Dr Jaelea Skehan OAM

Dr Jaelea Skehan OAM an internationally respected leader in the prevention of mental ill-health and suicide. She is a registered psychologist, researcher, facilitator and policy adviser. Jaelea has worked at Everymind since 2001 and was appointed as the Director in 2012.

Jaelea has supported the development of government and industry strategies and policies at a state, national and international level. Between 2019 and 2020 she took leave from Everymind to head up the National Suicide Prevention Taskforce, supporting delivery of the Final Advice to the Prime Minister on Suicide Prevention.

Jaelea is passionate about translating evidence into practice and building the capacity of individuals, families, organisations and communities to be involved in mental health and suicide prevention. She is committed to innovation, harnessing the voice of lived experience and supporting greater uptake of prevention evidence. She enjoys working in partnership with others and developing the next generation of leaders in mental health and suicide prevention.

Key qualifications

• PhD in Psychiatry (suicide prevention), University of Newcastle.
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) Honours Class 1, University of Newcastle.
• National Psychologist Registration ‐ PSY0001346774
  

Research affiliations

• Conjoint, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle
• Affiliate researcher, Hunter Medical Research Institute
• Industry partner, Manna Institute
  

Memberships

• Global Chair, Movember Men's Health Advisory Committee
• Research Advisory Committee, National Suicide Prevention Research Fund
• Expert Advisory Group, National Suicide and Self-harm Monitoring System
• National Doctor’s Health and Wellbeing Alliance
• Advisory Committee, NSW Strategy for Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Member, Wellbeing and Prevention Coalition in Mental Health
• Media Special Interest Group, International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)

Awards and recognition

• Order of Australia Medal for services to community mental health (2020)
• Alumni Award for Regional Leadership, University of Newcastle (2020)
• 100 Women of Influence Awards (2014)