Mental Health Referral Network
Support for high performance athletes and eligible individuals within the sports system who have mental health or wellbeing concerns
AIS Mental Health Team
During your initial contact with the AIS Mental Health Team, one of our qualified mental health clinicians will discuss your current concerns and circumstances, and provide you with information on the MHRN. From there, they will connect you [or the person you are referring] to the most suitable psychologist or mental health clinician on the network.
Matt Butterworth

AIS Clinician and Mental Health Manager
Matt has a passion for helping people to live their best lives and has worked as a Clinical Psychologist since 2004. Matt values the different perspectives and experiences that people bring having grown up in an environment that encapsulated both his NZ Maori and NZ European ancestry and cultures. He has worked in New Zealand, the UK and Australia. Matt is experienced in assisting people with their mental health and wellbeing needs in sports, child and adolescent, adult mental health, and forensic settings. He’s continued to play sports throughout his life from social to representative levels and continues to value all of the great things that sports involvement can bring to people and communities: including better health, social connection, working and achieving together.
We need to tackle the day to day wellness of athletes rather than wait to intervene in critical situations. The AIS MHRN enables athletes to check-in, to talk to someone outside the athlete's sporting environment in order to help them understand and manage any issue they may be facing.
Nicole Burattin

Clinical Psychologist
Nicole Burattin is a clinical psychologist and member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Nicole has worked with children and adults in various settings including employment services, schools, hospitals and private practice. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, workplace stress, perfectionism, personality disorders, physical health problems and stress management and has a particular interest in anxiety disorders and animal assisted therapy.
Nicole is interested in using her knowledge and expertise as a psychologist to develop mental health resources and educate individuals about wellbeing and mental health related matters on a wider context. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys spending time with her dog, Clifford, drinking coffee and watching 90’s sitcoms.
MHRN External Clinicians
These highly skilled clinicians — selected because of their success at helping high performance people in managing life’s pressures — can deliver services ranging from improving your mental wellbeing to comprehensive clinical treatment plans
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Ross Calear

Using respectful curiosity to encourage recovery and growth
Ross is a Registered Psychologist brings over ten years’ experience working with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
His work experience includes working with victims of crime, perpetrators of crime, people with major mental illness, and in crisis support situations. Ross is interested in working with adults who are having difficulty with; anxiety, depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), relationship issues, workplace stress and coping, hallucinations, delusions, and Bipolar Disorder. He uses evidence-based therapies including; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Schema therapy.
Ross is passionate about his work and highly respects people who are working towards positive psychological change, as he remains mindful of the tremendous commitment people make to achieve this goal. He works toward bringing energy and respectful curiosity into each session. Being an outsider to the sports world, Ross provides a fresh perspective to people living and working within this environment.
Ross can work with anyone in Australia, as he is available for both face to face and Telehealth consultations on a number of teleconference platforms.
“People within in elite level sports work incredibly hard. Out of respect of that work ethic, I will work to provide a safe and comfortable space for people to recover and grow into a life of thriving, not just surviving”
Guy Little

Experienced psychologist in a range of sports and performance domains
Guy is a registered psychologist who has worked in a range of performance contexts. Guy's work in these contexts span performance and mental health treatments.
Guy has held positions in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Team at The AFL Players' Association and at the AIS as an athlete psychologist. In his private practice, he works with executives, medical practitioners, performing artists, and elite athletes to develop and grow in their performances as well as assisting them with mental health challenges. Guy has experience working with a range of mental health presentations.
"The Mental Health Referral Network provides an great avenue for athletes and coaches to get high-quality support they need from psychologists who are experienced in assisting people navigate the stresses and strains of life and high performance".
New South Wales (NSW)
Dr Lyndel Abbott

Lead psychologist with the Australian Olympic Team at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and the Australian Paralympic Team for Tokyo 2020
Lyndel completed her Doctorate of Clinical Psychology at the University of Sydney in 2005. Since then she has had extensive experience in both the sporting and clinical domains.
Clinically Lyndel has worked in university settings as well as community mental health, inpatient units, drug and alcohol facilities, and is now in her own private practice in St Leonards, Sydney.
Lyndel has been able to apply her clinical training and experience to the world of sports first through her role as Residential Athlete Counsellor at the AIS, and as a Psychologist with the Australian Olympic Team at the London 2012 Games, and as the Lead Psychologist at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and the 2020/1 Tokyo Paralympics. Lyndel also consults to a range of sporting organisations.
Michelle Daymond

Michelle is a compassionate, respectful and warm psychologist with over fifteen years experience working within the mental health field.
Michelle has worked with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and with a wide variety of age groups. Her relaxed but focused approach to therapy enables her clients to feel genuinely supported as they develop skills to achieve their goals. Michelle has experience working in university clinics, inpatient and outpatient hospital settings and with children, adolescents and families in private clinic settings. She has a special interest in working with people to overcome trauma, and has extensive experience working with first responders including specialist police units.
Michelle has worked with athletes across different sports and her areas of interest include: - Trauma - Anxiety disorders - Mood disorders - Stress management - Sleep disorders - Relationships issues - Parenting issues Michelle draws from a variety of models in her work including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, Mindfulness and The Gottman Method (Relationship Counselling).
“Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our burdens are too heavy to carry on our own. My aim is to provide you with a welcoming, relaxed and supportive environment where we can work together to equip you with the skills and confidence you need to create positive, lasting change.”
Tracey Frazer

