Dr Jessica Forrest

I am a psychiatrist with particular expertise in anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, intellectual disability, and trauma. My focus is on providing tailored care to support you, or your child, on a journey to improved mental wellbeing. I have experience working in mental health services in Darwin, Brisbane and Melbourne, and my experience is broad.

I take a holistic approach to mental health. Our sessions may explore not just thoughts and emotions, but also how stress, relationships, daily habits, sleep and other lifestyle factors can affect wellbeing. Where medication may be helpful, I provide expert advice so you can make the decision that’s right for you (or your child).

As of November 2025, I have limited capacity to take on new patients for ongoing care. I have greater availability for once-off (291) detailed psychiatric assessments. Kindly contact the clinic with information about yourself and your needs before obtaining a referral from your GP. Please make sure your GP includes information about the reason for the referral, any mental health treatment you’ve had so far, any medical history, and current medications.

Areas of Expertise

Anxiety, depression, neurodivergence including intellectual disability, autism and ADHD, women’s mental health including family planning, pregnancy and postpartum mental health care. I am also accepting referrals for children aged 4 and up for diagnostic assessment of autism and/or ADHD.

Qualifications and Expertise

Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists:

I graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2013 with a Bachelor of Medicine, Surgery and Medical Science. I then worked as a doctor in Darwin, Brisbane, and Melbourne. I started training as a psychiatrist in 2017, obtained a Master in Psychiatry from the University of Melbourne in 2021, and achieved Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2024.

Continuing Professional Development:

I am committed to ongoing learning, quality improvement, and peer review. In 2025, I further developed my expertise by authoring and publishing an article in Frontiers in Psychiatry and completing ongoing training, including ADHD in Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry (Monash University) and Autism Assessment Fundamentals and Co-Occurring Conditions (University of Melbourne — Mindful). In 2025 I also attended the RANZCP Congress and Fundamentals of Neuropsychiatry conference.

Importantly, the greatest source of my learning continues to be the individuals and families with lived experience who have entrusted me with their care—teaching me far more than any textbook ever could.

Publications

1. Forrest J, Chen W, Jagadheesan K. Misuse and diversion of stimulant medications prescribed for the treatment of ADHD: a systematic review. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2025;Volume 16 – 2025.