Calm Kids Group Therapy Program

What and Who:
Calm Kids is a 13 session skills based group program for children in Grades 3-6, for 2010. The program is being run by Katy Vidler, Clinical Psychologist. This program would suit children who have difficulties with worry, anxiety, depression, low mood, stress, adjustment, self-esteem, or any child who would like to become more calm and peaceful. The cognitive and behavioural skills development will include: Stress reduction skills for body and mind; Mindfulness-based skills; Breathing skills; Listening and concentration skills; Social skills; Empowering visualisation skills; Relaxation skills; Self-knowledge and Emotion regulation skills.

Where and When:
Calm Kids will be held at Southside Health and Wellbeing, 12 The Avenue Hurstville, beginning with a parents only session on Thursday February 18, at 4.15 pm. All 13 sessions will run for 90 minutes from 4.15 to 5.45 pm on a Thursday. The program will run across 2 school terms, but not during school holidays.

The 2010 dates are:
18/2 (parents only), 25/2, 4/3, 11/3, 18/3, 25/3, 1/4 (School Holidays Break), 22/4, 29/4, 6/5, 13/5, 20/5, 27/5. 

Financial Investment:
The cost of the group program is $69.00 per session. A non-refundable payment for the first 7 sessions is due prior to the start date, a total of $483.00. A non-refundable payment for the second 6 sessions will be due prior to the 7^th session, a total of $414.00. Payment may be made by cash, cheque or Eftpos at Reception.

Medicare Rebate:
For children referred by their GP under Medicare, a rebate of $29.90 is available for all attended child sessions, resulting in a gap of $39.10 per session. Please note that Medicare do not rebate missed sessions or the parent only session.

Who Is eligible for a referral under Medicare?
Children with a diagnosis of a mental disorder made following assessment by a GP. Examples include anxiety disorders, mood disorders (eg depression, dysthymia), stress or adjustment disorders, or ADHD. Please note that your child does not need to have a diagnosis to attend the group. Any child may attend, however the Medicare rebate is available only for diagnosed children referred by their GP. If your child is already having individual therapy under Medicare they are also eligible for 12 group sessions at the same time.  Please note that following the 6^th child session, children will need to return to their GP for a review for ongoing referral for the remaining group sessions.

Private Health Rebates:
For those not referred under Medicare, you may be able to obtain a rebate through your private health insurance, depending on your level of cover. Please contact your Insurer for further details.

Receipting methods:
Due to the attendance requirements of Medicare, a general receipt will be supplied at the time of initial payment. This will not be able to be used to claim the Medicare rebate. Medicare specific receipts will be available at each attended session.

To REGISTER:
Places are limited to a maximum of 8 children, with priority given to the first to register and pay. If you would like to enrol your child, please contact Southside Health and Wellbeing on 9579 2480. Please note that a brief telephone interview will occur to determine the suitability of the group for your child, except in cases where children are referred by a psychologist at Southside.