Prof David Forbes

Director of Phoenix Australia, Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health

Position: Ex-officio

David Forbes is the Director of Phoenix Australia. Previously the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health (ACPMH). David is a Clinical Psychologist and Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne. He completed his Clinical Masters and PhD at the University of Melbourne. 

A Specialist in traumatic stress services. David has many years' experience in the assessment and treatment of mental health problems following trauma. He has worked in acute crisis and continuing care settings across the community mental health system. 

Professor Forbes joined Phoenix Australia as Deputy Director in 1999 when it was the National Centre for War-Related PTSD. In January 2012, he was appointed Director. He has played an active role in all three arms of Phoenix Australia's areas of activity: 

• research, 
• education and training
• policy and service development

David was Co-Chair of the Steering Group for the NHMRC-approved Australian Guidelines for treatment of:

• Acute Stress Disorder
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

David was also the Vice Chair of the international guidelines for the treatment of PTSD

Professor Forbes sits on the editorial boards of key international journals. He is also widely published in international literature. David has a specific interest in veteran and military mental health following trauma.