Rachel O’Meara – Associate

I completed my Doctor of Clinical Neuropsychology at La Trobe University in 2012. My thesis examined the use of memory strategies in individuals with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and inspired my personal interest in cognitive rehabilitation.

I am a registered psychologist through AHRA, including endorsement in the area of clinical neuropsychology. I am a registered supervisor for generalist internship, clinical neuropsychology higher research degree students, and clinical neuropsychology registrars. I also regularly provide peer supervision for other clinical neuropsychologists.

I have since been employed across a range of settings and in widely varied capacities. In particular, I have worked in forensic (arbias and M Jackson Neuropsychology), inpatient subacute hospital (Peninsula Health), outpatient rehabilitation (Peninsula Health and Monash Health), and community-based rehabilitation (Memory Matters) settings. Through these positions, I have worked with individuals with cognitive impairment resulting from a wide range of aetiologies (including drug and alcohol abuse, stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurological disorders, etc.) and have become very experienced in neuropsychological assessment (including assessment of decision-making capacity), psychoeducation, psychological therapy (adapted for cognitive impairment), and behaviour management.

In my forensic roles, I have completed over 100 court assessments (from both private and VLA referrers) and have in depth knowledge regarding relevant legal procedures and common referral questions (e.g., assessments for fitness to plead, mental impairment, and sentencing considerations).

In addition to my clinical expertise, I am skilled in conducting, evaluating, and disseminating research. I have published a number of papers and book chapters, presented at conferences both nationally and internationally, and have provided training to a range of consumers on a variety of topics associated with acquired brain injury.

I am a current member of a number of professional bodies (APS and CCN) as well as an active member of the Neuropsychologists in Rehabilitation Consultation Group. I am passionate about increasing identification and understanding of brain injury in order to bring about positive outcomes for the individual and wider community.