Child & adolescent psychiatry — family-inclusive by design.
A holistic, respectful approach to children's and adolescents' mental health. Comprehensive assessment, biopsychosocial formulation, and a treatment plan that includes the family — not just the symptom.
With nearly 20 years of experience across child, adolescent and adult psychiatry — including as a Child & Adolescent Consultant Psychiatrist (staff specialist) at CAMHS, Westmead Hospital — I support families through comprehensive psychiatric assessment, diagnosis and an integrated treatment plan.
Young children are best supported when the whole family understands the assessment and the formulation. That's why I work hard to make the picture clear: why this is happening, what's contributing to it, and what will help.
Five things that shape every plan.
- 01 ·
Biopsychosocial lens
Mental health emerges from biological, psychological, social and cultural factors. The treatment plan reflects all of them — not just one.
- 02 ·
Family-inclusive work
Children don't grow up in isolation. Wherever possible, the work includes parents, carers and siblings — so the family becomes part of the solution.
- 03 ·
Early intervention
The earlier we identify and address what's happening, the better the outcome. I'm passionate about catching things before they escalate.
- 04 ·
Careful assessment
A comprehensive psychiatric assessment for children generally takes 3 appointments. I'd rather take the time than rush a diagnosis that shapes the rest of childhood.
- 05 ·
Medication only when necessary
Many parents worry about medication. I prescribe only when appropriate, and very rarely for children under six. The focus stays on psychotherapy and family-based work.
What the plan typically includes.
- Individual, group, or family psychotherapy
- Medication review or initiation where clinically warranted
- Consultation with paediatricians, GPs, allied health and other treating clinicians
- Engagement with schools — including teachers, learning support and counsellors
- Play therapy for younger children where talking-only doesn't fit
- Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) for adolescents and parents
What I see most often.
- Anxiety, including school refusal
- Depression and low mood
- ADHD assessment and treatment
- Autism spectrum assessment (ADOS-2 and ADI-R)
- Giftedness and twice-exceptionality
- Behavioural difficulties
- Sleep difficulties
- Trauma and adjustment
- Parent-child relationship difficulties
- Mood instability in adolescence
Two Sydney clinics, plus telehealth Australia-wide.
Blue Fig Clinic
Level 5, 235 Macquarie Street
Sydney NSW 2000
02 7202 7061
reception@bluefig.clinic
Dolphin Tribe
Unit 4, 1 Railway Street
Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
02 7202 7747
reception@dolphintribe.com.au
Telehealth
Secure video psychotherapy across Australia. Selected psychiatric follow-ups by telehealth where appropriate.
Enquire →Worried about your child or teen?
Referrals welcomed from GPs, paediatricians and schools. Request an initial assessment through either clinic.
See clinic details