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Return of the Friendly, Neighbourhood Psychologist: Community Connected, Family Centred Mental Health Care Using GHEORG

Tracks
Cypress Room
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Overview

Louise Metcalf, Gheorg


Speaker

Agenda Item Image
Louise Metcalf
Founder
Gheorg

Return of the Friendly, Neighbourhood Psychologist: Community Connected, Family Centred Mental Health Care Using GHEORG

Abstract

Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder for children, and it is increasing. Pre-pandemic rates of childhood anxiety showed marked rates of increase, reported at 13-20% and studies of GP’s indicated SSRI prescriptions for children have jumped by 25% since 2017. However, 2 out of 3 children never access services due to either their non-metro location or not having sufficient co-morbidities, such as a learning disorder, to spur care. In addition, even if we could get those children to link to care, psychologist’s wait lists are now reported to be at 6-9months for children. This situation is only predicted to worsen, so new models of care are needed to ensure children with anxiety can access the help they need, when they need it, with equity. GHEORG is a virtual character, co-created with over 1000 children of diverse backgrounds, including children who speak Noongar in WA. Built as an app and web dashboard system, GHEORG delivers accessible therapy in the home, in multiple languages including the Noongar WA Aboriginal language. GHEORG helps parents learn about anxiety, monitor children’s mental health and track observable symptoms that can then assist them in knowing when a child needs more help. In 2022 GHEORG was piloted with psychologists and families in WA, demonstrating that this system of care significantly improved early access to care, family and practitioner collaboration in therapy and therapeutic outcomes. GHEORG also created the potential for a multi-sector approach to care as families could choose to involve other treaters such as school psychologists.

Biography

Short Bio: Dr Louise Metcalf is a senior psychologist in Sydney and founder of GHEORG the little virtual robot helping children with anxiety and to build resilience. Long Bio: Dr Louise Metcalf is a senior psychologist with almost 30 years in the profession. She has been a consultant on resilience across the US and Asia Pacific. She consulted with the United Nations on the importance and impact of nature for mental health. She now has a beautiful boy of 7 and builds GHEORG, the little virtual robot helping children 7-12 years with anxiety and to build resilience. GHEORG is a system of care for the rising tide of childhood anxiety, helping families get the care they need for their child and collaborate effectively with practitioners.

 

 

 

 

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