Child Mental Health Resources — Guides & FAQs from a Child Guidance Clinic
You have questions? Every parent does
Here are some resources that you can look at. Articles from our child psychologists, child psychiatrists and therapists, and answers to what parents ask us most.
Expert advice on child mental health and development
Written by the child psychiatrists, child psychologists, speech and occupational therapists, and special educators on our team. These are practical, jargon-free, and built around what parents actually ask us.
Questions parents ask a child psychologist most often
Practical answers about assessments, therapy sessions, fees and appointments, so you know what to expect before you call or book.
Yes. For children with a documented learning disability or other eligible condition, we provide the assessments and reports needed to apply for accommodations such as extra time, a scribe/writer, or modified exam formats. We can also coordinate directly with your child's school.
Depending on the type, assessments may take one to three sessions. Detailed reports are usually shared within 4–7 working days after the final session.
Yes. You receive a detailed report with findings, diagnosis (if applicable), and clear recommendations. Reports can be used for school accommodations, board exam concessions (where applicable), and medical records.
Not always. Share the existing report with us — our team will review it and only recommend a re-assessment if it's outdated or incomplete, for planning therapy.
A diagnosis is not a label — it's a map. It helps us understand exactly how your child learns and what support they need. Many parents tell us that the diagnosis brought relief and direction, without being a limitation.
We offer developmental assessments, autism screenings, diagnostic evaluations, ADHD assessments, IQ and cognitive testing, learning disability (LD) assessments, career counselling, personality tests, speech and language evaluations, occupational therapy assessments, and behavioural/emotional evaluations.
No — the goal of therapy is independence. Every plan is designed to build skills your child carries with them, with a clear path to discharge.
Some late talkers catch up; others need support. There's no way to know which group your child is in without an evaluation. A speech assessment either reassures you or gets help started early — both are wins.
Yes, all of our branches offer session packages that make regular therapy more convenient in terms of logistics. Ask your branch coordinator for details.
Fees vary by service and branch. Please contact your nearest branch for the current fee structure — our team will explain everything upfront, with no hidden charges.
Cash, Card, UPI, and other digital payment modes are accepted at all branches.
Coverage for therapy services varies widely by insurer and policy. We provide detailed receipts and reports that you can submit for reimbursement; please check the specifics with your insurance provider.
No. You can book directly, no referral from a pediatrician or school is needed. Many families come to us as their first step after noticing something at home.
The first visit is a detailed evaluation, not a therapy session. A clinician will talk through your child's history, current concerns, and what you're seeing at home and school. By the end, you'll have a clearer picture of what's going on and what the next steps look like. It could be formal testing or assessments, therapy, or just reassurance.
Most therapy programmes start at 2–3 sessions per week and taper as the child progresses. Medical management follow-ups are usually monthly at first, then less frequent. We'll discuss a realistic schedule that works for your family.
ICGC is a multidisciplinary child development centre. Under one roof, we offer: - Speech & Language Therapy — for speech delay, unclear speech, mis-articulation, stammering, and communication difficulties - Occupational Therapy (OT) — for ASD, ADHD, sensory processing issues, motor skills, handwriting, attention, and daily living skills - Behaviour Therapy / ABA-based intervention — for autism, ADHD, emotional/behavioural challenges, and skill-building - Psychological Counselling — for anxiety, emotional difficulties, personality concerns, school refusal, and teen mental health - Special Education / Remedial Education — for learning disabilities, slow learners, ASD, and academic support - Child & Adolescent Psychiatry — for diagnosis and medication management where needed - Early Intervention Programs — for infants and toddlers with developmental delays - Parent Training & Guidance — so that progress continues at home
You can book either by calling or sending a message to your nearest branch or through the booking link on our website/Instagram Page. Our team will guide you to the right specialist based on your concern — no referral needed.
As early as possible. Early intervention (especially before age 6) gives the best outcomes. You don't need to "wait and watch" — if something feels off, an evaluation gives you clarity either way.
