What to look for in a Child & Educational Psychologist

When looking for a Child, Educational and/or Developmental Psychologist it is important to know that you are seeing the right professional for your child. Below are some pointers that may assist you in making the right decision:

•  The Psychologist should be a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). You can recognise that the Psychologist is a member of the APS by the letters MAPS after their name or in their qualifications - Andrew has been a member of the APS for over 15 years. 

• The Psychologist should be a member of the APS College of Educational & Developmental Psychologists. You can recognise that the Psychologist is a member of the College of Educational & Developmental Psychologists by the letters CEDP after their name or in their qualifications - Andrew is a member of the College of Educational & Developmental Psychologists.

• The Psychologist should have the appropriate experience working with toddlers, children and adolescent. Andrew has worked in many different settings before he started his own private practice. This experience includes working in Community Health, Child Care Centres and Schools, Universities and other Private Psychology Practices.  

• It is imperative that the Psychologist is able to establish a rapport with your child and get the most out of your child with an assessment, regardless of whether your child is tired, hungry, anxious, has separation anxiety, has attention difficulties, has social difficulties or is just a bit shy. Andrew has two young children of his own as well as many nieces and nephews, so he is used to (and loves) interacting with young children.

• It is essential that the Psychologist includes full comprehensive reports after your child has had an assessment. Andrew's reports include practical strategies designed for parents and teachers regarding your child's areas of strengths and weaknesses. His reports also include recommendations such as whether a referral to a Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Behavioural Optometrist, Audiologist, specialist Developmental Paediatrician or other professional is appropriate.

• Further information regarding Child and/or Educational and Developmental Psychologists can be found on the APS website. See Educational & Developmental Psychologists