Understanding High Needs Cases at the Quirky Kid Clinic

Introduction

At the Quirky Kid Clinic, we understand that every child and family situation is unique. We take pride in providing individualised care that meets your needs, history, and goals. Sometimes, certain cases require additional support and resources to ensure the best possible outcomes. We classify these as High Needs (HN) cases.

1. Separation and Divorce Situations

   Cases involving parental separation or divorce where there are communication challenges or conflicts between parents or caretakers. We understand these situations can be particularly challenging for children and require careful management to ensure their wellbeing.

2. Multiple Diagnoses and Agency Involvement

   Cases involving multiple family members with diagnoses or requiring coordination with several agencies often require additional coordination and communication to ensure comprehensive care.

3. Complex Development and Sensitive Matters

   Situations involving complex developmental delays, sensitive matters such as abuse, or circumstances involving violence. These cases require particularly careful handling and often need coordination with other support services.

4. Legal Proceedings

   Cases that currently involve legal proceedings or where legal involvement is anticipated. These situations require additional documentation and careful management of communications.

5. High-Risk Situations

   Cases involving risk management concerns, such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, or other situations requiring increased monitoring and support. These cases often need more frequent communication and closer monitoring between sessions.

6. Complex Family Dynamics

   Cases involving multiple family members, blended families, or situations where family dynamics significantly impact the therapeutic process may require additional family sessions and coordination between family members.

Additional Support and Resources

Our team implements extra measures to ensure thorough and appropriate care when managing high-needs cases. This typically includes:

Our psychologists engage in additional peer or external supervision to ensure the best possible support for your child. We also conduct thorough literature reviews and research to inform our approach to your situation.

We dedicate additional time to case planning and review outside of your regular sessions. This allows us to monitor progress and carefully adjust our approach as needed.

Your case may require more extensive record-keeping and communication with other stakeholders involved in your child's care. We ensure all relevant parties are appropriately informed and involved.

Understanding the Billing Structure

High-needs cases are billed at 1.5 times our standard consultation rate. This higher rate allows us to schedule dedicated time after each session for essential additional work, including:

• Detailed clinical notes and documentation
• Research specific to your child's situation
• Peer supervision discussions
• External supervision when needed
• Coordination with other involved professionals

Sometimes, we assign a dedicated case manager to work alongside your psychologist. The case manager's time is billed separately, and our current schedule of fees outlines the exact hourly rates for both services.

We are committed to transparency in our billing practices and will always discuss these arrangements with you.

How We Identify High Needs Case

We may identify a case as High Needs at different stages:

1. During the initial intake call
2. After your first consultation with a psychologist
3. During the course of intervention, if circumstances change

When a case is identified as High Needs, we will provide written notification at least seven business days before the classification change takes effect. This notice period ensures you have time to discuss concerns or make necessary arrangements.

However, please keep in mind that when additional support is required for optimal care, the High Needs classification may need to be implemented as soon as the need is identified.

We will always let you know if your case is classified as High Needs and work together to determine the best approach for your child's ongoing care.

Support for All Families

We recognise that the additional costs associated with High-Needs cases may present challenges for some families. If financial constraints make engaging with or continuing our services difficult, our team will work with you to identify suitable alternative intervention options. We are committed to ensuring your child receives appropriate ongoing support through our clinic or other suitable services.

Please discuss any concerns about the High Needs classification with our team. We are here to support you, and your child find the most appropriate and accessible care options for your situation.