Andrea Phelps

Professor Andrea Phelps is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, at the University of Melbourne. She serves as Deputy Director and Head of Knowledge Mobilisation at Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Tasmania, a Master of Psychology (Clinical) from La Trobe University, and a PhD from the University of Melbourne. With over 25 years of experience, she has conducted clinical research, provided treatment for posttraumatic mental health disorders, and trained mental health practitioners in this field. Her research interests centre on the nature and treatment of posttraumatic stress, with a particular emphasis on moral injury and posttraumatic nightmares.

In her leadership capacity, Professor Phelps contributes to strategic planning and directs knowledge mobilisation across policy, training, and clinical programs at Phoenix Australia. She leads key initiatives, including the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, and Complex PTSD. She consults with government departments and industry partners on research, service development, and policy concerning organisational responses to psychological trauma. Holding prominent international roles, she is President-Elect of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, a member of the Five Eyes Military and Veteran Mental Health Research and Innovation Collaborative, and leads Australia's contributions to international studies on veteran mental health, moral injury, and healthcare worker wellbeing. Professor Phelps has authored over 150 publications, including peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, and technical reports, exerting considerable influence on posttraumatic mental health practices globally. Notable publications include 'Treatment of Combat-Related Nightmares Using Imagery Rehearsal: A Pilot Study' (2001), 'A Guide to Guidelines for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adults: An Update' (2018), 'The Current Status of Moral Injury: A Narrative Review and Rapid Evidence Assessment' (2022), and 'Moral Injury: The Effect on Mental Health and Implications for Treatment' (2021).

Professional Email: ajphelps@unimelb.edu.au