Children's and Young Peoples Counselling Services

Welcome to school health in Kent. We support children and young people aged four to nineteen, including those who do not attend school or are home educated.

A healthy childhood and adolescence is one of the key foundations for a healthy life.

Our team works with schools, parents and carers as well as other professionals like health visitors or community paediatricians to prevent ill health in children, families and the wider community, support safeguarding of children and young people and address any health needs to make sure every child reaches their potential.

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Children's and Young People's Counselling Services are specialized mental health services designed to support children and young individuals who are experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties. These services provide a safe and confidential environment where children and young people can talk about their feelings, concerns, and issues with a trained counsellor or therapist.

The primary goal of these counselling services is to improve the emotional well-being and mental health of children and young people. They can help children cope with a wide range of challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, bullying, family issues, self-esteem problems, and relationship difficulties. The specific focus of the counselling sessions will depend on the individual needs and circumstances of the child or young person.

Children's and Young People's Counselling Services utilize various therapeutic approaches and techniques tailored to suit the age, developmental stage, and unique needs of the child or young person. These may include play therapy, art therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), talk therapy, and other evidence-based interventions.

The counselling process involves building a trusting relationship between the child or young person and the counsellor, providing a non-judgmental and supportive space for them to express their thoughts and emotions. The counsellor helps the child or young person explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, build resilience, and make positive changes in their lives.

These services are offered by qualified and experienced professionals, such as child psychologists, counsellors, or therapists, who have expertise in working with children and young people.

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Contact us

There are lots of ways to get in touch with the School Health Team

*Phone: 0300 123 5205 and select option two.

*Parents/carers/ Children can complete an online referral form just below:

School Health (Kent) | Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust (kentcht.nhs.uk)

You will receive a confirmation email that your referral has been submitted.

*Young people aged 11 to 19 can text ChatHealth to have direct access to a nurse (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) on 07520 618850. This service is confidential and anonymous.