Practical conversations about mental health care across Australia’s health system. Mental Health in Practice is a podcast for health professionals working across the mental health system, featuring conversations grounded in real-world experience. Each episode brings together perspectives from clinical practice, research, and sector expertise to explore contemporary mental health care. The show focuses on what thoughtful, collaborative care looks like in practice – and how professionals across disciplines can better support mental health outcomes for Australians.
Clinical Uncertainty: Why the Answers Aren't Always Clear
This episode was originally released in 2024 as part of MHPN's three-part series, Health in all its Complexity. This three-part series features academic General Practitioners, Dr Wei-May Su and Professor Louise Stone, in conversation about the complexities of providing meaningful primary health care. In episode two, they explore the challenges of providing primary health care when treating the rare, the unknown, the complex, the not learned about, and the different. They reflect on the changes to the health system over the years and that currently primary care is dealing with more uncertainty than ever. They touch on issues of patient representation in medical research, accessibility and equity of care, the oversimplification of diagnostic processes, and how multidisciplinary care and collaboration can support practitioners. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/
Why Mental Health Care Is More Than Diagnosis and Treatment
This episode was originally released in 2024 as part of MHPN's three-part series, Health in all its Complexity. This three-part series features academic General Practitioners, Dr Wei-May Su and Professor Louise Stone, in conversation with various GPs about the complexities of providing meaningful primary health care. In episode one, May and Louise sit down with General Practitioner and researcher Professor Michael Kidd to explore the complexities of providing mental health care in a range of settings, from top-down health systems to working directly with patients. They discuss the challenges GPs face in providing mental health care within restricted systems and how they deal with moral injury in their work. They speak to the importance of showing humanness in person-centred care and the benefits of multidisciplinary support and collaboration. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/
Three Episodes Worth Revisiting
Unsure what to listen to next? We've got you covered. Over the next six weeks, we'll be re-releasing three episodes from our archive and invite you to revisit them with us. Whether you're new to Mental Health in Practice or have been listening for a while, these episodes provide an opportunity to reflect on some of the realities of practice: from recognising when care requires more than diagnosis and treatment, to why uncertainty exists in practice, and how we continue providing compassionate care while looking after ourselves. Episode 1 will be re-released on Wednesday 8 July. Stay tuned for new episodes of Mental Health in Practice, returning from 19 August.
Strengthening your Practice through Humility and Curiosity
How can mental health practitioners build trust and create meaningful connections when people's experiences, expectations and understanding of care differ from their own? Drawing on extensive experience working alongside migrant communities, people seeking asylum and refugee communities, this episode explores practical ways to build meaningful therapeutic relationships and creating a space that is flexible and curious. The insights shared are relevant across a wide range of communities, offering opportunities to reflect on how curiosity, flexibility and cultural humility can support stronger connections. The conversation offers valuable reflections for practitioners across health, mental health and community settings. Featured presenters: Quan Nguyen (Accredited Mental Health Social Worker) and Dr Raj Ramanathapillai (Senior Practitioner Counsellor Advocate). Liked this episode? Share with others and subscribe to Mental Health in Practice for more practice insights. Explore resources on culturally safe practice on the MHPN website . Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/
AI in Mental Health Practice: Opportunities, Risks and Responsible Use
How is AI already being used in mental health practice, and what does it mean for you as a practitioner? In this episode, our presenters discuss the growing role of AI across healthcare and mental health settings, including where it is already being used in clinical and service settings. They discuss the practical opportunities AI may offer for communication, accessibility and support while also examining the challenges it raises around privacy, consent, professional judgement and trust. The conversation encourages mental health practitioners to critically reflect on how emerging technologies may influence care, therapeutic relationships and the future of practice. Explore resources on AI in mental health practice on the MHPN website . Featured presenters: Angela Batra-Mariani (Occupational Therapist, Co-founder of Everbility), David Lopis (Psychologist, AI Consultant), and Mani Batra (Software Engineer, Co-founder of Everbility). Liked this episode? Share with others and subscribe to Mental Health in Practice for more practice insights. Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/.
Therapeutic Relationships: What To Do When Things Go Wrong
How can reflective practice repair therapeutic relationships? Lenice Murray (Mental Health Social Worker) and Lee Crothers (Mental Health Occupational Therapist) explore how ruptures to relationships are common with a focus on how these can show up when working with consumers, carers and teams. They explore why avoiding communication breakdowns can damage trust and care, and how honest conversations, shared responsibility, and strong supervision can help repair relationships and support safer practice. Liked this episode? Share with others and subscribe to Mental Health in Practice for more practice insights. Explore resources on therapeutic relationships and trauma-informed care on the MHPN website . Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/.
