, identify the pages most relevant to the current question.

How to explain the appointment to your child

Use plain, neutral language and tell the truth. You might say, “We’re meeting a psychologist who helps children and families understand problems and work out useful next steps. They will ask us questions and you can ask questions too.”

Avoid presenting the appointment as punishment, telling the child they need to be “fixed” or promising that nothing uncomfortable will be discussed. Do not promise a diagnosis or a particular result. Let the child know:

• where the appointment will happen and approximately how long it will take
• who is likely to be there
• that there are no right answers to ordinary conversation
• that they can say when they do not understand or need a break
• that the psychologist will explain privacy and its limits.

Younger children may benefit from drawing the plan, viewing a photo of the clinic or bringing a familiar object. Teenagers may want more privacy and a direct explanation of what information will and will not be shared with parents. Ask the psychologist how confidentiality is handled for the child’s age, capacity and circumstances.

What may happen in the first session

The Australian Psychological Society explains that first sessions commonly focus on background, what prompted support and questions about treatment and confidentiality. Questionnaires may be used, but the exact process varies.

A child and family appointment may explore:

• the child’s strengths, interests and relationships
• developmental, family, health and education history
• current emotions, behaviour, learning and daily functioning
• stressors, culture, identity and the family’s support network
• safety, including self-harm or other immediate risks when relevant
• goals and options for next steps.

The psychologist may recommend consultation, therapy, formal assessment, another professional or a period of monitoring. Formal assessment is a separate process designed around a defined question. It may involve interviews, observations, questionnaires, standardised tasks and information from school or other professionals. One observation, questionnaire or test score should not be treated as a complete explanation.

Quirky Kid’s educational assessment, developmental assessment and behaviour and ADHD assessment pages explain how different questions require different evidence. An assessment cannot guarantee a diagnosis, funding, school adjustments or eligibility for another service.

Consent and participation

Informed consent is an ongoing process, not simply a form. Families should receive understandable information about the proposed service, possible benefits and limitations, alternatives, privacy, costs and how information will be used. Children should be supported to participate in decisions in a way that fits their development and decision-making capacity.

Ask for clarification if a recommendation is unclear. It is reasonable to ask why a particular assessment or treatment is proposed, what other options exist, how progress will be reviewed and what happens if the service is not the right fit.

Questions to ask before leaving

• What is your current understanding of the concern?
• Is more information needed before deciding on a plan?
• What are the recommended options, benefits, limitations and costs?
• Who will be involved and how will information be shared?
• How will my child’s goals and feedback be included?
• What should we do if symptoms worsen or there is a safety concern?
• When will we review whether the plan is helping?

A productive first appointment may end with clearer questions rather than a final answer. The relationship also matters. A 2023 meta-analysis of 99 studies found small associations between child or parent therapeutic alliance and outcomes. This does not prove that rapport alone causes improvement, but it supports checking whether the child and family feel heard, understand the plan and can raise concerns.

When urgent support is needed

A routine appointment is not suitable for an immediate safety crisis. If a child is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) or attend the nearest hospital emergency department. For crisis support in Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 for children and young people aged 5 to 25.

How Quirky Kid can help

Quirky Kid psychologists provide child and family consultations and several forms of psychological assessment. The appropriate pathway depends on the referral question, the child’s needs and service suitability. Read about child and family psychology consultations or contact Quirky Kid before booking if you are unsure where to begin.

Key points for parents

• Explain the appointment honestly and without blame.
• Bring focused background information and the child’s strengths.
• Expect the first session to clarify concerns, goals and options.
• Remember that consultation, therapy and formal assessment are different processes.
• Ask about consent, privacy, costs, information sharing and review points.

This article provides general educational information and does not replace individual medical, legal or psychological advice.