Experienced Clinical Psychologist with experience in both clinical and sporting domains
Tracey works in a collaborative and down to earth way and she has a passion for empowering clients to develop insight and understanding about their issues, helping motivate them to apply strategies to their daily lives.
Tracey is a Clinical Psychologist with 25 years of experience. She has over 10 years experience in a Community Mental Health Mood and Anxiety Team and has had her own Private Practice for almost 20 years. Tracey works from a range of evidence - based treatment modalities allowing treatment plans to be individualised, targeted and goal focussed.
Tracey has been providing clinical services to a range of athletes from a range of sports through the AIS Mental Health Referral Network since it began. She is located in Southern Sydney and her clinic can accomodate wheelchair access where needed.
“The Mental Health Referral Network is an excellent initiative for elite athletes past and present, allowing them to access mental health services in a safe, confidential and supportive environment. Athletes can access services as needed to support their psychological health and performance needs.”
Andrew Gardner

A world-leading neuropsychologist with over a decade’s worth of experience working with elite athletes in both a clinical and research setting
Andrew is a clinical neuropsychologist, and an Associate Professor with the School of Medicine & Public Health at The University of Newcastle. He is also a Co-Director of the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNE LHD)'s Sport Concussion Clinic, an Executive Committee Member of the Priority Research Centre for Stroke and Brain Injury and has served as the concussion consultant to Rugby Australia.
He is a member World Rugby's concussion working. Andrew received first class honours in Psychology (University of New England) in 2005 and subsequently completed a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology) degree at Macquarie University, Sydney, where he conducted research examining the acute and cumulative neuropsychological consequences of sports concussion in semi-professional rugby union players.
His thesis received the prestigious award for the Most Outstanding Dissertation for 2011 from the National Academy of Neuropsychology (USA); the first, and still the only, time this award has been bestowed upon a student who studied outside of North America. Following this, Andrew completed his PhD in the School of Medicine and Public Health, at the University of Newcastle, studying the potential long-term consequences of participation in collision sports.
In 2015 Andrew was awarded the Discovery Award from Research Australia as the national early career researcher of the year for 2015. He was made a 2017 AMP Tomorrow Maker to support the clinical and research work within the HNE LHD Sports Concussion Clinic. In 2018 Andrew received a Fulbright Postdoctoral Award and travelled to Harvard Medical School.
Edel Langan

Performance and General Psychologist supporting individuals to live a rich, full and meaningful life
Dr Edel Langan is a psychologist with experience across both Olympic and professional sport settings.
Edel currently works as a psychologist with the Australian Sailing Team, Cricket NSW and Table Tennis. In private practice, Edel supports individuals from the general public, sport and performance arts industry, with a range of life matters.
Edel previously worked at the New South Wales Institute of Sport, providing psychological support to scholarship athletes across a variety of sports.
Edel has also worked in community mental health. Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom – Victor Frankl The MHRN is a fantastic initiative to support athletes in their choice making of how to navigate the highs and lows of high-performance sport.
Adam Martin

Dr Adam Martin has worked as a consultant psychiatrist in Sydney since 2006.
He graduated as a doctor in London in 1994 and moved to Sydney in 1999, where he trained in psychiatry at Prince of Wales Hospital Randwick, and at Long Bay Hospital, Malabar.
He has a particular interest in sports psychiatry, and consults to professional sports teams and athletes at The Stadium Clinic, Moore park (next to SCG).
Through the Australian Institute of Sport, he is providing an on-call service for the Australian Olympic and Paralympic teams. He works closely with sports physicians and psychologists, seeing athletes for management of mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, problem behaviours and relationship issues.
Rene Poulos

Experienced psychologist in a range of sports and performance domains.
Provider of Psychology and Career Development Services to higher education and high-performance sports sectors for over 20 years.
Rene is a Registered Psychologist and Senior TAFE Counsellor at TAFENSW where she currently works at Randwick College and EORA College, Redfern. With a career spanning more than twenty years in higher education, Rene is a skilled provider of personal, educational and vocational/career counselling. Rene also has specialist expertise in working with clients from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island backgrounds, clients with disability and clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
As well as working in the higher education sector, Rene also works in private practice as a Psychologist assisting clients to identify and draw on their strengths, overcome barriers, and realise their potential so they can meet their personal goals.
In the high-performance sports sector Rene works with athletes, assisting their holistic development in life/sport balance, wellbeing and career longevity. Rene is also an Accredited Mental Health First Aid Instructor. In all her work as a Psychologist, Rene empathically connects individuals with the difficult and challenging issues that lead to personal insight, behavioural change and the achievement of significant sporting and life outcomes.
"The Mental Health Referral Network is a wonderful addition to the support services available to athletes. Above all, the Network provides the right support at the right time, ensuring that athletes are able to be supported at any point throughout their sporting and life journeys. Within the athlete’s world there is still a lot of stigma around mental health. However, the referral pathways to the Mental Health Referral Network are seamless and athletes are also able to self-refer, enabling the Network to effectively facilitate help-seeking behaviours in athletes who are experiencing mental health or wellbeing challenges."
Amy Talbot