Peer-led Digital Spaces for LGBTIQA+ Young People
How can peer-led digital spaces support LGBTIQA+ young people? Hamish Czygan (Online Peer Work Team Lead at headspace National) is joined by Kevin Tran (Peer Worker) and Jack Ebacioni (Senior Mental Health Clinician). Together, they highlight the increasingly valuable role that peer-led digital spaces play in strengthening engagement and connection for young people in the LGBTIQA+ community. The episode explores how spaces led by peer-workers create opportunities for connection and self-expression. Young people looking for connection, role models or support accessing mental health care can benefit from inclusive online communities. Liked this episode? Share with others and subscribe to Mental Health in Practice. Explore resources on mental health support for young people identifying as part of the LGBTIQA+ community on the MHPN website. Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/.
School Can’t: Attendance Challenges and Re-engagement
What does engagement-focused care for young people with school attendance challenges look like in multidisciplinary practice? Join Paige Davey (School Re-engagement Specialist and Trainer) and Richard Crawshaw (Founder of Can’t Face School ) as they explore the increasing complexities of school attendance challenges. Together, they unpack the practical barriers and enablers to system-wide collaboration, underscoring the value of curiosity, building trust and person-centredness in supporting sustainable re-engagement. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Explore resources on youth mental health and school attendance challenges on the MHPN website . Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
Complexity and Youth Mental Health: Leading Effective Teams
What does effective conflict management in multidisciplinary teams look like? Host Radhika Santhanam-Martin (Clinical Psychologist) is joined by guests Aly Butchers (Manager of Legal Practice for the Family Violence Program at Youthlaw), Kate Raseta (National Manager, Strategic Initiatives at headspace) and Dr Kirsten Meyer (Dramatherapist). Together, they explore how relational repairs within multidisciplinary teams impact client and family outcomes. Equally committed to supporting multidisciplinary team cohesion, they share practical approaches to strengthening therapeutic alliances in youth mental health care. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Explore resources on youth mental health and multidisciplinary team leadership on the MHPN website . Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
Young People and Trauma: Applications of Systems Theory
How can a systems approach improve care for young people with complex trauma? Join host Dana Shen (Consultant), and guests Seanna Davidson (Systems Change Practitioner and Education) and Tim Crowley (Nurse Practitioner in Child and Adolescence Mental Health) as they explore how family, community and services connect around a young person and shape trauma-informed care. Equally focused on the efficacy of these broader services, Dana, Seanna and Tim discuss the role that systems thinking plays in helping multidisciplinary teams to navigate workplace challenges and collaboratively engage. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Explore resources on trauma-informed care and multidisciplinary practice on the MHPN website . Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
Barriers to Care: Designing a men’s mental health service
Content advice: This episode discusses the topic of suicide, listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available. In Australia, contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Suicide Call Back Service (call or chat online), or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800 – for those aged 25 and under). If it is an emergency, call 000. How can practitioners overcome barriers to effectively engaging men in care? Join Co-Directors of the Ballarat Men's Mental Health Service, Maxine Troon, Andrew McPherson and Mick Fryar, as they share their insights into why men delay help-seeking and can find it difficult to remain engaged in supports. They explore common experiences, such as challenges with referral pathways, alongside other barriers that are unique to this demographic. By cultivating a person-centred environment, this episode demonstrates how the Ballarat Men’s Mental Health service continues to innovate, evolve and meet men where they're at. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
Anxiety in the Perinatal Period: A Peer Work Perspective
Anxiety can often be difficult to recognise during the perinatal period, with many people hesitating to seek support. Robyn Stanislavski and Katie Rogerson from PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) discuss their roles as peer worker and clinical practitioner, and how the intentional and safe sharing of lived experience can reduce shame and complement clinical care during this stage of life. Drawing on both lived experience and professional practice, Robyn and Katie discuss the value of peer support for people experiencing anxiety in the perinatal period. As part of the conversation, they also clarify what peer workers do in real practice settings and how collaboration between peer and clinical roles can strengthen support for parents. Listen to gain a deeper understanding of how peer support works in practice and the positive difference it can make in perinatal mental health. Robyn Stanislavski recently shared her expertise at an MHPN webinar, Supporting Perinatal Mental Health After Loss or a History of Eating Disorders . You can watch the full webinar recording on our website here: https://mhpn.org.au/webinar/perinatal-mental-health/ Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
What Makes ADHD Burnout So Different?
