Initiated by BlueHackers.org in 2014, and this time funded with the Everything Open 2026 budget, we have a professional psychologist on site who will be available for free and anonymous consultation.
The name of the psychologist is Dr Carla Ward. She is great.
For some, seeing a professional can be prohibitively expensive, even after referral by a GP who then creates a mental health plan that covers part of the costs through Medicare.
But also, because taking that first step to see a professional can be a huge one. So through this low threshold and anonymous service, that just step can become much easier...
Lastly, because it's so important! Mental health affects many of us, and you can't and shouldn't try to handle it all yourself.
There are sign-up sheets near the registration room with appointment slots within each day. The scheduling on the sheets broadly mirrors the program schedule in terms of breaks.
The sheets are laminated, and on top are sticky notes with appointment times. Appointment sessions are 45 minutes long. To book an appointment, you simply choose and take off one of those sticky notes. That's your ticket, and as you can tell, the whole system is anonymous!
About 5 minutes before your appointment time, you go to room 2A1 on the lower ground (the conference runs are across 2B, ground level), 2A1 is just left of the stairs and elevator. There will be signage.
When the room door is open, you may go in (a gentle knock on the door is still polite and appreciated). If the door is closed, that means Dr Carla is still finishing up with a previous session. She does have short breaks between sessions, so generally you wouldn't meet other people there.
Cool, like most people around this conference (really, you're by no means alone!)
Still, neuro-spicy people (autism spectrum, ADHD, bipolar, etc) encounter daily struggles next to their superpowers, and that's also about mental health. A chat with the professional can help, whether or not you've had an official diagnosis. You can discuss that too.
That's fine, simply put back your sticky note (in the right day/time!)
If you want another day/time, pick off the appropriate note for it.
Easy!
If you want to put back a sticky note but it won't stick properly any more, or you see one lying on the floor, please hop into registration, hand it in, and they'll take care of a replacement. Thanks.
If, in the professional's judgement, she identifies at any point an imminent danger of harm or self harm, she is legally obligated to contact appropriate medical and other services. These services do tend to ask for your name.
Dr Carla Ward
Website
While Dr Carla has a Brisbane based practice, she is also available for telehealth appointments. So it is possible to continue with her if you wish to do so.