How Nicholas Chizzoni is cutting long wait times for psychological assessments at Ngak Min Health
For many children and teenagers, accessing specialist psychological support and assessments can mean waiting times of many months, even years. But thanks to Ngak Min Health, Djarragun College families are now getting the support they need more quickly.
One day a week, the clinic welcomes the quiet, reassuring presence of Nicholas Chizzoni, a dedicated psychologist with a wealth of experience in supporting young people. With a deep understanding of autism, ADHD, anxiety, and learning challenges, Nicholas provides assessments and therapy that would otherwise be out of reach for these students. His expertise ensures students can receive early identification and tailored support without the daunting wait times.
Nicholas’ passion for remote and regional healthcare grew after working with the Royal Flying Doctors, where he witnessed firsthand the healthcare disparities faced by those in rural areas. Inspired by First Nations psychologist Tracey Westerman's advocacy, Nicholas became committed to improving health access for Indigenous Australians and others in underserved regions.
While he has only been at Ngak Min since mid-2024, his impact has already been significant.
"In that short time, we’ve made a huge difference," he reflected. "We've cut down waitlists from over a year to just under six months. That’s a big deal for these families." However, his success is not only measured by the numbers but also by the deeper connections he has built with the children and families he works with.
Working alongside Social Emotional Wellbeing Counsellors Ann Marie and Rebecca, as well as Paediatrician Dr Angela Wilson, Nicholas embraces a holistic approach. While the team has gathered valuable insights from medical histories, it is the personal stories that have shaped their understanding of each child.
"It’s not just about ticking boxes," Nicholas said. "The numbers are one thing, but the heart of the assessment is the narrative—the story of the child." For Nicholas, a child's experience, the teacher's observations, and the family's perspective help form a complete picture that goes beyond any diagnosis.
His presence at the clinic allows him to understand the unique challenges families face, particularly the sense of isolation or frustration that often comes from previous experiences with the healthcare system. Many of the families he has seen were previously met with dismissive attitudes or even racism, which only deepened their struggles. But at Ngak Min Health, the focus is on creating a safe, welcoming environment where every family and child feels heard and respected.
"I’ve worked with people who’ve had bad experiences before," Nicholas shared. "What we do here is different. We make sure every child and family know they’re not just a diagnosis—they’re a person with a story that matters."
Nicholas often reflects on the deeper meaning of his role. "Every day, I’m reminded why we’re here," he said with a quiet smile. "It’s not just about the tests we run. It’s about the lives we touch and the stories we help tell."
With each child, each family, and each story, Nicholas knows he is part of a community and is changing lives, one story at a time.
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