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When a child is struggling, families often do not know which service to approach. Here are practical first steps and questions about suitability.

Unsure where to turn

When a child seems to be having a hard time, parents and carers on the Northern Beaches can feel lost about which service to contact, or how to put the changes into words. That uncertainty is common. A practical first step is to jot down what you are noticing and ask for guidance about a suitable local assessment.

What to record

Brief notes over a few weeks can help any professional understand the picture. Consider changes in:

• sleep, appetite or energy;
• school attendance, participation or friendships;
• relationships at home;
• mood, behaviour or interest in usual activities.

Starting with the right professional

Your GP or another appropriate local health professional is a sensible first point of contact. They can consider physical causes, discuss options and refer to paediatric or child and adolescent mental health services where needed. If there are immediate safety concerns, seek urgent help.

Services are not one size fits all

Support built for grown-ups cannot simply be assumed to work for a young person. Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, also has psychotherapy training and provides psychological support sessions at the Freshwater clinic, which serves families from Balgowlah and Manly. If you are thinking of talking with her, ask:

• whether her psychotherapy work is suitable for your child's age;
• how parents or carers would be involved;
• whether a specialist assessment is needed first or alongside.

Christine can help you think about whether her service fits, or whether another option would suit your child's needs more closely.

Agreeing on a direction

Any support should reflect what matters to your child and family. Talk about what you hope to understand, what feels hardest and how progress might be recognised, and ask how the approach will be revisited if things change.

Looking after yourself, too

Supporting a struggling child can be exhausting. Bringing your notes to your GP, or to a first conversation at the Freshwater clinic, shares the load and helps ensure the help your child receives is shaped around them.