DR NICHOLAS HUGHES (Click for telehealth link)
FRANZCP CERT. FORENSIC. PSYCH GC-FPP MPSYCH MD BPHARM

Dr Hughes initially trained as a pharmacist before completing his graduate medical degree at the University of Melbourne. He went on to pursue basic psychiatric training at the Royal Melbourne Hospital before completing advanced training at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health, where he now works as a consultant forensic psychiatrist. Please note that due to his frequent appearances as an expert witness for both criminal and civil matters in the courts, Dr Hughes is unable to enter any treatment role with an individual currently in receipt of Workcover payments.

Dr Hughes’s treatment philosophy revolves around the fundamental belief that there is no health without mental health. He believes that the doctor-patient relationship is a collaborative one and works towards developing individually tailored treatment and recovery plans for those who see him. He sees patients from all backgrounds and believes that every person deserves an empathic and non-judgemental space to work towards their own recovery.

Areas of experience:

  • Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar)

  • ADHD

  • PTSD

  • Substance Use Disorders

  • Sexual Disorders

  • Psychotherapy

Treatment Philosophy

Dr Hughes has worked across a wide range of services throughout the public mental health sector. He has subspecialty expertise in several forensic areas and has appeared as an expert witness numerous times in across the Victorian courts. He has previously assessed and treated patients with problem behaviours, in addition to his current public appointment of providing expert mental health care to those in prison. He currently sits on the subcommittee for the Victorian Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry which advocates to government bodies for the humane and just treatment of those in prison, with the guiding principle that those in prison deserve equal access to mental health care as those in the community.

Career Experience

Certificate of Advanced Training in Forensic Psychiatry - Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 

Graduate Certificate in Forensic Psychiatric Practice – Swinburne University 

Master of Psychiatry - University of Melbourne

Doctor of Medicine - University of Melbourne

Bachelor of Pharmacy - University of Queensland

Fellow - Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists

Accredited Member of the Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry - Royal Australian

& New Zealand College of Psychiatrists

Member of the Australian & New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law

Full Member of the Australian ADHD Professionals Association

Qualifications & Accreditations