Director of The Talbot Centre, a large multidisciplinary service in Northwest Sydney, and in 2018, she was awarded Australian Psychologist of the Year.
Dr Amy Talbot has worked across a wide range of settings including inpatient and day patient hospital programs; and specialist outpatient services.
She has also held multiple research, teaching and supervisory positions in the area of clinical psychology. She has a particular interest in working with eating, feeding and body image concerns; anxiety disorders; obsessive compulsive and related disorders; academic, mindset and performance issues; and child and family concerns.
Northern Territory (NT)
Kim Cardile

Kim has extensive business management and sport experiences with high performance teams at the state and national level.
She has been instrumental in driving national change in learning and development frameworks and career management programs. Kim has a diverse background; inclusive of sport, coaching and clinical psychology, tertiary and secondary education, career counselling and in business and services management.
Kim has experience working in the Australian Institute and Academies of Sport, in University Sport and Education, in government and private enterprise and at the Australian Sports Commission
South East Queensland (SE Qld)
Tara Fox

Clinical Psychologist with 20 years of experience working with complex populations
Tara is a Clinical Psychologist with experience in both government mental health settings and private practice. She completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology in 2002.
Tara has worked with high performance athletes and coaches as part of her private practice on the Gold Coast over the past 6 years. She has previously worked as both a Senior Clinician and a Clinical Team Leader for government mental health teams working with severe and complex mental health presentations.
Tara has completed training in a range of evidenced-based mental health interventions including ACT, CBT, Schema Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Family and Systemic therapy, and trauma processing. Tara is a board-approved supervisor in Clinical Psychology and continues to provide supervision and training to both early career and experienced clinicians.
Tara has previously taught clinical psychology subjects at Griffith University, and managed a state-wide research team evaluating mental health treatment in severe and complex populations. Tara holds membership with the Australian Psychological Society and is a Fellow of the Clinical College.
"Good mental health is a key component of good performance. The Mental Health Referral Network is an excellent initiative linking high performance athletes with experienced mental health professionals who can support them to manage mental health challenges, whether from their sport or life more broadly, to help them perform at their best."
Monique Harding

A holistic, relational approach to mental health and psychotherapy.
Monique is a Mental Health Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapist working in private practice on the Gold Coast. She works both locally and across Australia via telehealth.
Monique is passionate about her work in supporting people to have healthy, thriving relationships and heal from past trauma. Her clinical specialisation is in anxiety and trauma. She considers these symptoms within the context of past conditioning and influence of both current systemic influences and historic family of origin patterns.
Monique’s style is warm, compassionate and optimistic. She takes an active, collaborative approach to therapy, highlighting to clients where they are struck and supporting long lasting transformation. Quote: Helping you heal from past trauma, break through stuck patterns to truly make peace with your past.
Emily O'Leary

Dr Emily O’Leary is an experienced Clinical Psychologist with extensive knowledge supporting high performance athletes and executives experiencing high levels of perfectionism, obsessionality and adjustment to life post athletic/business career.
Dr. Emily O’Leary is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years’ experience. She holds a PhD in Psychology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology. She provides guest lectures across several universities about anxiety. Emily has presented her research on anxiety and OCD at both national and international conferences.
Aside from her work, Emily is a regular columnist for Mindfood and the Director of three psychology clinics and co-director of a psychiatry practice. Her interest areas include: Anxiety disorders Obsessive compulsive and related disorders Transitional issues e.g life post sporting career. Infertility and trying to convince Bipolar Affective Disorder
Mette Parkinson-Gilligan

Registered Psychologist with a Masters in Sport and Exercise Psychology, with extensive experience working with athletes and their families/partners.
Mette has a warm, non- judgemental approach and provides a safe space for clients to feel heard.
She has several interest areas including wellbeing, performance, relationships, stress, depression and anxiety management. She is also a committed grief counsellor and enjoys delivering communication and assertiveness training to build confidence and improve relationships.
She has been trained in Gottman Marriage Counselling and Trauma/Critical Incident Debriefing.
"The AIS Mental Health referral network provides a high calibre of psychological support for all current and retired athletes; I hope it continues to be an integral part of athlete wellbeing and that anyone who engages with the service finds it empowering and meaningful."
Leo Ryan

