Psychological Services
Overview
The aim of the Senior School Psychologists is to promote the psychological health of the school community and to help students flourish academically, socially and emotionally.
The School Psychologists collaborate with teachers, parents and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supporting learning environments that strengthen connections between home and the community for all students.
The School Psychologists provide individual support for students and educational and pastoral support for all staff and families within the school community a short term basis. The delivery of counseling support to students is within ethical and professional obligations. Discussions between School Psychologists and their clients follow guidelines set by the Australian Psychological Society (APS). They often liaise with external professionals or agencies. As registered Psychologists they maintain registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) by fulfilling the required obligations.
Referrals
The pastoral care system in the Senior School is strongly House based. Parents concerned about their son’s social/emotional or educational wellbeing are encouraged to contact their House Head directly.
For more serious issues impacting on a student’s achievement at school and/or their general wellbeing, the School Psychologist may become involved. They work closely with the House Head in areas related with a student’s learning, behavior management and social/emotional health.
Our Senior School Psychologists work with different Houses:
- Jon Marginis works with Alexander, Brisbane and Keys Houses.
- Shauna Lipscombe works with Shearer, St. Andrews and Stuart Houses.
- Chloe Hassell works with Anderson, Cameron, Ferguson and Ross Houses.
Our School Psychologists offer individual support for students on a short term basis and after five sessions if an issue has not been resolved then referral to an outside professional may be recommended.
Occasionally a boys or family may prefer to go directly to the School Psychologist and this is possible in the Senior School by contacting the Personal Assistant in the residence on 9460 6871.
If parents would prefer to access student psychological help outside of Scotch College, the Australian Health Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has a list of registered Psychologists:
http://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practioners.aspx
Resources
Headspace: https://headspace.org.au
Kids Helpline: https://kidshelpline.com.au
Mensline Australia: https://mensline.org.au
Reach Out: https://au.reachout.com
Samaritans Youth: https://www.samaritans.org.au
SANE Australia: https://www.sane.org
Youth Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/young-people/
Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au
Grieflink: https://grieflink.org.au
Online Self Help Programs for Mental Health
Young people often use the internet for help and support, as well as seeking help from parents, friends, teachers and psychologists. online self help programs can help manage mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. These services are free of charge, anonymous and available at all times:
Blue pages: https://bluepages.anu.edu.au
E Couch: https://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome
Mood Gym: https://moodgym.com.au
Cybersafety
Each year Cyber expert Paul Litherland speaks to students, staff and parents in the Senior School on the topic of Cyber Safety.
He covers a wide range of topics and also focusses on appropriate behavior towards others and to keep yourself “safe” online. His website Surf Online Safe can be found at: https://www.surfonlinesafe.com.au