This session will explore the role of pharmacotherapy in integrated mental health and addiction care. It will cover key considerations such as addressing barriers, initiating conversations and navigating care pathways.

Gain practical insights into managing risks, ensuring safety and collaborating effectively with healthcare professionals. Designed to equip you with knowledge and strategies, this workshop supports delivering safe, effective and compassionate care.

This session is aimed at Victorian AOD and mental health workers in regional settings. Offered by the Hamilton Centre and funded by the Victorian Department of Health.

• Date: Thursday, 7 May 2026

• Time: Registration 9 – 9:30am | Workshop 9:30am – 4pm.

• Location: Ballarat Golf Club - Titheridge Room - 1800 Sturt St Alfredton, Alfredton VIC 3350

• Cost: Free

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance and will be asked to complete a survey to help us improve future events.

Places are limited, so early registration will secure your spot. For further information, please contact us at [email protected].

Learning objectives

• Understand the role of pharmacotherapy in integrated care

• Identify and address barriers to effective pharmacotherapy delivery

• Learn practical skills to improve pharmacotherapy treatment outcomes

• Explore emerging trends within pharmacotherapy treatment

Presenters

Alice Frank is a senior clinical pharmacist with particular interest and expertise in mental health and substance use disorders. She has extensive experience in various clinical and leadership roles within Victorian Public Health Services. She is passionate about the significant positive impact that mental health pharmacists have in ensuring optimal, patient-centred, and evidence-based treatments.

Lee Ann has lived experience of substance use disorder and mental health challenges. She holds qualifications in Community Services, Mental Health and AOD, as well as Child Youth and Families. In addition, she has completed multiple Peer Worker training programs and is a certified SMART Recovery Facilitator. Over the past 3.5 years, Lee Ann has worked as a Youth Residential Carer, supporting children living in Out of Home Care. She also works as a Peer Support Worker with the Hamilton Centre’s Eastern team and has recently joined the Central team as a Peer Educator. Lee Ann is a strong advocate for challenging stigma and promotes the use of therapeutic language and trauma-informed care in all aspects of her work.

Lisa Jarvie is a Registered Nurse passionate about systems and processes with the individual at the centre, facilitating client-led goals and experiences and increasing self-determination in healthcare. With a background in statewide program management across chronic pain, aged care and implementing culture change programs, Lisa enjoys working with clinicians and services to make sure they are focused and inclusive, with the delivery of workshops and education a key interest. Lisa came to the AOD sector and the Hamilton Centre after completing a Master of Addictive Behaviours, in which she completed a thesis on pain, sleep, and substance use.