MBBS, BSc., LLB (Hons), FRANZCP
Dr Ryan qualified as a general doctor in 2003 and has been working full-time in psychiatry since 2005. All of his tertiary qualifications were obtained at the University of Queensland. He achieved Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2011.
He treats a wide range of psychiatric conditions including mood and anxiety disorders, various forms of psychosis, and substance misuse. He has worked in both private and public practice for over 10 years. Dr Ryan established, and is the director of, Westside Medical Specialists in Toowong, Brisbane. He also currently holds the following appointments:
- Senior Visiting Medical Officer to Queensland Health and serves as the clinical leader for teams composed of psychologists, social workers, nurses, and psychiatric registrars.
- Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Queensland.
- Visiting psychiatrist to Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander clinics (Woolloongabba and Gladstone; formerly also Hervey Bay)
- Member, Qld Government General Medical Assessment Tribunal.
- Member, Qld Government Medical and Allied Health Advisory Panel.
- Australian Institute of Sport, Mental Health Referral Network.
Prior to completing University degrees in Science and Medicine, Dr Ryan completed a Law degree and was admitted as a Barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland. He is experienced in complex medico-legal matter and has been consulted as an Independent Medical Expert by a wide variety of clients and organisations.
Dr Ryan practices in the area of General Adult psychiatry and is committed to an “evidence-based medicine” approach to the care of his patients. He thus considers biological, psychological, and social factors when assessing problems and developing management plans for his patients. Dr Ryan has advanced training in CBT and psychotherapy and recognises both the importance of psychological therapies and the limitations of medicines.
Dr Ryan aims to be approachable and non-judgmental whilst being professional and outcome-focused. Patient confidentiality is always strictly maintained. Quote: “to love and to work” Sigmund Freud, when asked about the purpose of life.
Ea Stewart

Clinical psychologist and Director of Mood Disorders Clinic
Dr Ea Stewart is a clinical psychologist with over 12 years of experience providing psychological treatment to adolescents and adults.
She has over 12 years of experience in private practice and other settings (including hospital and university settings), working with adolescents and adults with a wide range of mental health difficulties. She approaches psychological treatment with an individualistic focus, tailoring therapy to the person’s specific needs utilising a range of evidence-based therapies.
Ea is experienced in assisting with the mental health support needs of people in high performance areas, including sport and athletics. Ea has a passion for sport in her own life, having played high level competitive sport in several countries. Her drive and ambition in her work is to help others live the life they want to be living, in the best way they can, free from the mental health barriers they may face.
“Athletes need to have a space where they can feel comfortable to explore and tackle any issue going on in their lives, especially given the amount of focus they themselves must give to their sporting requirements. It’s important that they can access the mental health support they need to overcome or prevent these issues.”
Anthony Teoh

Anthony is a Clinical Psychologist who has a special interest in anxiety, OCD and resilience.
He utilises a positive psychology approach to treatment aimed at encouraging individuals to reach their potential and improve their resilience and wellbeing. Anthony is a registered Clinical Psychologist and the Clinic Director of Anxiety House and the OCD Clinic in Brisbane.
He has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings to support clients with building resilience and addressing serious mental health conditions. Anthony has a special interest in anxiety, OCD and resilience. Anthony has also conducted both Australia-wide and international training for resilience enhancement and anxiety prevention.
Further, Anthony has published research on the importance of early intervention in preventing mental ill-health. He has extensive experience and knowledge working with high performing athletes from numerous sporting backgrounds.
Anthony works collaboratively with clients to manage their mental health, adjust effectively through life transitions and to improve performance. Anthony focuses on providing treatment from an evidenced based approach established on a solid formulation tailoring his treatment to the individual.
Katie Thompson

AIS Clinician and Senior Clinical Psychologist
Katie is a Clinical Psychologist based at the OCD Clinic Brisbane. She is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the Australian Psychological Society.
She has completed a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology and has over 15 years’ experience working with clients experiencing anxiety and other mental health issues. She has worked in both private and public settings as a Clinician and also a Team Leader and Director. She has presented at Conferences and Workshops, both nationally and internationally. She has a special interest in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders and OCD, and is particularly passionate about working with perfectionism and stress management with high performing athletes. She values a warm and collaborative relationship with her clients and utilises evidence based treatment that is tailored to the individual (particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
Katie has worked with athletes both from Representative teams and individual sports (e.g. Gymnastics). She values health, sport and exercise, and has always actively participated in sports herself. She is currently a keen road cyclist and distance runner.
“I value the opportunity to provide mental health support for Australia’s athletes, from challenges early in their journey as an athlete to retirement from their sporting career.”
Sam Versace

Sam is a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
He holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. He has experience supporting clients with anxiety disorders and other mental health difficulties across a range of settings including; inpatient residential treatment facilities, high schools and private practice.
He has conducted research in both sport psychology and alcohol and other drug settings. He enjoys working with adolescents and adults with a specific interest in anxiety disorders, difficulties with substance use, and with athletes. He also enjoys using a warm, friendly therapeutic approach to work alongside clients and facilitate their treatment goals.
He primarily utilises Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), tailored to meet the needs of the client.
South Australia (SA)
Dr John Baranoff

