Join us for an insightful discussion on integrated care for older people experiencing co-occurring mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) concerns.

Co-occurring mental health and AOD concerns are more common among older people than often recognised, yet they often present to health services in the context of another issue, meaning their AOD or mental health needs can be missed or overlooked.

This webinar will focus on the importance of screening, assessment and taking action to support older people experiencing co-occurring concerns, while considering important factors that can impact treatment, including significant life changes, physical health needs and biological changes.

Treatment options, including the role of medication review (deprescribing) in supporting better outcomes, will be discussed and explored through a case discussion. The webinar will also highlight opportunities for change and the importance of supporting hope and recovery.

This webinar is offered by the Hamilton Centre in collaboration with Mental Health Victoria and funded by the Victorian Department of Health.

• Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026

• Time: 12pm – 1.30pm (AEDT)

• Cost: Free

Learning objectives

• Gain an understanding of the prevalence and impact of co-occurring mental health and AOD concerns among older people, and consider how these apply in practice through a case example.

• Understand the importance of screening and assessment in identifying needs and informing appropriate treatment options and supports for older people, including consideration of life changes, physical health and age-related biological changes.

• Gain an awareness of treatment options for older people, including approaches to medication review (deprescribing).

• Recognise opportunities for change and the role of integrated, recovery-oriented care in supporting hope for older people.

Presenters

Dr Vicky Phan

Vicky is an Addiction Psychiatrist at the Hamilton Centre/Eastern Health clinical team and a lecturer for the Master of Addictive Behaviours course at Monash University. She has completed specialist medical training in addiction psychiatry and has postgraduate qualifications in psychiatry, public health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD). Vicky has experience working across AOD and mental health services in both NSW and Victoria, and believes in a holistic and person-centred approach when working with people and their families. Her areas of special interest include mental health comorbidity, harm minimisation, pharmacotherapy, training and education.

Alice Frank

Alice is the Hamilton Centre Senior Pharmacist working with both the Central and Eastern Health teams. Along with interest and expertise in co-occurring mental health and substance use, she also has extensive experience in various clinical and leadership roles within Victorian Public Health Services. In 2021, she was a contributing author to the report commissioned by the Department of Health that informed the addition of tramadol, pregabalin and gabapentin to SafeScript. She also participated in VAADA’s AOD Leadership Accelerator Pilot Program.

Moderator

Annie Williams, Hamilton Centre Relationship and Partnership Lead.

Annie is a highly experienced Registered Nurse who has worked in clinical leadership and project management roles. She is committed to continuous improvement, advocacy and equitable service delivery. Annie holds a master’s qualification in Pain Management and has collaborated extensively with the Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) sectors.