A clinical psychologist is a psychologist who is an expert in mental health. The training and education of a clinical psychologist takes a minimum of 8 years. Brooke has also completed a PhD in Psychology from the University of Sydney.

Clinical Psychologists have undertaken highly specialised training in the assessment, diagnosis, formulation, and psychological treatment of mental health, behavioural, and emotional disorders across the lifespan.

Clinical psychologists are the only psychologists to have this advanced level of education and training in mental health. Education and training of clinical psychologists takes a minimum of eight years.

Clinical psychology is a science-based profession that integrates theory and clinical practice to understand, prevent, and relieve psychological problems or disorders whether they are mild, moderate, severe, chronic, or complex.

The competencies required within the additional qualification and advanced supervised practice for clinical psychologists are outlined on the AHPRA website and within the Accreditation Standards for Psychology published by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

(Australian Clinical Psychologist Association, 2022)

In addition to the standard training for a clinical psychologist, Dr Brooke Donnelly has also completed a PhD (Psychology / Neuroscience) at the University of Sydney. This specialised clinical research training enables graduates to work as a scientist-practitioner, critically evaluate the evidence for a treatment or intervention, and make recommendations regarding the most appropriate course of treatment for an individual, keeping their wishes and personal circumstances in mind.