Extensive experience working with the AIS, state and national sport networks, and professional footballers.
John has worked with athletes from a wide range of sports in private practice and in his former role with the AIS Performance Psychology team. He has also worked extensively with athletes from professional football codes as well as state and national sport networks, particularly in the area of mental health, persistent pain and the psychology of sport injury rehabilitation.
John has significant experience as a psychologist within a number of national mental health networks for athletes and he has worked within the broader mental health system to gain an up-to-date understanding of best practice.
“Based on my experience within an institute and within national sporting organisations, I believe it’s important to have a coordinated approach to provide timely help when it’s needed. Early intervention for mental health leads to better health and performance outcomes. The Mental Health Referral Network supports and strengthens the work already being done within the national sporting organisations, and within the state and national institutes and academies.”
Chrisi Lambos

Demonstrated history of providing high quality outcomes to elite athletes and high performing individuals.
Chrisi is an experienced therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. She has worked extensively with elite athletes and high performing individuals and currently consults to both the AIS and AFL Players Association.
In her private practice, Chrisi draws on a broad range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities. This allows her to tailor treatment to the individual using an integrative approach to therapy that is flexible, targeted and relevant.
Her extensive experience working with high performing individuals has afforded her an in-depth knowledge of the unique pressures and challenges facing athletes.
In addition to addressing clinical presentations, Chrisi places great value on supporting athletes to reach their personal goals and improve performance.
Beth Alexander

Beth Alexander is a Clinical Psychologist who is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and a Fellow of the Clinical College of the APS. Beth has 25 years experience in the healthcare industry and 14 years as a Psychologist. She has worked in a broad range of areas including Private Practice, General Practice, Intensive Care Units, Community and Rural/ Remote areas. As well as the AIS, Beth works with clients from a number of Elite level sporting Organisations including The Australian Football League (AFL), The AFL Players Association (AFLPA), Cycling Australia, The Professional Footballers Association (PFA), Netball Australia, South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) and the South Australian Football Association(SANFL).
Beth’s special interests include wellbeing, elite performance, stress reduction, self-confidence, resilience building and peri-natal health. She enjoys collaborating with clients to manage and resolve depression, anxiety, trauma, burnout and post-natal depression. She has a particular interest in the prevention of illness and promotion of a healthy lifestyle. Beth is passionate about caring for people, helping them achieve their potential and assisting them to live more fulfilling, meaningful lives. She provides a calm environment for people to discuss their concerns and help them achieve their goals. Beth draws from a wide range of evidence based methodologies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, supportive counselling, Positive Psychology and the sensitive use of humour, which can be helpful
Tasmania (Tas)
Lydia Black

Personal experience as an elite athlete in rowing, now offering sport and performance psychology counselling and clinical mental health therapy to elite and developing athletes.
Lydia has a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and has many years’ experience working in both private practice and also in educational environments in Australia and overseas. Over the past three years Lydia has provided psychological services to the Tasmanian Institute of Sport, offering sport and performance psychology counselling and clinical mental health therapy to elite and developing athletes.
Within the Tasmanian Institute of Sport Lydia has supported athletes from sports such as; rowing, sailing, field hockey, para-archery, para-swimming, skateboarding and athletics. Lydia has provided sport and performance psychology services to athletes and coaches within Gymsports Tasmania, facilitating mental health and sport psychology workshops for athletes, coaches, and parents.
Lydia has provided sports psychology services to Cricket Tasmania and also supports many other individual athletes from varying sports at various levels of competition in her private practice. Lydia also has an interest in and experience working in perinatal (pre and post pregnancy) psychology, infant and child mental health, and other general mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Victoria (Vic)
Caroline Anderson

As a former Olympian she has unique insight into elite performance which she combines with her psychological understanding and professional experience
Caroline Anderson is a psychologist and brings over 16 years of experience in both hospital settings and private practice working with people with mental health issues, elite athletes, businesses and organisations. As a former Olympian she has unique insight into elite performance which she combines with her psychological understanding and professional experience.
Caroline is a Consulting Psychologist for the Victorian Institute of Sport Diving Program, Waverley High Performance Gymnastics, Cricket Australia and the AFL Players Association. Caroline also is a senior consultant to the AIS Gold Medal Ready program. Her clinic is located in North Balwyn Victoria.
Elise Den

Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) with a strong passion for supporting those with eating disorders.
Elise is committed to providing evidence based, collaborative, nurturing and client-centred nutrition care to support her clients in overcoming disordered eating behaviours and breaking free from diet culture.
Elise has extensive experience working in eating disorder units in both public and private hospitals in Victoria and also co-directs her own private practice, OnCore Nutrition, where she provides a safe space to discuss beliefs, emotions and relationships around food. She believes that recovery is possible and through her insightful counselling skills helps her clients build and nurture a positive relationship with food and their body.
She is also experienced in providing optimal care for patients with gastrointestinal disorders including cancer, IBS, IBD and malabsorption. She has years of experience managing a range of different chronic diseases and practises from a Health at Every Size® (HAES®) lends to deliver evidence-based medical nutrition therapy.
Daniel Dymond

