Kate Joy Mental Health Specialist and what we’re all about
My name is Kate Joy (nee Hunt) and I am a credentialed mental health nurse. I have been working in Mental Health for the past 19 years and absolutely love my job.
I live in Central Victoria, just out of Seymour and I moved here in 2019. I love living in the country and adore the scenery and beautiful towns surrounding Seymour. I am married with a fur baby Oscar who is a black Cocker spaniel and the boss of the house. My interests include food and cooking, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places, I love animals, AFL Football, music (could not live without it) and I value the importance of good health/exercise and enjoy going to the gym.
I am passionate about Mental Health and have completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and have completed an Undergraduate Psychology Degree (Bachelor of Applied Science).
I am experienced in working with all different mental illnesses, but I am incredibly passionate about working with consumers with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Schizophrenia, Mood Disorders and Chronic pain.
Work Experience
I have been working as a Mental Health Nurse in the Public Health system for 19 years, I started my nursing at a Metropolitan Hospital in 2005 and worked at the Child Inpatient Unit for 1 year (children aged from 4- 12 years).
I then moved to the Adult Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit in which I worked for 6 years. During my time on the Inpatient ward I worked between the Mood & Eating Disorder Program and Adult Mental Health Unit. I moved into community Nursing in 2012 and worked for a further 7 years at the Mobile Support and Treatment Service (MSTS); an intensive outreach support service which offered case management, medication supervision and psycho-social support. I met my husband in 2018 and moved up to live in Seymour in 2019.
I began working at a community Mental Health Service in Central Victoria in the Adult Program, my role included case management, medication administration and psycho-social support. I currently work part-time in the HOPE (Hospital Outreach Post Suicidal Engagement Service) providing therapeutic support for clients of the service.
Mental Health has always been a passion of mine and I am aware that there is a shortage of Mental Health supports in regional and rural Victoria.
I have established my own business in the hope that I can support clients and individuals who find it difficult to access services. I value the importance of family, community connection and believe that I can make a positive difference to people who are struggling with their mental health or need further support.
I am equipped to work with consumers to develop holistic support options based on the consumers needs and goals.