Specialist Programs

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) includes teams for the entire southern region.

Specialist Neuropsychiatry Assessment Paediatric Program (SNAPP)

The SNAPP Program aims to identify, assess, assist and monitor young children (3-9 years) with both emotional / behavioural difficulties and associated neurodevelopmental difficulty (eg speech / language cognitive, motor / coordination difficulties).

SNAPP targets children aged between 3 and 9 years and children displaying: -

  • Significant behaviour difficulties (eg poor socialisation with aggression, withdrawal or solation)
  • Poor impulsive control and inattention
  • Anxiety
  • Low self esteem with disturbed mood

Together with at least two of the following:-

  • Speech / language delay
  • Cognitive delay or learning difficulty (eg reading, writing, spelling)
  • Fine or gross motor difficulties
  • Coordination problems
  • Other signs of neurodevelopmental immaturity (eg motor restlessness or inattention)
  • Medical problems eg encopresis, grommets, febrile or other convulsions.

Generally, the presenting concerns will indicate some mild impairment which contributes significantly to the behaviour and developmental difficulties.
 

The Team:
The team consists of one of the following disciplines:-

  • Occupational Therapist
  • Child Psychiatrist
  • Neuropsychologist
  • Speech Pathologist

For further inquiries please contact:

The Coordinator
Specialist Neuropsychiatry Assessment Paediatric Program
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service
Monash Medical Centre
246 Clayton Road,
Clayton, Vic. 3168
Tel: 613 9594 1300
Fax: 613 9594 6333

 

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Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) & Tourettes Clinic
The function of the committee is being reviewed.

Check back later for updates.

 

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Clinic:
Obsessive - compulsive disorder is characterised by repeated, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant distress and anxiety. Such thoughts may concern contamination or harm to others. These thoughts are usually accompanied by engaging in repetitive behaviours (compulsions) aimed at reducing the anxiety or distress. Such behaviours may include excessive words, or arranging and touching objects in a certain way.

The obsessions and compulsions can be extremely time-consuming for the young person, interfering with the child's social and educational development. As it is a difficult problem to manage, obsessive - compulsive disorder creates stress for parents and school teachers.

The program:
The goal of the program is to help young people aged 8 to 17 years more effectively manage obsessive - compulsive disorder. The program is cost-free and consist of three phases: assessment, treatment and follow-up.

Assessment:
Information is gathered by telephone and interview to determine the suitability of the program for the young persona and his/her family. Information is collected from the family, school and other relevant sources in order to specify the problem(s) and determine the appropriate form of assistance.

Treatment:
  • Equipping the young person with skills to more effectively manage obsessions and compulsions;
  • Providing education for families and advising parents about managing their child's behaviour;

  • In some instances, medication may be prescribed to reduce anxiety levels.

Contact with other service providers (eg., teachers or GPs) can assist in the management of obsessive - compulsive disorder.

Follow-up:
A progress review occurs three months after treatment. This involves meeting with the child and parent(s) / caregiver(s) to assess improvement and change.

How to refer:
For referrals, appointments or further information, please contact:

OCD Coordinator

Monash Medical Centre

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service

246 Clayton Road,

Clayton, Vic. 3168

Tel: 613 9594 1300

Fax: 613 9594 6333

 

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Monash Autism Program (MAP)

The MAP provides a multidisciplinary assessment and diagnosis program for children who are suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder.

What do we offer?
Whenever a child with developmental problems is suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder it is essential that there is an adequate assessment.

MAP is a multidisciplinary team which provides a complete assessment covering the following:

  • Communication assessment
  • Cognitive assessment
  • Behavioural observations
  • Child psychiatry consultation
  • Multidisciplinary case conference
  • Follow up visits
  • Reviews
  • School consultation

Who is in the program?

  • Psychologist

  • Speech Pathologist

  • Special Educator

  • Consultant Child Psychiatrist

Each child suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder is given a comprehensive, individual assessment by program members. Assessment is usually a three stage process, each appointment taking approximately 2 hours.

Family / Screening Interview
  • Conducted by the Coordinator and enabling a thorough developmental and family history and detailed description of the child's behaviour by the parents. It is also an opportunity to observe the child informally, without the demands of formal testing.
Formal Assessment
  • Psychology, speech pathology and education perspective operate in consent. Parents observe from an adjoining "screen room".
Feedback / Diagnosis / Recommendations

  • The Child Psychiatrist and team members provide feedback, answer questions and discuss recommendations.

A comprehensive written report is provided at the conclusion of assessment and follow up as required, to ensure the child is placed in an appropriate program and the family receiving the necessary supports.

Referrals:
Referrals can be made by parents, carers, medical practitioners or professionals from agencies such as the Department of Education, Employment & Training (DE&T), Department of Human Services (DHS) and Early Intervention programs.

It is necessary however, for the child to have been seen by a Paediatrician prior to entering the Monash Autism Program.

The Monash Autism Program follows the assessment guidelines and protocols for the identification of autism spectrum disorders as recommended by the National Autism Association (Australia) and Autism Victoria.

For more information, please contact:

The Coordinator
Monash Autism Program
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service
246 Clayton Road,
Clayton, Vic.  3168
Tel: 613 9594 1300
Fax: 613 9594 6333

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Consultation Liaison (CL)

When people are diagnosed with a serious physical illness, it can often affect their mental health. It can become difficult to think about anything other than the illness, how it might affect you, your quality of life and your family and friends. Negative thoughts can be overwhelming and may lead to depression and other mental health problems. For this reason, Consultation Liaison Clinicians are employed by CAMHS to provide assessments, support and recommendations for young people and their families when requested by the Paediatric Units within Southern Health. Team members are also attached to specific units within the Paediatric Program, such as Adolescent and General Paediatrics, Oncology, Renal, and also the Accident and Emergency Department.

The CL team perform a number of different tasks, but the main one that would directly involve you is known as Primary Consultation . This is where a consultation liaison clinician will meet with you and your family to ask questions about how you’re feeling and what’s been happening in your life. Based on your responses and what they observe, they will then make an assessment of your mental health needs and recommend any extra support you may need.

Secondary Consultation does not involve meeting with you face to face. In this case a CL clinician would meet with your treating team (including doctor/s nurses and allied health staff). They may have concerns about how your illness is affecting your emotional health, and whether you might need extra support from a mental health clinician. After discussing with the consultation liaison clinician what they’ve observed and what’s concerning them, the CL member may like to meet with you and your family, or they may recommend another course of action.

Consultation liaison clinicians are available throughout Southern Health.

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To contact us email to: camhs@southernhealth.org.au