Helping athletes navigate their way through the unique environment of high performance. From Struggling to Flourishing - Daniel will work closely with you to achieve the outcomes you want.
Daniel is committed to assisting athletes fulfil their potential through cultivating a performance mindset that stands up to the rigours of elite sport.
Daniel works in mental health and performance every day and understands the pressures and opportunities that occur in these intense, unique environments.
Daniel combines up-to-date neuroscience and psychology with performance strategies used by the most successful athletes and coaches and delivers this in an energetic, creative, and easily digestible way.
Some of Daniel's success with his clients have included: Olympic qualifications, World Championship medals, WTA tour titles, world records, national titles, and executive/high performance job attainment.
Daniel received both his honours in psychology and postgraduate Masters in Applied Psychology (sport) from the University of Queensland, Australia. He also holds an honours degree in Sport Science from Exeter in the UK.
Daniel is currently the director of The Performance and Sport Psychology Clinic and works for Adelaide Crows in AFL. He is the Golf Australia psychologist for Victoria and SA. He consults to elite tennis players, Olympians, pro boxers, and medical professionals.
Life is a game of incomplete information. The brain doesn’t like that very much - to learn how your brain deals with this, and work on how best to respond, is key to flourishing. This MHRN network is a great way to support athletes in their quests.
Tony Glynn

Performance and Clinical Psychologist based in Melbourne.
Tony has been undertaking both performance and clinical psychology roles for 20 years since completing Masters degrees in Sport and Exercise Psychology and Clinical Psychology.
He has worked with professional sporting organisations and teams such as the Geelong Football Club, Tennis Australia, the Melbourne Vixen’s, Sailing Victoria, and the Victorian Men’s and Women’s Cricket Teams. In addition to his work with professional sporting organisations he consults with a range of athletes at the senior, and development levels for Olympic sports. Tony has also worked specifically as a Clinical Psychologist in mental health services in Australia and the UK. This experience has extended to children, adolescents and adults, and he currently works part time at The Royal Children’s Hospital as a Senior Clinical Psychologist.
The AIS is leading the way to provide athletes easy access to a group of professionals offering expertise in mental health and wellbeing. Providing the option for athletes to meet with a Psychologist in a safe, confidential way independent of their sport is an amazing initiative, and one that is proving to be hugely beneficial for Australian sport.
Caitlyn MacKenzie

Caitlyn enjoys learning about and sharing her knowledge of the incredible power of the human mind.
Through her humour and down to earth attitude, she works with clients to help guide and empower them in navigating their own lives. She is a clinical psychologist who often draws upon techniques from ACT, Mindfulness, CBT, Narrative therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Caitlyn has an interest in working with eating disorders, anxiety, depression and general mental health and wellbeing, especially with young adults and athletes. Having being actively involved at a state level with both basketball (BigV) and football (VFLW), Caitlyn is a big believer that it is just as important to train our brain in strength and flexibility as we so often do with our bodies.
Ranjit Menon

One of the leading sports psychiatrists in Australia with extensive involvement across a variety of sporting organisations.
Dr Menon is a consultant psychiatrist specialising in mood and anxiety disorders. He has an Advanced Certificate in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry and is also a leading sports psychiatrist. He is the current Chief Psychiatrist of the AFL and the Director of Mentalogue Clinic, which specialises in the care of athletes and other patients with mood and anxiety disorders. He is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at University of Melbourne and an Adjunct Research Fellow at Monash University. He is also the Secretary of the Executive Board of the International Society for Sports Psychiatry.
Dr Menon has worked and researched extensively with mood and anxiety disorders and has published several peer reviewed publications. He has a keen interest in improving the care of patients suffering from mood and anxiety disorders as well as reducing their morbidity. He has been closely involved in the care of elite athletes associated with AFL, AFLW, Cricket Australia and AIS.
Lisa Olive

Experienced clinical psychologist working with athletes and national sporting organisations across a variety of sports.
Lisa completed her Masters and PhD in Clinical Psychology at the Australian National University, where she specialised in stress-related mental disorders. Lisa has significant experience in the area of elite sports mental health over the last 15 years, first through her role as a live in Residential Athlete Welfare Supervisor at the AIS and then as a Clinical Psychologist with the ACT Academy of Sport.
Lisa has further clinical experience working in community mental health, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and hospital settings. Lisa now runs a private practice, where she is committed to providing a non-judgmental, nurturing and inclusive service for all clients. She strives to be an industry benchmark for innovation, client outcomes and delivery of service.
Lisa acts on the core values of safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, growth and empowerment. She works with athletes of all levels ranging from Paralympian/Olympian and professional through to junior development pathways. In addition to her clinical practice, Lisa is actively engaged in research and training in her role as Senior Research Fellow at Deakin University and as part of the Elite Sports and Mental Health Unit at Orygen, University of Melbourne. In this role, Lisa contributes to developing new interventions, therapist training and undertakes research and training consultancies, including to the Australian Institute of Sport, the Australian Football League, Cricket Australia, Gymnastic Australia, and Tennis Australia. Lisa currently co-leads the AFL Mental Health and Wellbeing Study, a flagship project seeking to maximise the mental health and wellbeing of young athletes.
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“Responding to mental health in sport - like other areas of health – should be based on the best-available evidence, to maximise the efficient use of limited resources. The MHRN is an innovative system to support mental health and enhance wellbeing across high performance sport by providing access to quality psychological care as its needed”
Rachelle Porter

