Cas

Oct 10, 2023

QLD

Cas Mastrone is a Psychologist and the team leader of Allied Health in the Mental Health Unit at The Southport Private Hospital. She is also responsible for providing mental health training for all Ramsay Mental Health First Aiders nation-wide.

Cas first ran a session in her hospital with non-frontline mental health team members to improve their knowledge about mental health and increase their confidence in dealing with challenging people. The session was so successful that she was approached to help Ramsay meet its 2026 target to train 3% of its workforce, or 1000 employees, as Mental Health First Aiders.

Cas loves seeing the difference that mental health first aid training can make in people's lives.

“I absolutely love seeing participants’ confidence increase to ask someone how they really are. To break down the stigma that mental health is scary or not my business, or to see people leave the training with the confidence to talk with their teammate or loved one who they think is struggling with a low mood, including asking about suicidal thoughts,” said Cas.

“I have received several emails from people after the training saying you have changed my view of mental health in a positive way or you have changed my life and that is what Mental Health First Aid is designed to do and it feels pretty great to receive.”

“Helping people to be comfortable in their own skin and to be their best self is an incredible privilege.”

In her day job, Cas is a Psychologist and the team leader of Allied Health in the Mental Health Unit at The Southport Private Hospital.

“I am responsible for the therapeutic aspects of a patient’s stay in the unit and managing our outpatient day programs.”

“I am essentially responsible for developing an engaging therapy program timetable to address core therapy needs and adjunct/holistic care needs to help patients improve their mental health. I also discuss interventions with patients and provide support and supervision for the Allied Health team.”

To date, over 400 Ramsay employees have achieved their Mental Health First Aid qualification, helping them to better understand how to support their colleagues, friends and family who may be struggling with their mental health.