Psychological Services
Comprehensive assessment, treatment and consultation
Our goal is to improve the welfare and well-being of children and their families.
We always put the child’s wellbeing and success first. Beginning with their strengths and achievable strategies allows the process to feel less daunting and more effective. Through working with us, young people develop the resilience to tackle whatever life throws at them with confidence.
We are equipped to handle a comprehensive range of psychological challenges.
At times psychometric assessment tools, such as international standard questionnaires, are used to provide additional objective information that can be compared to other children the same age and gender from the population sample.
When the assessment is complete, a therapy plan will be discussed and agreed upon. This often means weekly or fortnightly appointments (or ‘sessions’ as they are called). These range between 4 – 12 sessions. The length of a child’s therapy depends on the severity and complexity of their disorder and/or difficulties as well as their willingness to participate.
Clinical Psychologist & Service Lead
Dr. Angus (Gus) Elkington
Gus is a highly regarded clinical psychologist, celebrated for his exceptional expertise in trauma-focused therapy and his unwavering commitment to the mental well-being of individuals, with a particular focus on indigenous communities. His journey towards becoming a respected figure in the field of clinical psychology is marked by a stellar academic record and a wealth of practical experience that continues to shape his impactful career.
Gus’s academic journey began at Massey University, where he embarked on a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, graduating in December 2022. During his rigorous academic pursuit, he honed his knowledge and skills in psychology, laying a strong foundation for his future clinical work. His dedication to understanding the complexities of mental health and psychological interventions became evident during his internship at Te Ara Poutama Psychological Services, where he completed 1500 hours of hands-on training. This experience provided him with invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of clinical psychology, preparing him for the challenging and rewarding road ahead.
His commitment to clinical excellence is further highlighted by his clinical placements, which encompassed a diverse range of settings, including the Centre for Psychology, the NZ Army Wellbeing Course, the Psychology Centre, Te Ara Poutama, and Lakes DHB Community Mental Health. These placements equipped Gus with a comprehensive skill set and a deep understanding of the nuances of mental health care in different contexts.
Our Services
We accept referrals for any child below 18 years of age
Individual Mental Health Assessment, Specialist Autism Spectrum (ASD) Assessment, Specialist ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Assessment, Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy
Court Reports for Youth
Learning Plans, Educational & Academic Assessment
Evidence-based assessment and interventions such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and psychoeducation
