Finding A Private Therapist

Disclaimer: This information sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

How Do I Find a Private Therapist?

If you are looking for a private therapist for your child, it is a good idea to discuss this with the Brain Injury Team as they can assist you with finding someone who is suitably qualified and experienced in paediatric rehabilitation. You can also:

• Look in the Yellow Pages under alphabetical listing for `Physiotherapy', `Occupational Therapy', `Speech Pathology' and `Clinical Psychology'.
• Ring the professional association for a listing.

Speech Pathology Australia
Concord Medical Centre
Phone: (02) 9743 0013
www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
email: office@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Australian Physiotherapy Association - Private Practitioners Group
Phone: (02) 8748 1555
www.physiotherapy.asn.au
email: nsw.branch@physiotherapy.asn.au

OT Australia NSW
Phone: (02) 9808 1822
www.otausnsw.org.au
email: aaotnsw@ozemail.com.au

Australian Psychological Society
The APS College of Clinical Psychologists
Phone: 1800 333 497
www.bhs.mq.edu.au/aps

What Information Should I Give a Therapist?

• Your name and your relationship to the child/adolescent.
• What medical issue has affected your child (eg. brain injury).
• Why you want therapy for your child (eg. help his walking, handwriting is poor, finds it hard to explain things).
• What your goals are for your child.
• Tell the therapist that your child is involved with the Brain Injury Service of The Children's Hospital at Westmead. Give them the name of your child's doctor and any therapists who have seen your child before.
• Pass on reports that you have if/when you see the therapist.

What Questions Should I Ask?

• Have you worked with children with a brain injury before? What other therapy experience do you have? Have you worked with children with similar needs to my child?
• What age range do you see for therapy?
• Are you willing to work with the therapist from the Brain Injury Service?
• Are you able to visit my child at their school?
• Can you see my child at home? Do you treat on weekends?
• What is expected of me and my family to support the therapy? (eg home program)
• What will services cost? (Reports? Assessments? Treatment? Travel?)
• Do you provide written reports to me? Insurer? School? Brain Injury Service?
• How often could you provide therapy? When could you begin therapy?

Tips to Remember

• It's OK to look around until you find someone who you are comfortable with.
• You may need to look out of your local area.
• The Brain Injury Service can assist with finding a suitable professional.

Rehabilitation Department The Children's Hospital at Westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145 Tel: (02) 9845 2132 - Fax: (02) 9845 0685 http://www.chw.edu.au/rehabilitation/