Dr Heather McDowell
Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Starship Consult Liaison Team

Heather is a Registered Clinical Psychologist with 40 years’ experience.  Early in her career she worked in the justice sector where her interest in early intervention was strengthened.  In her work in the Dept. of Social Welfare she was involved in setting up Specialist Services Units and Evidential Video Units as well as being involved in developing legislation and practice in the area of child maltreatment, particularly sexual abuse. This work lead to Heather’s PhD in the area of child emotional abuse and resiliency.

Heather has worked in private practice including as a report writer and expert witness in the Family Court and High Court.  She has held positions at the Werry Centre being involved in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health certificate and diploma training programmes. She taught for 5 years on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology Programme at the University of Auckland.

Heather worked for a number of years in the Child and Family Unit (inpatient child and adolescent mental health) and continues to work in the Starship Consult Liaison Team where has been for over 15 years.

Heather has a strong commitment to equity and to the well-being of systems – work teams as well as family/whānau within which individuals are held.