The Early Connections Alliance is a collaborative network of five not for profit community based organisations on the Mid-North Coast. All 5 organisations have a dedicated team of professionals who have been committed to delivering quality Early Childhood Intervention Programs in each local area for over 25 years. Our alliance aims to support the development of a strong and connected Early Childhood Intervention Network and continue to provide quality supports to children and families. As an NDIS Service Provider, Early Connections is excited to offer families a personalised service that involves a unique plan for your child using our expertise in the field of early childhood intervention.

ORS has been in the business of making a difference to people with disability and injuries for 30 years! ORS provides a range of allied health and workplace rehabilitation services across key industries such as the NDIS, Workers Compensation, Health, Injury Prevention and Aged Care. Our service delivery is underpinned by clinically informed, evidence based and person-centered practices which empower others to reach their potential and achieve their goals.

Starting Now Clinical Psychology Services has a mission to provide quality services to children and adolescents, adults and couples with a view to facilitating positive change. All psychological treatments provided are evidence based, meaning that they have been developed with sound theory, effective research and are proven through clinical trials to be effective. After a thorough assessment, all clients are given information about the type of therapy they will be provided, and how treatment will work. A plan including the client’s goals will be developed and worked through to achieve therapeutic outcomes. Once treatment is complete, assessments are again completed to feedback to the client and the referral source the levels of change achieved. If the therapy process does not appear to be working, clients are encouraged to be honest and discuss their progress, so that therapy can be adjusted accordingly. All clients’ information is treated with confidentiality and privacy is always respected. We look forward to meeting you soon and working with you to enhance your wellbeing.

Our Principal Psychologist in Port Macquarie, Ben French has extensive experience in counselling young people with depression, anxiety, trauma and a wide range of mental health issues. This includes working in the community, psychiatric units and running a therapeutic day program for teenagers whose level of anxiety, depression or self-harm made it untenable for them to attend school. Children may come to see a psychologist for separation or social anxiety, feeling sad or to manage changes such as family separation or changing schools. It is also common for children to need some extra support after a traumatic event. We also have extensive experience working with individuals who self-harm, have suicidal thoughts or have more complex presentations such as bipolar disorder or are experiencing a psychotic episode. My goal as a therapist is to bring over a decade of work experience as a mental health professional to the private sector. I have significant experience in working with children and young people at risk and those suffering debilitating mental health issues including but not limited to self-harm, anxiety, depression and sadness.