The internet and smart phones have a role to play in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in young people, according to Australia’s leading adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.
He will be in Launceston on Monday 16 Septemberand Burnie on Monday 23September to present workshops and evening forums titled The Use of Web-based Interventions and Smart Phone Apps in the Promotion of Youth Mental Health and Well-Being.
Dr Carr-Gregg said technology is getting faster and cleverer and the roll-out of the National Broadband Network means that increasingly our young people will - whether we like it or not - be continuously connected.
"While the media focus has been overwhelmingly on the downside of this technology, in the form of cyber bullying, sexting, malware and scams, there is a substantial upside - this revolution has already brought untold benefits for workers with young people in health, education and welfare.
"Australia is a world leader in ePsychology and this presentation aims to introduce participants to the latest research, web-based programs and smart phone apps that can help promote good mental health in young people, as well as playing a key role in the diagnosis and treatment of high-prevalence disorders."
Dr Carr-Gregg's visit is being sponsored by the UTAS University Department of Rural Health and the UTAS Rural Clinical School, with support from the North and North West Tasmania Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN) and Australian Psychological Society (APS) branches.
Burnie event details
Who: Psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, health care professionals and community members.
What: Presentation of The use of web-based interventions and Smart Phone Apps in the promotion of youth mental health and well-being.
When: Burnie – Monday 23rd September – 8.30am-3.30pm and evening session 6-8pm.
Where: UTAS Rural Clinical School, Hospitals Campus, Brickport Rd., Burnie.
RSVP: There are limited places still available at both evening sessions - all health care professionals and community members who work with young people are welcome to attend. Please call the University Department of Rural Health on +61 3 6324 4000 to RSVP.
Contact - Burnie:Colleen Cheek, Rural Clinical School: +61 3 6430 5922 or email: Colleen.Cheek@utas.edu.au
About Dr Michael Carr-Gregg: Dr Carr-Gregg is one of Australia's highest profile psychologists. He works in private practice in Melbourne. He is a founding member of the National Centre Against Bullying and an official ambassador for the national depression initiative beyondblue as well as Mindmatters, one of 16 youth suicide prevention programs run by the Federal Government. He is also a columnist for Girlfriend Magazine and Australian Doctor and is a regular guest on Radio 3AW.