The Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) Psychology Department Professional Development Day is an annual event, hosted by the CCLHD Psychology Department’s Education Committee.
Each year our event is held around the time of the Australian Psychological Society’s Psychology Week (this year held from 10-16 November) and aims to bring together psychologists and clinicians from within NSW Health and beyond, for a day of networking and high-quality presentations from clinicians and researchers who are experts in their fields.
Whether you are a new graduate or a seasoned practitioner, high quality psychological practice requires effective skills in working within the technological space and maintaining high standards in monitoring and achieving positive client outcomes.
We are pleased to welcome Dr Aaron Frost (Benchmark Psychology, Brisbane), Dr Erika Penney (Senior Lecturer, University of Technology), Dr Madelyne Bisby (Lecturer / Clinical Psychologist, Macquarie University) and Professor Caroline Hunt (academic lead, University of Sydney and current President of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association) as our 2025 speakers, to share their knowledge and clinical insights about these issues.
Thursday 20 November 2025, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Gosford Hospital Conference Centre Auditorium, Level 2, Holden Street Gosford 2250
$35 per person. Registration and payment can be completed via the CCLHD payment portal, please click the below link for more information. Please note that it is important you supply your email address when registering.
Register for the CCLHD Psychology Professional Development Day
Schedule of events
- 9:00am – Welcome address
Deanna Aplitt, Director of Allied and Oral Health, Central Coast Local Health District - 9:10 – 10.50am – Improving client outcomes through routine outcome measurements and deliberate practice
Dr Aaron Frost – Online presentation - 10:50 – 11:10am – Morning tea
- 11:10am – 12:40pm – Future-proof your understanding of AI in mental health
Dr Erika Penney - 12:40-1:30pm – Lunch
- 1:30-2:30pm – Digital psychological treatments for mental health difficulties: A summary of available options and new directions
Dr Madelyne Bisby - 2:30-2:45pm – Afternoon tea
- 2:45-4:00pm – The ethical risks associated with technology use in psychology practice
Professor Caroline Hunt
About our presenters
Dr Aaron Frost
With a career spanning over 20 years, and including private practice, public sector, research, academia, consultancy, and training, Dr Aaron Frost has been an influential and forward thinking leader in psychology. Aaron is a certified trainer with the International Centre for Clinical Excellence (ICCE), the program lead for the Supervisor Training and Approval Program (STAP) and the Director of Benchmark Psychology.
Presentation synopsis: Research has consistently found greater variation between therapists than between therapy types. By measuring outcomes, individual therapists can improve their performance and drive stronger results for their clients whilst also learning where to focus their own efforts on professional improvement.
Dr Erika Penney
Dr Erika Penney is a Clinical Psychologist/Supervisor who began her career working within Complex and Developmental Trauma, Personality Disorders, and is an ISST Advanced Certified Schema therapist. Erika has since transitioned to an academic career and is a Senior Lecturer within the Graduate School of Health at the University of Technology Sydney. She is part of the UTS GenAI ENHANCE grant team, enabling networks of health professionals to create and evaluate opportunities for AI; was awarded two UTS Vice Chancellor’s Teaching Awards for interprofessionalism and digital technologies in mental health; and is currently working on an invited team project for UNICEF, compiling an insight report on behavioural science and childhood wellbeing. She plays a role in AI-resilient assessment within allied health subjects at UTS, and in industry liaison, and is a nationally recognised educator and leader in AI in allied health and allied health education.
Presentation synopsis: Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) adoption in Mental Health has increased significantly in the last few years. This session will explore this rapidly evolving landscape and the intersection between AI advancements and psychological practice. We’ll examine the latest tools with the highest uptake across healthcare. Through empirical evidence, case example demonstrations, and reflection, this session offers a grounded roadmap for psychological professionals aiming to engage critically and constructively with AI’s expanding role in healthcare.
Dr Madelyne Bisby
Dr Madelyne Bisby is a Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist at Macquarie University. Her research examines how and why different psychological treatments are effective. Her clinical interests include working with patients in acute mental health services and using brief therapeutic approaches. She is interested in understanding how we can increase use of mental health services, with a focus on ultra-brief digital treatments as a potential enabler.
Presentation synopsis: This talk will provide an overview of the rationale behind digital psychological treatments (e.g., online courses) and the evidence supporting their use. We will cover the different treatment options available within NSW, and the clinical factors to consider when thinking about which patients are likely to benefit. The talk will conclude by illustrating recent research in the field of digital psychological treatments.
Professor Caroline Hunt
Professor Caroline Hunt is academic lead of the Clinical Psychology Unit and oversees the Master of Clinical Psychology program at the University of Sydney. She is President of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association, and her previous roles include Chair of the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and President of the NSW Psychology Council. Her research interests include the nature and treatment of anxiety disorders across the lifespan, school-based bullying and victimisation, and supporting mental health across diverse cultural groups.
Presentation synopsis: Caroline will draw from her experience in working in psychology regulation in NSW and from the growing literature to discuss a range of ethical risks that can be posed by technology use in psychology practice. Topics will focus on the use of personal social media and email communications but also consider the use of smartphone applications and telehealth. Questions regarding the growing incorporation of AI technology into psychological care will also be discussed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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When do ticket sales end?
Wednesday 19 November.
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Can I watch the event live online or at a later date?
No. This is an in-person event at the Gosford Hospital Auditorium. The event is not recorded.
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How many people may attend the event?
150 people.
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How do I get to the event?
Gosford Hospital is located on Racecourse Road, Gosford. Free parking is available in surrounding streets (Racecourse Road and Showground Rd), but these areas park out quickly so allow plenty of time. Paid parking is available in the following parking stations at Gosford Hospital: P1 (access via Hospital Road off Racecourse Road) or P2 (access via Showground Road). Gosford Hospital is approximately a 10-minute walk from Gosford train station.
Gosford Hospital site map -
How do I find the Hospital Auditorium?
Gosford Hospital has one Auditorium. This is located in the Conference Centre on Level 2. Staff at the Reception Desk in the Main Entry can provide directions.
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What catering is provided?
Only morning tea is catered.
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Where can food and drink be purchased on site?
Food and drink can be purchased from one of two cafes – one in the Gosford Hospital main foyer and the other adjacent to the Gosford Hospital Auditorium.
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What should I bring to the event?
Paper for note-taking and a jacket (as the room can be cool).
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What time does the registration desk open?
The registration desk opens at 8:30 am. Please ensure you are seated by 9.00 am as our event will start promptly.
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What is the refund policy?
All refund requests must be submitted by Thursday 13 November 2025. We are unable to refund your ticket in the final 7 days before our event, as catering requirements will have been finalised. If you require a refund, please email CCLHD-PsychologyEducationTraining@health.nsw.gov.au
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Is my ticket transferrable in the final 7 days before the event?
Yes. You are welcome to transfer your registration to a colleague up to and including Thursday, November 20th. To do so please contact us via email and provide the full name and email address of your colleague who will attend on the day – CCLHD-PsychologyEducationTraining@health.nsw.gov.au
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What should I do if I do not have a colleague to transfer my ticket to in the final 7 days before the event?
We are unable to refund your ticket in the final 7 days. As a courtesy we would appreciate if you could advise us that you cannot attend via email at CCLHD-PsychologyEducationTraining@health.nsw.gov.au
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Will attendance certificates be issued?
Yes. These will be available at the end of the day.
Questions and enquiries can be sent to our Administration Officer at: CCLHD-PsychologyEducationTraining@health.nsw.gov.au