Dr Loretta Poerio

Dr Poerio is the DVA Mental Health Adviser. She has practised psychology in both clinical and management/ advisory roles for over 25 years. She completed her Clinical Masters at the University of Adelaide and her PhD at Griffith University.

Dr Poerio has worked in professional positions at the executive level across a range of organisations including the University of Sydney, Department of Defence, Centrelink, and the Commonwealth Department of Human Services. Dr Poerio was the Assistant National Manager of the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service.

In addition, she is the partner of a veteran who served in the Army for 27 years. Her youngest daughter is currently undertaking a Defence Gap Year with the Airforce.

She has a part-time private clinical practice, with her areas of interest involving trauma, bereavement, organisational change, resilience, workplace health, depression and anxiety. As Mental Health Adviser, she provides clinical advice to support policy, program development and research in relation to mental health, and contributes to the broader focus on mental health in DVA.