Overview

The APS Outer Eastern Melbourne Branch is excited to invite all members and beyond to a half-day in person workshop focused on the use of new technologies in our work with clients.

Virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) offer new ways to enhance the assessment and treatment of individuals experiencing mental ill-health. VR enables immersive simulations that replicate real-world scenarios, allowing clients to learn, rehearse, and regulate responses in a safe, controlled setting. AI, meanwhile, powers tools such as digital companions, personalised intervention delivery, and real-time symptom monitoring. This webinar will introduce mental health professionals to the clinical use of VR and AI with a focus on youth and adult populations experiencing common and complex mental health conditions.

Topics will include an overview of how these technologies work, current evidence from clinical trials, case examples of use in therapy, and key ethical and implementation considerations.

Attendees will also have the chance to try a cutting-edge VR treatment for youth depression and anxiety, gaining first-hand experience of how immersive environments can be used to enhance engagement and support therapeutic change in young people.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this event, participants should be able to:

• Understand common applications of VR and AI technologies within psychological treatment
• Evaluate the current evidence base for VR and AI applications in mental health care
• Assess the appropriateness of VR and AI tools for different client presentations
• Describe at least three practical and ethical considerations when using VR or AI in clinical settings

Presenter(s)

Dr. Imogen Bell

About the presenter(s)

Dr. Imogen Bell is an NHMRC Early Leadership Fellow and Registered Psychologist at Orygen Digital, within the Centre for Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne. Dr. Bell has a PhD in Clinical Psychology, and has over 9 years of experience in the development, evaluation, and implementation of innovative new digital treatments for youth mental ill-health with a focus on smartphone apps, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality technologies. Her multidisciplinary expertise spans psychological science, digital product development, and business strategy, and she has extensive experience working with young people on projects involving mental health and technology. As a registered clinician, Dr. Bell is also trained in treating mental health conditions, with a particular focus on severe mental ill-health and youth.

Notes

Registration includes morning tea and hands-on demonstration of VR treatment.

Parking: Discounted parking is available at Eastland Shopping Centre for registrants.

Target Audience

This event is aimed at all psychologists and mental health clinicians.

CPD

It is up to attendees to assess and determine how learning from this event aligns with the requirements of their learning plan. The providers accordingly do not make any representation that the event counts towards attendees’ CPD learning requirements. If an attendee determines themselves that the learning they complete aligns to their learning plan, then they can decide to count those hours towards their CPD requirements for the registration cycle.

The information in this presentation has been prepared in good faith and for educational purposes only. Therefore, the information is general in nature and should not be relied upon in the treatment of any condition and you should seek your own independent professional and/or legal advice concerning any specific issue. The APS accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or decisions relating to the information. The content should not be reproduced without permission or unless permitted by law.

If you are experiencing registration difficulties please contact APS Events Support.