Referrals and resources
School Refusal Program referrals and resources
- Monash Health Early in Life Mental Health Service (ELMHS)
- Monash Health Psychiatric Triage Service - 1300 369 012
- Monash Health Youth and Adolescent Team - +61 3 9767 8274
- Monash Health Psychiatric Triage Service - 1300 369 012
- CatholicCare's Cool2b@school (formerly Centacare)
Private Psychologists
A GP can make a referral under the Better Mental Health Plan for you to access a rebate for psychological services.
We recommend the following psychologists with School Refusal experience:
- Amanda Dudley - Clayton
- + 61 3 9594 1300 (anxiety, depression, school refusal)
- Dr Glenn Melvin - Notting Hill
- + 61 3 9902 4562
- Helen Shepherd - Templestowe
- + 61 3 8850 0456
- Dr Melinda Millar - Surrey Hills
- + 61 403 751 742
Or use the Australian Psychological Society's Find a Pshcyologist online service.
Alternate schooling options
- Alia College (Secondary) - 405 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn East 3123
- Berengarra (Secondary) - 43 Harrison Street, Box Hill North 3129
- Berry Street (Education, Training and Employment) - Gippsland, Morwell, Noble Park, Richmond, Shepparton and Watsonia
- Cheshire School (prep to grade four) - 583 Ferntree Gully Rd, Glen Waverley 3150
- Oakwood School (10 to 18 years) - 1 Camellia Avenue, Noble Park North 3174
Helpful Books
For families
Aisbett, B (various) Living with It book series (books on anxiety and panic attacks). Harper Collins Publishers.
Kearney, C (2007) Getting Your Child to Say "Yes" to School. New York: Oxford University Press.
Rapee, R, Spence, S, Wignall, A and Cobham, V (2008) Helping Your Anxious Child: A Step by Step Guide for Parents (2nd Edition). Oakland, California: New Harbinger.
Wever, C (1994) The School Wobblies. Sydney: Shrink Rap Press.
For professionals
Heyne, D and Rollings, S (2002) School Refusal. Oxford: British Psychological Society and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Hidson, J, Rapee, R, Schniering, C and Wignall, A (2000) Treating Anxious Children and Adolescents: An Evidence-Based Approach. Oakland, California: New Harbinger.
Kearney, C and Albano, A (2007) When Children Refuse School: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach Therapist Guide (Treatments That Work). New York: Oxford University Press.
Kearney, C (2008) Helping School Refusing Children and Their Parents: A Guide for School-based Professionals. New York: Oxford University Press.
King, N, Ollendick, T and Tonge, B (1995) School Refusal: Assessment and Treatment. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Youth Mental Health Websites - General Information
General Parent/Family Support
Phone lines
- Parent Line - 13 22 89
- Carers Victoria - 1800 242 636
- Kids Help Line (24hr service) - 1800 551 800
- Lifeline (24hr service) - 13 11 14