Expert Insights – Black Dog Institute Podcasts Black Dog Institute

With the plethora of digital CBT apps and programs available, how do you select one that's effective, safe, and engaging for teens?
 
In this episode, Dr. Aliza Werner-Seidler, Scientia Associate Professor and Head of Population Mental Health at Black Dog Institute, delves into her research on digital cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and its impact on teen mental health. Aliza shares the latest research findings and insights on navigating interventions to ensure they're evidence-based and prioritise the safety of teens' data and privacy, among other considerations.
 
Joining her on the panel is Hazel McKenzie, a psychologist specialising in teen mental health, who discuss how clinicians currently integrate digital CBT into practice. Additionally, Ruby, a teenager serving as a lived experience representative, will offer invaluable perspectives on her firsthand experiences with digital CBT, shedding light on its impact and usability.
 
Panel Members
· Dr. Aliza Werner-Seidler - Scientia Associate Professor and Head of Population Mental Health at Black Dog Institute
· Hazel McKenzie - Psychologist in private practice
· Ruby - Lived Experience Representative
 
Facilitator
· Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

How do lengthy mental health service wait times affect service delivery to young people in Australia? In this episode, Bridianne O'Dea, Associate Professor and NHMRC MRFF Investigator at Black Dog Institute, will share her research on wait times for mental health treatment for young people in Australia. Bridi will discuss her research on the impact of long wait times on service provision to young people and upon their coping capacity while they wait. Also on the panel is Anna Ricciardello, psychologist, who will speak to how clinicians are managing lengthy wait times and by Emily, a lived/living experience representative who will share their experience of lengthy wait times while waiting for much needed mental health services. This discussion will focus on the impact of wait times as well as strategies and ideas for how both clinicians and services consumers can respond to this important complex issue.
 
Panel Members
· Bridianne O'Dea - Associate Professor and NHMRC MRFF Investigator at Black Dog Institute
· Anna Ricciardello - Psychologist in private practice
· Emily - Lived Experience Representative
Facilitator
· Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist

The effect of loneliness on mental health: How can we strengthen meaningful connections?
Loneliness is a growing community health concern which has been associated with social anxiety and mood concerns as well as physical health complaints and disturbed sleep. End of year rituals and celebrations can serve to exacerbate a sense of loneliness, particularly in socially vulnerable and isolated people who can be more prone to its effects. In this episode, Dr Alexis Whitton (Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute) will share her research findings on loneliness and mental health. Dr Diana Chan (Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute) and a lived experience panellist will discuss the varied experiences and effects of loneliness, reflecting with Alexis on helpful, practical approaches to strengthen opportunities for meaningful connections and activities.
 
Moderator – Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist
Researcher – Dr Alexis Whitton, Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute
Clinician – Dr Diana Chan, Clinical Psychologist, Black Dog Institute
Lived experience representative - Stephanie

Join us for the conversation! Screens tend to be a regular part of many young people's lives - to connect, play, learn, and to get news and information. To what extent does screen time affect young people's mental health? Dr Sophie Li, Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Clinical Psychologist at the Black Dog Institute will share her research on this topic to help us understand the various nuances of the effect of screen time on young people's wellbeing as well as helpful considerations, and practical approaches we can take to this issue. Dr Li will be joined by a clinician who works with young people and also by a lived experience panellist. This session will be moderated by Dr Sarah Barker.

Mental Health Treatment Adherence: What can clinicians do to support clients and patients to stick to treatment for mental health concerns?
 
Listen to our discussion with Dr Matthew Coleshill (Postdoctoral Fellow, Black Dog Institute) where we will delve into his recent research findings on treatment adherence, particularly regarding how to increase adherence to medication. Professor Sam Harvey (Psychiatrist and Executive Director and Chief Scientist, Black Dog Institute) will also share his experiences of what is helpful from a clinical perspective, and we will also be joined on the panel by the powerful voice of lived experience as to what helps and hinders adherence to treatment.
 
Moderator – Dr Sarah Barker, Clinical Psychologist
Researcher - Dr Matthew Coleshill, Postdoctoral Fellow, Black Dog Institute
Clinician - Professor Sam Harvey, Psychiatrist and Executive Director and Chief Scientist, Black Dog Institute
Lived experience representative – Cass.

In this episode, Black Dog Institute researcher Dr Chloe Watfern, will share her findings about the links between climatic change and climate distress, with research informed by her personal responses to climate crises. She will also be joined by Dr Charles Le Feuvre and a lived experience representative who will discuss the impact of climate change on individual and community wellbeing; collective, creative, and meaning-focused approaches to coping with climate distress and how clinicians, communities, and others can effectively support those experiencing climate distress.
Panel members:
Dr Chloe Watfern – Post Doctorate Fellow, Black Dog Institute.Dr Charles Le Feuvre – Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist, Psychology for Safe Climate.Karla – Lived experience representative.Moderator
Dr Sarah Barker -Clinical Psychologist and facilitator with the Black Dog Institute