Mental Health Occupational Therapist Emma Ketley and ADHD and autism advocate Amy Green explore neurodivergent burnout and why it is so often misunderstood in clinical settings. Amy candidly shares her lived experience, highlighting how burnout differs from depression and occupational burnout, and the impact it can cause to sensory tolerance and executive functioning. Emma and Amy unpack what accessible, neurodiversity-affirming care looks like in practice. From working with individual strengths and tailoring communication, to creating flexible, collaborative spaces, they explore practical ways that practitioners can reduce barriers and truly support neurodivergent people in engaging with care. This episode is essential listening for health practitioners, mental health professionals, and anyone supporting people with ADHD. It provides clear strategies to incorporate into your practice, to create safer, more inclusive, and supportive spaces. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
ADHD: Support Beyond Medication
How can people with ADHD be supported beyond medication? Occupational Therapist and ADHD Coach Emma Ketley and ADHD and autism advocate Amy Green bring their professional insight and lived experience, for an honest conversation about supporting people with ADHD beyond medication. They explore sensory load, masking, ADHD burnout, and nervous system regulation, and discuss practical, non-pharmacological strategies that can make a meaningful difference for neurodivergent adults. This episode is essential listening for health practitioners, mental health professionals, and anyone supporting people with ADHD. It offers guidance on neurodiversity-affirming approaches, and on how to create safer, more inclusive spaces in practice. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about Mental Health in Practice: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
Social Work in Legal Practice: Improving Client Wellbeing
What happens when social workers work inside a law firm? Clients get more support than you might expect. This episode features Olga Gountras and Alexis Stonebridge from Slater and Gordon. They speak about supporting clients’ mental health, managing risk, and keeping people linked to care during stressful legal processes. Hear how this model improves collaboration across legal and health services and helps clients feel safer, clearer and more confident as they navigate complex claims. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about A Conversation About... or any of MHPN’s podcast series here: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
Anger: Practical Skills to Support Client Goals
When people learn to understand their anger, it can become a tool for insight, stronger relationships and positive change. In this episode, Dr Tony McHugh and Prof Glen Bates explore how mental health professionals can support individuals to respond to anger constructively. They discuss practical strategies to build insight, helping people turn moments of anger into opportunities for personal growth and stronger relationships. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about A Conversation About… or any of MHPN’s podcast series here: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
Anger: Building Literacy for Both Practitioners and Clients
Anger can be a helpful and productive emotion, but for some people it can impact what matters most to them. Join Tony McHugh and Glen Bates as they explore effective ways for mental health professionals to better support individuals experiencing challenges with regulating or responding to anger. In this episode, Tony and Glen discuss practical strategies for responding to anger constructively, with a focus on developing strong social connections and relationships. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about A Conversation About… or any of MHPN’s podcast series here: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
A Conversation About… Connecting Through Music and Art Therapy
Music therapist, Jason Kenner, and art therapist, Pam Hellema, explore how their disciplines overlap, influence and amplify each other. Drawing on their collaboration in acute mental health at The Alfred, they describe what happens when art and music therapy are practised side by side and how creativity can spark connection and confidence. They also share a spontaneous demonstration of music therapy, showing how sessions can work in practice. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about A Conversation About… or any of MHPN’s podcast series here: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
A Conversation About… Supporting Families and Patients in Palliative Care
In this episode, Senior Mental Health Nurse and Family Therapist, Kate Cogan, joins Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, Sidney Bloch, and Palliative Medicine Consultant, Dr Adrian Dabscheck, to explore providing support and care for people receiving palliative care. They discuss the challenges of supporting families through dying, grief and bereavement, along with the importance of empathy. They also unpack the significant emotional impact on practitioners in this field and highlight the importance of teamwork and ongoing training. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about A Conversation About… or any of MHPN’s podcast series here: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
Book Club: Reflecting on Life and Death with Leo Tolstoy’s ‘The Death of Ivan Ilyich’
In this episode of Book Club, Sidney Bloch and Jeremy Holmes unpack The Death of Ivan Ilyich , Leo Tolstoy’s exploration of mortality, self-deception, and the search for meaning. They reflect on Ivan’s experiences with illness, the reactions of those around him, and his final insights into love, humility, and human connection. The conversation explores the relevance of literature in mental health practice, how it can offer insights into human behaviour, and the ways it can help reflect on life, death, and relationships. Liked this episode? Stay tuned for future episodes by following Mental Health in Practice. Visit the MHPN website for episode host and guest bios, recommended resources and a self-directed CPD form. Share your comments, questions and feedback about Book Club or any of MHPN’s podcast series here: https://mhpn.org.au/podcast-feedback/ .
