Research at the heart of evidence-based and compassionate mental health care

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Matthew Gullo standing outside auditorium at PA Hospital
A/Prof Matthew Gullo, Keynote Speaker at the Research Symposium

Some of the top mental health researchers across Metro South gathered to discuss the latest findings and how this innovation can continue to improve patient care.

Keynote speaker A/Prof Matthew Gullo presented on precision mental health care for addiction and translating research into practice.

A/Prof Gullo is a Visiting Senior Clinical Psychologist at the PA Hospital’s Alcohol and Drug Assessment Unit, and an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology in the School of Applied Psychology and the Centre for Mental Health at Griffith University.

“Alcohol use disorder is what we see more than any other problem at the Alcohol and Drug Assessment Unit and it’s one of the most common mental disorders,” he said.

A/Prof Gullo shared his research which seeks to improve the assessment and treatment of addiction through a better understanding of the complex biosocial cognitive mechanisms involved, revealing new targets for personalised intervention.

“Precision mental health care involves the evidence-based tailoring of treatment to the patient in front of you and their unique manifestation of risk factors.”

He also discussed how motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) could be better tailored to the unique needs of individuals who are seeking help for addiction and substance related problems.

While A/Prof Gullo acknowledged it’s early stages, he said preliminary research data leans towards improvement.

“We’re really excited about what providing this information to clinicians could be doing.”

The topic of translating research into reality was a theme throughout all speakers at the Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Research Symposium held on 24 October 2024, which attracted more than 140 registrations.

Symposium attendees were welcomed by Kieran Kinsella and Janine Walker AM. , Prof Dan Siskind as MC introduced all presenters including Dr Marianne Wyder, Dr Seiji Humphries, Ms Una Window, Dr Mike Trott, Dr Graham Pringle, Nikki Geffen and Dr Jon Paul Teo.

The event was proudly sponsored by QSuper and Remserv.