
SPECIALIST MIND CARE
Precision in Psychiatry
Clarity in Court

Research and Training
At SMC, we consolidate our medicolegal services division and research and development division to provide exceptional, evidence-based reports. Our research division facilitates continuous professional development and the application of evidence-based methodologies. Through collaboration on national and international clinical research projects, we maintain a leading position in medical and legal advancements.
Continuous Professional Development and Research
Our clinicians actively engage in national and international clinical research, partnering with universities and institutions to advance evidence-based practices. This involvement ensures our services are informed by the latest advancements in the field, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality care.
Professional Supervision and Educational Support & Sponsorship
We offer professional supervision across disciplines, nurturing the growth of nurse practitioners, psychiatric registrars, and medical students. Our supervision program focuses on enhancing clinical skills, ethical practice, and professional development. Additionally, we provide placement opportunities for aspiring professionals, contributing to the future of healthcare and legal expertise.
We also sponsor internationally trained psychiatrist and other allied mental health experts to support in our rural and regional areas, which are already experiencing high demand and a shortage of local medical expertise. This initiative aims to strengthen our ability to provide comprehensive and accessible mental health services, ensuring that all community members have access to the care they need, regardless of their location or background.
Memberships, Affiliations and Engagement in Legal Societies
Affiliated with universities across Queensland, our psychiatrists also serve as lecturers, sharing their expertise to benefit the wider community. With 30 years of experience in the medical field, we bridge gaps in mental health services, ensuring our knowledge reaches those in need. We offer clinical placements for mental health and allied health staff, sponsor internationally trained experts, and support rural areas facing medical shortages. This initiative enhances our ability to deliver comprehensive mental health services, irrespective of location or background.
Our psychiatrists hold memberships in prestigious organisations including, but not limited to, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), and the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research. These affiliations enable us to make meaningful contributions to the medical community and the public.
As active members of local law societies, we stay updated on legal developments through seminars and workshops. This commitment enables us to integrate critical updates into our practice, ensuring our team is well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the medicolegal landscape effectively. Our experts are dedicated to developing their skills in evidence preparation and delivery, supporting legal teams during trial preparation phases.
Active Projects
We are presently engaged in initiatives aimed at enhancing the evidentiary foundation of our methodology through ongoing research projects across family, civil and criminal disciplines as well as sexology in the forensic mental health field. Our clinicians are actively involved in endeavours to strengthen the robustness of our report-writing processes, thereby demonstrating their financial viability, credibility, and efficiency.

​A Qualitative Study on Sexuality and Sexual Experiences in Community Forensic Mental Health Patients in Queensland, Australia
Brand, E., Nagaraj, D., Ratsch, A., & Heffernan, E. (2022).
A Qualitative Study on Sexuality and Sexual Experiences in Community Forensic Mental Health Patients in Queensland, Australia [Original Research].
Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 832139.​​

The Sexual Development, Sexual Health, Sexual Experiences, and Sexual Knowledge of Forensic Mental Health Patients: A Research Design and Methodology Protocol
Brand, E., Ratsch, A., & Heffernan, E. (2021b).
The Sexual Development, Sexual Health, Sexual Experiences, and Sexual Knowledge of Forensic Mental Health Patients: A Research Design and Methodology Protocol.
Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 651839.

The sexuality and sexual experiences of forensic mental health patients: An integrative review of the literature
Brand, E., Ratsch, A., Nagaraj, D., & Heffernan, E. (2022).
The sexuality and sexual experiences of forensic mental health patients: An integrative review of the literature [Review].
Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 975577