Paediatric Consultation Liaison

Who we are

The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Paediatric Consultation Liaison (PCL) team at PCH provides mental health and wellbeing support for inpatients and outpatients (and their families) who are receiving treatment for physical health issues.

The team comprises of:

  • child and adolescent psychiatrists
  • psychiatric and paediatric registrars
  • clinical psychologists
  • a clinical neuropsychologist
  • consultation liaison mental health nurse specialists
  • clinical mental health nurses
We understand that childhood illnesses, medical conditions and mental health are closely linked. Consistent, quality mental health care will help your child or teenager to cope and adjust better to their treatment. We aim to provide specialist support to help you, your child and your family manage the emotional and psychological demands of lifelong illness.

Services we provide

The PCL team works with other hospital teams to ensure that the assessment and treatment of patients is comprehensive, timely, responsive and effective.

We provide:

  • Assessment, counselling or therapy to support babies, children and teenagers.
  • Parent support, advice and guidance in managing children's emotional, mental health and behavioural needs.
  • Support for families affected by the impact of their child's medical diagnosis and being in hospital.
  • In-home support.
  • Referral to and/or liaison with other resources within the hospital or in the community.

When you are referred to our service you will be seen by a clinician who is trained and accredited in child, adolescent and family mental health.

The clinician will talk with your referring doctor or other clinical staff who have been caring for your child. The clinician may also ask for permission to talk with other people who are important in your child's life such as their GP, school staff, other doctors and therapists.

After your child's first assessment, the clinician will talk with you and with your child's PCH treating team about their assessment findings. They will then discuss a treatment plan or other actions with you to ensure your child's needs are met. We may recommend some treatment by the PCL team or we may suggest other agencies for treatment and support where appropriate.

The PCL team provides psychological and emotional assistance to help patients and families transition from hospital to home and from home to hospital. This may include appointments when your child is in hospital or after your child has been discharged.

How to refer

Referrals are internal only. Inpatient and outpatient referrals (for patients aged up to 18) are accepted from PCH medical and surgical consultants. Each referral is allocated to a health professional in the PCL team who will make an initial assessment and provide the appropriate service.
 
All Specialist Rooms, GP’s and WACHS referrers are being advised to direct all non-urgent referrals for PCH outpatient services to the Central Referral Service.   

Hours

Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5.00pm

Location

Outpatients: Clinic K, Level 2 (take the Pink Lifts)

View the PCH map for more information.

Contact us

Phone: 6456 0279

Fax: 6456 2305 

Related links

Mental Health inpatient unit (Ward 5A) 

Gender Diversity Service