Not Just Another Rebrand: The Case for Reimagining Dual Diagnosis
| Thursday, May 28, 2026 |
| 9:15 AM - 9:45 AM |
Overview
Dr Catherine Foley, Program Lead, SUSTAIN: Harm Prevention in Rural, Regional, and Remote Communities. National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Medicine & Health, Sydney, Australia
Details
Three Key Learnings
1. Dual diagnosis has the potential to reduce complex human experiences into narrow categories that can restrict or exclude people from appropriate treatment. 2. Context captures the richness and nuance in people’s stories, creating a realistic starting point for collaborative, individualised treatment beyond the limits of diagnosis. 3. Contemporary integrated care must merge research with lived experience, whilst embedding adaptability to address the diverse, evolving factors that drive substance use and recovery.
1. Dual diagnosis has the potential to reduce complex human experiences into narrow categories that can restrict or exclude people from appropriate treatment. 2. Context captures the richness and nuance in people’s stories, creating a realistic starting point for collaborative, individualised treatment beyond the limits of diagnosis. 3. Contemporary integrated care must merge research with lived experience, whilst embedding adaptability to address the diverse, evolving factors that drive substance use and recovery.
Speaker
Dr Catherine Foley
Program Lead, SUSTAIN
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Medicine & Health, Sydney, Australia
Not Just Another Rebrand: The case for Reimagining Dual Diagnosis
Abstract
There is growing recognition that individual responses to diversity, injustice, and violence are shaped by the interaction of multiple factors and experiences. Is it time to reconsider how healthcare language and systems are adapting to meet the intersecting needs of our communities?
This keynote invites critical examination of the concept of dual diagnosis and how we define complexity. Drawing on history, contemporary practice, and lived and living experience insights, the presentation will explore how bias can be embedded in diagnostic criteria and service design; and why holistic care must move beyond siloed thinking both within and across health services. The challenge is often understanding diagnostic categories whilst also allowing for deeper exploration of the detail in people’s stories. The gap between knowledge and practice will be examined to support the development of practical, inclusive ways of working in a changing world.
This keynote invites critical examination of the concept of dual diagnosis and how we define complexity. Drawing on history, contemporary practice, and lived and living experience insights, the presentation will explore how bias can be embedded in diagnostic criteria and service design; and why holistic care must move beyond siloed thinking both within and across health services. The challenge is often understanding diagnostic categories whilst also allowing for deeper exploration of the detail in people’s stories. The gap between knowledge and practice will be examined to support the development of practical, inclusive ways of working in a changing world.
Biography
Dr Catherine Foley is a psychologist and researcher with the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at UNSW, living and working on Gumbaynggirr Country on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Catherine leads the SUSTAIN research program which aims to co design practical, community driven models that strengthen collaboration between services and communities, and support clinicians in responding to people’s evolving needs and contexts. Her commitment to generating evidence that reflects the unique strengths and complexities of individuals is grounded in a clinical background in mental health, substance use and trauma. With an emphasis on rural, regional and remote communities, current projects explore integration across and within AOD and mental health services, improving access to community-based AOD support, strengthening the role of people and families in treatment planning, and partnering with CALD communities to better understand diverse contexts and perspectives. Underpinned by inclusion and meaningful partnership, Catherine’s approach focuses on empowering communities and services to deliver tangible benefits in their priority areas.
