We are proud to introduce our TheMHS Ambassador, a role dedicated to championing mental health, fostering connection, and amplifying lived experience. Embodying the values of hope, inclusion, and advocacy, our Ambassadors support our mission to inspire, inform, and transform mental health practice and policy, guiding meaningful conversations and promoting positive change across the sector.
Introducing TheMHS Ambassador, Professor Lisa Brophy
My current position is Professor in Social Work and Social Policy at La Trobe University. I am also an honorary principal research fellow in the Centre for Mental Health in the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne.
I have a professional background in Social Work and a career long commitment to the mental health field of practice dating back to 1985. I graduated with a Master’s in Policy and Law from La Trobe University in 1995 and a PhD from The University of Melbourne in 2009.
My research focus has been on people experiencing mental illness and psychosocial disability and their recovery, social inclusion and human rights. My research activity has fostered strong interdisciplinary partnerships, working in collaborative research teams with academics from a range of disciplines and universities, across Australia and internationally.
My teams have also included people with lived experience and partners organisations. I have therefore had the opportunity to be involved in research and evaluation activities that are highly participatory and contribute to making a difference for people experiencing mental illness and psychosocial disability.
My PhD focused on good practice with people on Community Treatment Orders and I have been involved in local and international collaborations regarding mental health law and its implications for policy, law reform and direct practice. I am a member of Victoria’s Mental Health Tribunal.
In recognition of Lisa’s dedication and influence, she received the Exceptional Contribution Award at TheMHS 2025 Awards Ceremony.