Initial consultations typically last 30–40 minutes. Regular therapy sessions are usually for 45 minutes, depending on the therapy type and the therapist's plan for your child.
Any previous medical reports, school feedback or report cards, past assessment reports (if any), and a list of your main concerns. If your child takes any medication, bring those details too.
Yes — we work with infants, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents / teens. Our team also guides parents of very young children on early stimulation strategies at home.
Please inform your branch at least 24 hours in advance so we can offer the slot to another family and reschedule you at the earliest available time.
No. Most children we see benefit from therapy alone. Medication is considered only when clinically indicated — for example, in some cases of ADHD, severe anxiety, or mood difficulties — and always alongside therapy, never as a replacement for it.
Only our qualified child & adolecent psychiatrists prescribe medication, after a thorough evaluation and detailed discussion with parents.
When prescribed and monitored by a child psychiatrist, medications used are well-researched and dosed carefully for children. Your doctor will explain benefits, possible side effects, and monitoring plans before starting anything — and nothing is prescribed without your informed consent.
Yes. Bring the current prescription and reports, and our psychiatrist will review and advise. Never stop or change your child's medication without medical guidance.
Not necessarily. Medication needs are reviewed regularly. Many children take medication for a defined period while therapy builds lasting skills; the doctor will discuss tapering when appropriate.
Absolutely. All assessments, session notes, reports, and personal details are strictly confidential and accessible only to your child's care team at ICGC.
Sessions are not recorded without explicit parental consent. If recording is ever suggested (for example, for therapy review or parent training), you will be asked first.
Yes. Online sessions are conducted one-on-one on secure platforms, with the same confidentiality standards as in-clinic sessions.
It depends on the therapy and the child. For younger children or in the early sessions, parents often observe or participate. Our sessions usually work better one-on-one. (especially for older children and adoloscents). Your therapist will guide you on what's best for your child. We will ensure that you are updated of what's happened during the session always. Additionally, we have an exclusive PMT (Parent Management Training) session at regular intervals just for you as parents
Counselling and some follow-up consultations can be done online. Therapies like speech therapy, occupational therapy are best done in person, especially for younger children, because they rely on physical space, materials, and real-time interaction. However, we are constantly evolving and also leveraging technology to enable online sessions for younger children too. Reach out to us and we can discuss the plan
You don't have to figure it out alone. Your initial consultation and assessment tell us exactly which therapies will help — many children benefit from a combination (for example, speech therapy + OT).
After assessment, your child's therapist creates an Individualised Therapy Plan with specific, measurable goals. The plan is explained to you, and goals are reviewed and updated regularly.
It depends on your child's needs — typically 1–3 sessions per week per therapy. Your therapist will recommend a frequency and adjust it as your child progresses.
Every child progresses at their own pace. Some families notice changes within weeks; deeper goals take months of consistent work. What we promise is measurable goals, regular reviews, and honest communication about progress.
OT is about much more than movement. It helps children with sensory sensitivities (fussy about textures, sounds, touch), poor attention, handwriting struggles, hyperactivity, clumsiness, and difficulty with everyday tasks like dressing or eating independently.
Sessions are play-based and goal-driven. The therapist works on your child's specific targets — sounds, vocabulary, sentence-building, social communication, or fluency — and gives you simple home activities to practise between sessions.
Behaviour therapy uses structured, evidence-based techniques to teach new skills (communication, self-help, social skills) and reduce behaviours that interfere with learning. At ICGC, it is always child-friendly, play-integrated, and delivered with warmth — never punitive.
Yes. Therapists share session updates and home activities after every session. Periodic parent meetings and progress reviews keep you fully in the loop.
Yes, with your consent. We can share reports, recommend classroom accommodations, and speak with teachers or school counsellors so your child is supported everywhere — not just in the clinic.
Still have a question? We're happy to talk it through.
Book an appointment at your nearest ICGC centre and speak with a child psychologist or child psychiatrist.