About the Session: 

New guidelines were introduced by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) throughout 2023 and 2024 which require cosmetic practitioners to conduct evaluations of patient suitability for aesthetic surgery or non-surgical procedures, considering the individual’s psychological functioning, mental health and wellbeing. 

This live, interactive, small group training aims to leave you feeling skilled, confident and compliant with the new guidelines. With only a limited number of places available, our trainings are more intimate to facilitate questions, skills practice and discussion.

Participants will receive a certificate of completion following the training. 

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Identify Common Psychological Disorders: Understand the key psychological disorders that may affect patients seeking aesthetic treatments.
2. Conduct Effective Screenings: Learn practical techniques and tools for assessing mental health during patient consultations using interview techniques and questionnaires.
3. Recognise Risk Factors: Develop the ability to spot signs of psychological distress or body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in patients.
4. Communicate with Sensitivity: Enhance communication skills to discuss mental health concerns with patients compassionately and effectively.
5. Ethical Decision-Making: Understand the ethical considerations and responsibilities involved in providing aesthetic treatments to patients with psychological disorders.
6. Referral Procedures: Know when and how to refer patients to mental health professionals for further evaluation and support.

About the Presenter: 

Dr Toni Pikoos is an accomplished clinical psychologist, researcher and public speaker. She is a leading expert in the intersection of cosmetic procedures, mental health and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Toni is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at Swinburne University and also a practicing clinical psychologist in Melbourne, specialising in BDD and psychological evaluations for patients undergoing cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures. She has been involved in the development of national clinical practice guidelines for mental health assessments in aesthetics with both the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Australian Psychological Society. Toni is a sought-after speaker and educator, being invited to many national and international conferences to present on BDD and the intersection of psychology and cosmetic procedures.