Rachelle Porter is a Clinical Psychologist with more than 15 years of experience working in mental health within the private and public sector.
Rachelle has worked in an inpatient unit, community mental health services, mental health worker in a jail, and now works in private practice in Melbourne.
Rachelle works from a trauma informed framework, providing a nurturing environment to explore and work through difficult issues, assisting clients to enhance wellbeing and optimise functioning. She draws from a variety of psychological models in her work with adolescents and adults, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Mindfulness, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Systemic, and Sensory Motor Psychotherapy.
Areas of interest include:
- anxiety
- mood disorders
- stress management and coping
- self-esteem issues
- trauma
- relaxation
- relationship issues
Rachelle has worked with the Mental Health Referral Network since it's inception in 2019.
John Ruecroft

I am an experienced clinical psychologist with a compassionate and collaborative approach, and I provide a safe and non-judgemental space for people to confidently discuss their most personal matters.
Drawing on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Mindfulness practices, I take a holistic approach to consider the various elements of people’s individual circumstances.
Integrating many years of personal experience using mindfulness practices with my clinical experience and expertise, I work with people to develop self-awareness and self-acceptance, to assist them in both discovering and living in alignment with their truest values, and improving their wellbeing and quality of life.
I have experience in various psychology settings in both the Private and Public sectors, including University Counselling and Psychological Services, Inpatient and Outpatient Clinical Mental Health, Forensic settings, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Private Practice.
Emma Steer

Clinical Psychologist dedicated to supporting young athletes in achieving optimal performance and positive mental health.
A highly skilled and experienced Clinical and Educational & Developmental Psychologist, Emma works with both amateur and professional athletes dealing with a range of mental health and performance-based issues. Emma works in private practice at Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre in Melbourne and heads the psychology services of one of Australia’s most well-regarded private girls’ schools.
Emma is an accredited Mental Health First Aid trainer and contributes as a facilitator to the AFL’s ‘Tackle Your Feelings’ program. A regular presenter on mental health related issues in children, adolescents and athletes, she has also completed an international study into the flourishing of adolescents and young people. Emma is a keen long distance runner and former triathlete.
Emma implements practical, evidence based psychological treatment approaches and strategies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Positive Psychology and general psych-education. Emma has specific expertise in dealing with athletes presenting with anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Emma also works with athletes to develop optimal performance, self-confidence, resilience and general self-efficacy. Other areas of Emma’s expertise include;
- Clinical management of mental health issues
- Learning and developmental disorders
- Pain management related to illness or injury
- Building positive relationships
- Development of social and emotional competencies Social media & cyber safety
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t - you’re right”
Henry Ford
Katie Wood

Katie is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years experience working in private practice as well as other mental health settings.
She works with individuals, couples, and families using a range of evidence-based approaches with the goal to support mental health and wellbeing, personal growth, and healthy relationships.
Katie has been a consultant psychologist for the Bendigo Academy of Sport, and is an accredited Tackle Your Feelings Psychologist. She is an Associate Professor in Psychology at Swinburne University where she works part time. Katie is a member of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists, and an endorsed clinical supervisor. Her interests include:
- High performance in sport
- Twin psychology
- Child and adolescent mental health
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma recovery
- Resilience.
Western Australia (WA)
Kartikey Agarwal

20 years’ experience in several specialties of clinical Psychiatry.
Worked in Psychiatry since 2001. Has been involved in many research projects. Consultant Psychiatrist in Perth WA since 2011. Has worked as the Clinical lead of many teams including early intervention in psychosis (EIP), adult community mental health, acute inpatient psychiatric services, consultation liaison, youth services, drug and alcohol services, hospital in the home(HITH). Been in private practice since 2014 at Hollywood hospital and Perth Clinic. Currently director of acute services at Perth Clinic. Over the last 4-5 years he worked with elite athletes in a coordinated manner with sports physicians and clinical psychologists with expertise in sports psychology. Extensive knowledge and experience in clinical psychiatry and psychopharmacology with special interest in sports psychiatry.
Kim Mercer

20 years professional experience in clinical and sporting arenas.
Kim is a Clinical Psychologist with more than twenty years’ experience in both clinical and sport settings. She has worked in correctional facilities and inpatient psychiatric units in Australia, the UK and the USA. She was the Team Psychologist for the Fremantle Dockers AFL Club for ten years although now works exclusively in private practice, where she continues to consult to the AFL Players’ Association providing support for both current and past AFL and AFLW players. She has been a part of the AIS MHRN since its inception.
Kim aims to develop genuine and meaningful connections with her clients. She has a thorough understanding of elite sporting environments and the complex pressures that athletes face, but also works with non-athlete clients. She is experienced with issues more specific to sport including anxiety relating to performance and selection, adjustment to injury and return to play, transition into and out of an elite environment and pain management. She is also skilled in working with clinical presentations including anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, trauma, eating disorders and substance use. From a therapeutic perspective she utilises a variety of evidence-based approaches including cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness and mindfulness-based CBT, brief solution focused therapy, as well as clinical and sports hypnosis. She has a keen interest in neuroscience and utilizes a brain-based approach in her practice.
Her clinic is very centrally located in West Perth and is wheelchair accessible.
“A designated Mental Health Referral Network of skilled and experienced psychologists is imperative for ensuring the highest level of psychological support and care for elite athletes and I am privileged to be a part of that group”.
Kim Maserow

