MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FORCHILDREN PARENTS AND CARERS

Mental wellbeing is important for every child’s development. In fact, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has found 1 in 5 children aged 4 to 11 experienced mental health disorders.

If you’re a parent or carer of a child facing emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges, you may be wondering what you can do to help them. The good news is, having the right tools can make a big difference to the wellbeing of the whole family.

Below are programs and resources to help give children and carers the tools to support and promote mental wellbeing.

Some of these are free for everyone, others we can provide to eligible HCF members at a reduced cost or no cost. 

MANAGE BIG FEELINGS WITH CALM KID CENTRAL

Do you have concerns about your child's:

• negative emotions, thoughts and self-esteem?
• friendships and family relationships?
• ability to listen, follow instructions and manage frustrations?
• coping skills at both school and home?

If you answered yes to most of these questions, Calm Kid Central may be a useful program for you and your child.

Calm Kid Central is an online educational and support program for parents and kids aged 4 to 11 with big feelings and emotional challenges.

The program includes:

• online courses, games, video lessons and activities, to help children understand and better manage their feelings, act in positive ways, develop good friendships and manage challenging life situations
• fast and easy access to a team of experienced child psychologists in an online forum setting, who will answer unlimited relevant questions from parents and caregivers
• videos and articles to help parents know what to say and how to support their child emotionally.

These tools are aimed at teaching children to act bravely and confidently, behave in positive ways, develop good friendships and manage tough life situations.

HCF members with hospital or extras cover can access Calm Kid Central for free (excludes Overseas Visitors Health Cover).

ACCESS VIDEO COUNSELLING WITH PSYCH2U

To give you and your family quick and easy access to appropriate mental health support, eligible HCF members^* can access a free annual HCF HealthyMinds Check-in with a PSYCH2U psychologist.

Book your free HealthyMinds Check-in at a time that suits you, with appointments available Monday to Friday, 7am to 10pm (AEST/AEDT) and some weekend availability.

Another option for parents is to enrol in online treatment programs through This Way Up⁺, a not-for-profit initiative developed by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, to help you take control of your mental wellbeing today.

Clinically proven to help, the programs understand and improve mental challenges like stress, insomnia, worry, anxiety and depression.

The programs are available free of charge when prescribed by a clinician. Your provider will register with This Way Up and refer you to an appropriate online program under their supervision.

Alternatively, you can access the programs without a supervising clinician for $59 per program. Depending on your extras cover, we'll cover the cost of eligible programs up to your annual limit.

There are also a wide range of practical resources and coping tools for consumers and clinicians available at no cost.