The Chief Psychiatrist is committed to reducing working towards the elimination of restrictive practices, seclusion and restraint, in Western Australia (WA). In order to promote transparency in the use of…
Latest news
Chief Psychiatrist’s Clinical Helpdesk – Temporary Closure
The Chief Psychiatrist advises that from Tuesday 14 July 2020, the Clinical Helpdesk will be closed until we are able staff it consistently. During this period, we advise that Clinical…
Chief Psychiatrist’s Activities and COVID-19 Response – Updated 23/12/2020
COVID-19 Mental Health Directives and Guides Management of acute behavioural disturbance in COVID-19 (Department of Health) This guideline addresses the safe care and management of consumerspresenting with psychological distress and…
Chief Mental Health Advocate
The Chief Mental Health Advocate, Ms Debora Colvin, stepped down from that role last Friday after a distinguished 13 years in the role. She has forged an Advocacy Service with…
Chief Psychiatrist’s Review Report: Building rehabilitation and recovery services for people with severe enduring mental illness and complex needs – including those with challenging behaviour
In response to mounting concern from clinicians and families about the quality of current services, the Chief Psychiatrist instigated a formal review into the treatment and care of people with…
Chief Psychiatrist’s Audiovisual Communication Guidelines for Mental Health Infection Control Directions (No.2)
The Chief Psychiatrist has issued this guideline for the use of audiovisual communication in response to the requirement of the Mental Health Infection Control Directions. These Directions were issued under…
Chief Psychiatrist’s Review into the Treatment of Ms Kate Savage by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
The Chief Psychiatrist was requested by the Minister for Mental Health to undertake a Review into the tragic death of Ms Kate Savage, age 13 years. The scope of this…

Guidelines to improve sexual safety in mental health services launched at Fiona Stanley Hospital, Mental Health Unit
The Chief Psychiatrist is responsible for setting and overseeing the standards of care provided by mental health services to consumers in WA. Ensuring people accessing mental health services feel and…
Chief Psychiatrist congratulates Professor Helen Milroy – 2021 WA Australian of the Year
Dr Nathan Gibson – Chief Psychiatrist congratulates Professor Helen Milroy on her recognition as the 2021 WA Australian of the Year. Professor Milroy is a highly respected expert in the…
WA Seclusion and Restraint Data: 2019-2020
The Chief Psychiatrist is committed to reducing the rate of restrictive practices, seclusion and restraint, in Western Australia (WA). In order to promote transparency in the use of restrictive practices…

Chief Psychiatrist’s Annual Report 2019-2020
The Chief Psychiatrist’s Annual Report 2019-20 has been tabled in WA Parliament. ‘Ensuring Safe and High Quality Mental Health Care’Annual Report of the Chief Psychiatrist of Western Australia01 July 2019…
The Chief Psychiatrist’s message for Mental Health Week
During Mental Health Week 2020, it is important we take time to think about, and respect, inherent dignity and humanity when considering severe and enduring mental illness: the humanity of…