Mind the gap: Ethics, evidence and the evaluation of speech pathology in relation to mental health

Tracks
60-minute presentations
Thursday, June 25, 2026
1:30 PM - 1:40 PM
Room 5 & 6, First Floor

Overview

Karen James, Cate Barrett and Kate Fanning

Details

⏫ Panel discussion
⏲️ 1:30–2:30 pm
⌛ 60-minutes
📚 Assumed knowledge of attendees: Foundational (new/casual familiarity with the topic e.g. treated a single case)

Presenter

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Ms Cate Barrett
Queensland Health

Mind the gap: Ethics, evidence and the evaluation of speech pathology in relation to mental health

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

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Cate Barrett is an Advanced Speech Pathologist specialising in adult mental health, with over 30 years of experience in speech pathology and more than 20 years as a psychologist. She is deeply passionate about improving quality of life for adults living in the community and brings a unique, integrated perspective to complex mental health and communication needs. Cate has worked across a broad range of clinical and service settings, developing expertise that bridges disciplines and supports holistic, person‑centred care. She is committed to creating lasting change in the sector through education, advocacy, and the sharing of practical, evidence‑informed resources designed to support and empower busy clinicians.
Kate Fanning

Mind the gap: Ethics, evidence and the evaluation of speech pathology in relation to mental health

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

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Miss Karen James
The Forensic Hospital

Mind the gap: Ethics, evidence and the evaluation of speech pathology in relation to mental health

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

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Karen is an experienced Speech Pathologist who holds an eclectic range of roles across Forensic Mental Health, Rehabilitation & Aged care and Education, all driven by her deep passion for the complex intersection of trauma, communication, and systemic disadvantage. She is also a trained Witness Intermediary who assists vulnerable individuals in navigating the legal system by ensuring their communication needs are understood and supported during police interviews and court proceedings. As a Clinical Educator, Karen is committed to preparing the next generation of speech pathologists to work confidently and compassionately with individuals affected by trauma and mental health challenges. Her practice is grounded in a person-centred, trauma-informed approach that advocates for communication equity across all settings.

Session chair

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Anna Pritchard
NT Health

Student volunteer(s)

Elaina Emerson
University Of Sydney

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Catherine Mary Gatling

The information contained in this program is current at of the time of publishing but is subject to changes made without notice.

Disclaimer: © (2024) The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited. All rights reserved.
Important Notice, please read: The views expressed in this presentation and reproduced in these materials are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, The Speech Pathology Association of Australia Limited ("the Association"). The Association makes no warranty or representation in relation to the content, currency or accuracy of any of the materials comprised in this presentation. The Association expressly disclaims any and all liability (including liability for negligence) in respect of use of these materials and the information contained within them. The Association recommends you seek independent professional advice prior to making any decision involving matters outlined in this presentation including in any of the materials referred to or otherwise incorporated into this presentation.

 

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