Experienced therapist specialising in eating disorders, mood disorders and sexual health.
Kim works as a clinical psychologist in full-time private practice where she sees a variety of clinical presentations, many of whom are elite athletes requiring an understanding approach to their unique issues. She utilises many different treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Schema Therapy. Special interests include eating disorders – she was the co-director of an Eating Disorder Inpatient and Day Outpatient Unit for many years, helping patients with both restrictive and binge eating patterns. Sexual health, anxiety and depression are other areas of interest, working closely with medical colleagues. She is centrally located in Perth and her clinic is fully accessible for wheelchairs. She employs Skype, Zoom and telephone consults as appropriate.
I was delighted to be invited to join the Mental Health Referral Network which facilitates the connection between athlete and psychological therapist.
Sharon Ridley

Sharon Ridley has a Masters in Clinical Psychology from the University of Western Australia and has worked in both private and government settings for a number of years.
She is an AHPRA approved supervisor and enjoys supervising postgraduate psychology students. Sharon is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with extensive experience in the treatment of eating and body image disorders. She is comfortable working with adolescents, adults, and couples.
Her areas of interest include: Eating Disorders, Body Image Disturbance, Perfectionism, Worry and Rumination, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Performance Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Grief and loss, Difficulties with life transitions, Relationship difficulties. Sharon is passionate about delivering evidence-based treatment in a warm, supportive and collaborative environment. She will help you gain insight and understanding of your problem and teach you practical skills to manage your thoughts, feelings and behaviours to achieve relief from your symptoms, improve quality of life and prevent relapse.
Sharon is interested in helping people to achieve their personal goals and enjoy a full and varied life with a sense of self-acceptance. She believes that people know themselves better than anyone and with a little help can learn the skills to not only feel more content but also continue to prosper long after therapy has ended.
Simone Allen

Advanced Sports Dietitian with 20 years’ experience working with a wide range of athletes with a special interest in endurance sports and aesthetic sports.
Simone currently runs a sports nutrition private practice and works with several sporting groups including being the Sports Dietitian for West Coast Eagles, Wesley College LTAD program and WA Ballet. Simone is also lecturing in Exercise and Sports Nutrition at Curtin Uni.
In previous years has worked at WAIS with swimming, athletics, diving, synchronised swimming and gymnastics. Simone was a Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach for 15 years, travelling annually with the WA State team, and appreciates the importance of realistic and appropriate advice.
Currently training as a triathlete and looking forward to racing in Ironman 70.3 in Busselton in Dec 2021 and World Champs for Ironman 70.3 in Dec 2022.
The AIS Mental Health Network provides an opportunity for athletes to work with Sports Dietitians who are able to provide practical and realistic advice specific to their sport, with an understanding of what their sport demands.
Julia Butt

With over 10 years working within elite Julia works with clients to support their wellbeing and mental health within sport and in their broader life and culture.
Julia is a Clinical Psychologist with more than 15 years' experience working in mental health and wellbeing. Julia has worked across a range of sectors including corrections, mental health, drug and alcohol, private practise, Aboriginal health and research. Julia has 10 years' experience in elite sport and considerable cross-cultural experience.
Using her experiences from the major football codes in Australia (AFL and soccer) and other sports including cricket and golf Julia provides a safe and supportive environment to explore mental health and improve wellbeing. She has experience working with current and former athletes around managing the challenges of elite sport and developing balance across the different domains of life and wellbeing. Julia has experience in working with stress, anxiety, depression, life changes, identity, and addictive behaviours. Julia draws from a variety of psychological models in a culturally safe way including acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, schema therapy and narrative therapy.
Craig Harms

Dr Craig Harms PhD is registered as an endorsed Clinical Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Craig has experience working with adults in mental health settings (government and private), helping them to manage problems associated with mood (e.g., low mood associated with depression) and anxiety disorders (e.g., coping with panic attacks and generalized worry) as well as complex psychological concerns.
Craig’s current work as a Clinical Psychologist is mainly influenced by Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, and therapeutic approaches linked with the understanding of emotions. Craig has previously worked at the Western Australian Institute of Sport and currently lectures in the School of Arts and Humanities, Psychology and Criminology at Edith Cowan University.
Craig has also worked with children and their parents on developmental concerns, as well as counseling adolescents when he worked for a number of years as a school teacher.
Contact the MHRN
Phone: +61 2 6214 1130 (Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm AET)
Email: mentalhealth@sportaus.gov.au