Dr. Nathan Castle is the project lead of the Precision Mental Health Care Network. Nathan first attempted evidence-based matching of Psychologists and clients in 2018 using an excel spreadsheet and session-by-session client data. While the excel spreadsheet got more sophisticated the accuracy did not and after a consult by international leaders it became apparent that this approach was a dead-end (they themselves had been trying a similar approach since the 1990’s and had given up stating “it’s scientifically impossible”). Since those early days, Nathan always saw evidence-based matching as the holy grail of improving the results of mental healthcare but put the idea to the side. At 11pm on 24th July 2021 he read a journal article in JAMA Psychiatry which had only been published a month prior and this landmark study became the first time scientific-matching between psychologist and client was demonstrated to work. As suspected, client outcomes doubled from the matching process. That night Nathan emailed the US team responsible and began implementing scientific matching in the Australian context with their blessing. For another 2 years Nathan applied for grants to expand this matching to a Network of Psychology Practices who were committed to better quality care. Many failed grant applications later and the Transport Accident Commission approved a grant under the Value Based Healthcare Innovation grant to proceed with Australia’s Precision Mental Health Network. Nathan is proud to have wonderful Psychology Practices on board for an Australian first to investigate acceptability and feasibility of Precision Mental Health Care. This is Nathan’s dream project and is excited to see what 2024 brings and beyond for scientific matching.

Sanden Breust is an early career psychologist who joined Psychology Outcomes in October of 2023. Sanden is the Project Officer of the Precision Mental Health Care Network. Sanden landed this role before he knew what Precision Mental Health Care was by attending a book launch for the “Creating Impact” book under his own initiative. He showed passion for utilising new innovative methods to improve mental healthcare. For another 6 months Nathan worked hard to recruit him for the role and is now known as “the technician” for his ability to delve into completely new research into mental healthcare and create processes that work for clinics in the real world. Sanden adopts a very curious lens and prioritizes a specifically designed approach to each clinic in the network as opposed to ‘one size fits all’. Sanden is the main contact for all innovative practices involved in Australia’s first PMH network. He is highly determined to provide clarity and consistency throughout your journey. His focus is working with the Network to assist with implementation, ensure ease of use, implement feedback, and assist in project evaluation to achieve positive outcomes. Sanden hopes that the Precision Mental Health Network is simply “Year 1” of a new way of delivering mental healthcare across Australia

Jodie Cooper is the receptionist and primary administrator for Psychology Outcomes. Jodie has been all hands on deck since starting with the team in November of 2023. During this time Jodie has become well versed in the practical application of the WellnessCheck assessment. She is the heart of Psychology Outcomes as every client who is distressed speaks to her first. She provides a warm and empathetic first point of contact. Under her lead a higher percentage of clients have completed the WellnessChecks than ever before because they know completing it will provide more clarity to their Psychologist and they will receive better quality care. Jodie is a central support in the Precision Mental Health Care Network and represents all front of house staff across the many clinics who have come on board. Every Practice Director knows that front of house staff are the key to a great client journey. With the commencement of Precision Mental Healthcare Network they will become the key to matching the right Psychologist to the right client for the best treatment outcomes.