Dr Emma Heffernan

Dr Emma Heffernan is a dedicated Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who specialises in the assessment and treatment of mental health difficulties in children and young people. She provides a safe, reassuring, and supportive environment where young patients and their families can feel heard. Dr Heffernan focuses on understanding the underlying factors contributing to a child's emotional or behavioural challenges, working collaboratively with families to develop comprehensive, individualised management plans.

Her clinical interests encompass a broad range of youth mental health concerns, including depression, severe anxiety, eating disorders, and complex neurodevelopmental disorders. She is also highly experienced in supporting young people experiencing self-harming behaviours, suicidal ideation, and severe conduct disorders. In her practice, Dr Heffernan utilises evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She also incorporates Family Therapy and parent-focused work to ensure a holistic approach to recovery, and provides expert advice on pharmacological treatments when medication is indicated.

Dr Heffernan graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science (MBBS) from The University of Queensland in 2005. She completed her specialist training in child and adolescent psychiatry across several major tertiary hospitals in Queensland. In 2016, she achieved her Fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) and was awarded a Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Her extensive training and professional qualifications reflect her deep commitment to delivering high-quality psychiatric care to young people.