CARTER, Harrison

Harrison Carter studied a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) at our Gippsland Campus. He commenced his career at Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton as a Provisional Psychologist and today works as an Enhanced Mental Health in Schools Clinician, providing psychological assessments and interventions to young people within rural schools in the Goulburn Valley.

Can you tell us about your time at Federation University? What has been your journey since graduating?

I really enjoyed living on campus as it provided an ideal environment for studying. I found it quite beneficial studying within a small cohort as it allowed the development of friendships and positive working relationships with academic staff.

Since graduating, I relocated to rural Victoria in Shepparton to accept a position with Goulburn Valley Health (headspace) as a Provisional Psychologist. I’m employed within their Youth Access Team providing psychological assessments and brief interventions to young people. More recently, I have accepted a split role working part-time in the youth access role and part-time as an Enhanced Mental Health in Schools Clinician providing psychological assessments and interventions to young people within rural schools in the Goulburn Valley.

What have you taken away from Federation University that you use in your career? How did the course assist you in finding work?

The course provided foundational knowledge and skills that I have been able to expand upon in my further studies within the 4+2 internship pathway to full registration as a psychologist. It provided the skills to ensure that I provide best ethical and evidence-based intervention within my practice.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?

In my first year as a provisional psychologist, I found myself being subpoenaed and summoned to attend children’s court to provide evidence for a child protection matter. This is a rare and challenging experience, however, I was quite proud of how I navigated what can be a very confronting experience for even an experienced psychologist. The support I received from our Senior Consultant Psychiatrist in preparing for court was reflected in the commending feedback that I received from the Child Protection Legal Practitioner for my first time on the stand.

What inspires you to continue the work you do every day?

It is the young people that inspire me to continue to do the work I do every day. When you hear the stories of young people who have had to experience childhood trauma or other adversities due to no fault of their own it puts a lot into perspective.