▪️What is the difference between a child and adolescent psychiatrist and an educational psychologist?
A child and adolescent psychiatrist prescribe medication and psycho-educate the child, teenager, young adult and the family. Educational psychology is a category within professional psychology that focuses on alleviating emotional, learning, academic, intellectual, behavioural, social and developmental difficulties in children and young people within the systems in which they function including families, schools, peer groups etcetera, thereby providing extensive support and psychological services to any role-player which may support the child, teenager and young adult’s optimal functioning. This may include family-based intervention, teacher support and learning support. In addition, educational psychologists enhance the vocational development of children and adults. With regards to individual adults, the educational psychologist can provide expert knowledge and skills with regards to learning and developmental difficulties across the lifespan. Furthermore, there is an emphasis to promote the well-being of families, groups, organisations and communities.
Educational psychologists and child and adolescent psychiatrists often treat the same conditions, each from their own scope of practice. In many cases, a combination of both treatments is best. For instance, if a child was diagnosed with depression or anxiety the child and adolescent psychiatrist could prescribe medication and the educational psychologist could intervene by assessing if the child developed learning delays as a result of the depression or anxiety, making appropriate recommendations and by teaching the child ways to cope and providing emotional support.
▪️What services are offered?
Psychometric testing (school readiness, learning difficulties, learning support, career and subject choice assessment) and emotional and psychological support (therapy, parental guidance and life management) are offered. Please refer to the section “Services offered” for a more in detail explanation.
▪️What is covered in an assessment?
It depends on what is assessed as there are many kinds of assessments such as psycho-educational, school readiness, subject choice, career, school placement and accommodations or concessions assessments. For example, the following are typically covered in a psycho-educational assessment:
▪️What kind of emotional therapy is offered?
Cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical therapy, play therapy, filial therapy, art therapy, narrative therapy, humanistic therapy, solution focused brief therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, emotion focused therapy, emotional regulation therapy, social skills training, grief counselling, bereavement therapy and parent training are offered.
▪️What kind of learning or academic support is offered?
Executive functioning skills training, study skills training, exam anxiety management and educational therapy are offered.
▪️How much does it cost?
The first appointment is R1600 for cash-paying clients, or the applicable medical aid rate for clients on medical aid. Further costs will depend on the nature of the sessions for instance assessment, therapy or parental guidance. A written quotation can be provided prior to commencement at request.
▪️How does payment work?
For cash paying clients or clients not using their medical aid, an EFT of 50% of the amount must be made the day before consultation and the balance is due on the day of consultation, or as specified in the quotation. Practice fees are in line with most medical aid rates. Arrangements can be made so that the practice claims directly from your medical aid.
▪️How many sessions will be needed?
The number of sessions will depend on the nature of the sessions. Typically, assessments entail 4-6 sessions (depending on various factors such as the client’s age, ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time, requirements of the educational institution etcetera). Therapy may vary between 10 and 20 sessions.
▪️What is the process?
The first appointment is called the intake interview to obtain background information and takes at average one to one and a half hours. Thereafter, duration and frequency of sessions are agreed upon as per individual needs and may vary between 45 minutes and two hours per session. Information on how to prepare for sessions will be communicated as per individual needs. If the client is a young child, the first appointment is with parents only. Thereafter, sessions for the child are scheduled. After the applicable number of sessions, the parents are seen again at a feedback interview to discuss applicable information, to offer parental guidance and to make appropriate recommendations.
▪️What do I tell my child?
Explain to your child that he or she is going for a check-up, almost like when you go to the optometrist to check your eyes. Just, in this case the therapist will be checking how he or she is doing regarding feelings, learning and developing. Be mindful of using terms such as teacher or doctor, as these terms might provoke anxiety with some children. Therefore, it is recommended to use the term therapist. In the case of therapy for young children, have look at my video
Parenting can be challenging, especially in the face of tantrums or misbehaviour. Remember that children are still learning and growing. Responding with patience rather than frustration sets a powerful example.
Elizabeth’s extensive experience as an educational psychologist, coupled with her passion for supporting the mental and emotional well-being of individuals, makes her a trusted professional in this field.
Cell: 083 539 8475
Address: 17A/B Ground Floor, Medgate Centre,
Corner Kingfisher and Pheasant Street,
Helderkruin, Roodepoort,
1724
© 2025 Elizabeth Bezuidenhout
