Psychology appointment at Ryegate

I am going to Ryegate Children’s Centre for a psychology appointment. My parent or carer will come with me.

When we get to Ryegate for the appointment, we will go to reception. My parent or carer will let the receptionist know I am here. The receptionist will let the psychologist know that I am here.

There is a fish tank by reception. I may enjoy watching the fish tank while my parent or carer talks to the receptionist.

I might have to wait in a waiting room with my parent or carer. There are 2 waiting rooms. The receptionist will let my parent or carer know which waiting room I need to wait in. The waiting room might look like this, or a different way. This is OK.

The waiting room might be busy and loud. This is because lots of children and young people come to Ryegate for help. I can use headphones or ear defenders if I need to. I can also ask my parent or carer if we can wait outside. This is OK.

I can wait in the waiting room until the psychologist is ready to see me. Sometimes, the psychologist might be very busy seeing other children and young people. This means I might have to wait a bit longer. This is OK. The psychologist will see me when they are ready.

There might be some things in the waiting room for me to do while I wait. Doing something can help me to feel relaxed. I could watch television, play with toys or do some colouring.

I might also bring my own things to help me to relax. I can bring my own fidget or sensory toy with me. I can bring my own book or tablet with me. I could do something else too.

I might get hungry or thirsty while I wait. This is OK. I could bring a snack or a drink with me. There is also a vending machine by reception.

I might need to use the toilet while I wait. This is OK. There are toilets available in both waiting rooms.

When the psychologist is ready, they will come and collect me and my parent or carer. If I have been waiting for longer than 15 minutes, I can ask my parent or carer to check with reception.

I am going to Ryegate Children’s Centre for a psychology appointment.

I might have to wait for my appointment.

There might be some things in the waiting room for me to do while I wait.

I might also bring my own things to help me to relax whilst I wait.