Youth Mental Health Professional Development Series 2026

We are excited to invite medical and mental health professionals to the 6-part Youth Mental Health Professional Development Series 2026 at Western Children’s Health Centre, Laverton.

As Paediatricians, much of our learning in youth mental health develops through clinical experience rather than structured training. This series has been designed to strengthen knowledge, improve diagnostic clarity and support confident early intervention. Our first lecture was held in February. Due to the strong interest and relevance of the topic, we have decided to open the remaining sessions to a wider audience, as we feel the series will be valuable in strengthening understanding, assessment and clinical formulation in young people with complex presentations.

Upcoming Lectures

Lecture 2 – Wednesday 22 April
Aggression and Violence in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Insights from the Youth Forensic Space
Speaker: Dr James Belshaw
Lead Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, Forensic Youth Mental Health Service, Parkville

Lecture 3 – Friday 15 May
Applying Trauma-Informed Care in Assessment and Clinical Formulation in Young People
Speaker: Professor Sarah Bendall
Professor of Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne

Registration for Lectures 2 and 3: https://events.humanitix.com/mental-health-professional-development-series/tickets

Lecture 4 – Friday 19 June
Understanding Mood Disorders in Young People: Depression and Bipolar Disorder
Speaker: Dr Iain Macmillan
Senior Lecturer, Monash University

Lecture 5 – Friday 7 August
Self-harm and Suicide Risk Assessment
Speaker: Dr Louise McCutcheon
Clinical Associate Professor, Centre for Youth Mental Health
Orygen, The University of Melbourne

Registration for Lectures 4 and 5: https://events.humanitix.com/mental-health-professional-development-series-3/tickets

Details

Venue: Western Children’s Health Centre, 61 Railway Avenue, Laverton
Time: 6 pm for a 6:30 pm start
Attendance: Limited to 30 participants (onsite only)
Dinner will be provided

Please note that registration through the above links is compulsory.