In this episode we unlock the realities of adolescent forensic psychiatry through the voices of five pioneering women in the field. Delve into the complexities, risks, and rewards of working at the intersection of mental health, the justice system, and gender. From safety precautions to gendered challenges, this episode uncovers the nuanced experience of being a woman in one of psychiatry’s most demanding subspecialties—an area often misunderstood by the public and media alike.

Dr Shaileigh Gordon is a Child & Adolescent and Forensic Psychiatrist working in Queensland in various roles across the public adolescent and adult forensic mental health service. She also provides private medicolegal assessments within the criminal and family court systems.

Dr Katherine Watson is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Forensic Psychiatrist in Queensland. She works in a variety of roles in the public and private sectors, as well as providing medicolegal assessments and reports for criminal and civil matters.

Dr Katie Niven is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Western Australia. She is currently working for the community-based Child and Adolescent Forensic Service and the Neurodevelopmental and Mental Health Service at Banksia Hill Detention Centre. She also provides Psychiatric in-reach services to the Perth Children’s Court.

Dr Meredith Gray is a forensic psychiatrist, currently completing the child certificate, who has worked across various roles in NSW and Victoria, particularly in the areas of fixated threats and stalking. She is the Adolescent Forensic Psychiatrist working statewide in Tasmania, where a new service is being established to provide throughcare across detention, court and community settings. She also provides private medicolegal assessments for civil and criminal matters.

Dr Annie Parsons is a Child & Adolescent and Forensic Psychiatrist working in New South Wales with young people who are involved in, or at risk of becoming involved in, the criminal justice system.

Dr Kimberley Juers is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who is currently undertaking the Certificate of Advanced Training in Forensic Psychiatry. She works across both child and adult forensic mental health services in South Australia.

References:

Dr Gwen Adshead – The Reith Lectures: BBC Audio | The Reith Lectures | Gwen Adshead - Four Questions about Violence
Dr Gwen Adshead’s and Eileen Horne’s book – The Devil You Know: Encounters in Forensic Psychiatry: The Devil You Know: Encounters in Forensic Psychiatry by Gwen Adshead | Goodreads
Gray, M., Mccarthy, J., Mawren, D., Cooper, S., Simms, C., & Pathe, M. (2025). A descriptive study of young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder referred to a Fixated Threat Assessment Centre. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 32(4), 632-644. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12291179/
The Australian Forensic Psychotherapy Association - https://www.australianforensicpsychotherapy.com.au/
Southport inquiry
Queensland Child Safety Commission of Inquiry: Child Safety Commission of Inquiry
Watson, K., Harden, S., & McKeon, G. (2025). Involuntary celibacy: A brief history of the ‘Incel’ movement, and clinical considerations for psychiatrists. Australasian Psychiatry, 33(6), 896-901. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10398562251351509

Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: psychmatters.feedback@ranzcp.org

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.