July 2005

New psychiatric support for young people

The Alfred Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service has established a weekly Paediatric Organic Psychiatry (POP) Clinic, aiming to meet the psychiatric needs of young people with medical and biological issues.

A range of psychiatric or behavioural problems can be referred to the clinic.

These include those related to neurological disorders—epilepsy, Tourettes, Huntingtons Chorea, cerebral palsy—acquired brain injuries, metabolic disorders, medical syndromes and genetic disorders and chronic medical and surgical conditions.

The clinic has been established by consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Beate Harrison to cater for young people and their families in the community—who may not have specialised support—to help with their development.

The clinic, which incorporates specialists in neuropsychology, child and adolescent psychiatry and child and adolescent health, offers primary consultation around diagnosis and assistance with treatment planning as well as ongoing case management for clients within the Alfred catchment area.

Referrals from GPs can be made to this clinic.

For more information call 8552 0555.