The Walgett Clinic
The Walgett Clinic runs each Saturday, bringing face to face psychological services to rural and remote New South Wales. The clinic specialises in assessment related to neurodevelopmental disorders, trauma focused cognitive behavioural therapy for children and adolescents, and offers individual therapy for adults who have experienced trauma.
Some services are available under a bulk billing arrangement, please see your GP, or contact Yellow Psychology for more information.
The Walgett Clinic is operated by AHPRA Registered Psychologist Emerson Nottingham (PSY0002698810).
Psychoeducational Assessment
Psychoeducational assessment evaluates cognitive and academic functioning. It may be necessary for individuals who require evidence-based comprehensive assessment to apply for other support and services across education, health and justice.
Assessment is used in the diagnosis of:
- Intellectual Developmental Disorder (Intellectual Disability)
- Specific Learning Disorders in reading, written expression and mathematics (sometimes still referred to as dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia).
Psychoeducational assessment is helpful in understanding an individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses to identify where individualised support may be required.
This assessment is available for individuals from 2 years 6 months, through to 90 years 11 months.
Assessment may include the use of the following evidence based psychometric tools:
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 5th Ed (WISC-V).
-Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th Ed (WAIS-IV).
- Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, 4th Ed (WPPSI-IV).
- Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, 3rd Ed (WIAT-III).
- Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, 3rd Ed.
Behaviour Focused Assessment
Assessment for Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and common co-morbid disorders such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder (CD) and be completed through The Walgett Clinic.
As with other assessment processes, an evidence-based, multi-perspective approach is undertaken to ensure a broad understanding of the child's functioning emerges. Behavioural assessment often occurs alongside psychoeducational assessment.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is available for adults.
Please see your GP for a referral and/or contact the clinic directly to discuss your concerns with Emerson.
Additional Cognitive Assessments
Sometimes it is important to look beyond the standard assessments provided through psychoeducational assessment to gain a broader understanding of an individual's functioning.
Assessment focused on evaluating executive functioning strengths and deficits, memory and behaviour may be required. This can be completed using a range of evidence-based tools relevant to the concern. Individual needs will be discussed though the referral process and clarified during the intake session.
Austism Assessment
Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is undertaken through a neuro-affirming approach, using the Monteiro Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, 2nd Ed (MIGDAS-2).
The MIGDAS-2 utilises sensory-based assessment and multiple perspectives to provide a comprehensive understanding of the individual's functioning across different contexts. The assessment aims to provide a qualitative understanding of an individual's strengths, differences and patterns of relating to the world.
In addition to the MIGDAS-2, quantitative assessment is recommended. This also utilises a multi-perspective approach.
A multidisciplinary approach is considered best practice in the assessment of Autism, which may include an initial GP health assessment, vision and hearing tests, input from speech and occupational therapists and paediatric specialists.
Trauma Focused CBT
Emerson's special area of interest in psychology is complex developmental trauma and it's impact on learning and life outcomes. She is trained in the delivery of Trauma focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) with a focus on children and adolescents.
The effects of trauma on a child's brain can be significant, impacting both structural and functional development. Problems with executive functions such as working memory, planning, motivation, attention, impulse control and behaviour regulation are often seen.
Complex trauma occurs where there is repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic events, particularly those of an interpersonal nature, such as domestic violence, parental substance abuse, or neglect.
TF-CBT is the gold standard intervention for children and adolescents who present with symptoms consistent with complex trauma and those who have experienced a singular traumatic events. The TF-CBT process begins with screening for complex PTSD and PTSD.
Firearms Risk Assessment
Firearms ownership in New South Wales is highly regulated. Following the 1996 Port Arthur Massacare, significant changes to the way firearms are managed occurred, with Australia adopting some of the strictest gun control laws in the world.
A key part of these reforms include the firearms risk assessment. Anyone applying for a firearms licence may be asked to complete an assessment. This process is particularly common where there is a history of mental health, forensic issues, and risk to self or others.
About Emerson
Emerson is a Registered Psychologist (PSY0002698810)
My area of interest in psychology is complex developmental trauma and the impact this has on learning and life outcomes. I have lived experience of complex trauma and come to the space with both clinical knowledge and a genuine understanding. This allows for an empathetic and non-judgemental approach to both assessment and intervention.