Meet The People behind Rainbow Mandala Clinic

DR LLEW LEWIS

Medical Director & Consultant Psychiatrist

Member of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA)

Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)

Fellow of the College of Psychiatrists of South Africa (FC Psych)

Honorary Clinical Fellow, Australian National University

Principal Investigator, EMPACT Clinical Trial, Australian National University

Dr Llew Lewis is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Director with more than 27 years of experience in adult psychiatry across Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa.

He provides clinical leadership, psychiatric supervision and weekly multidisciplinary case consultation to the Rainbow Mandala Clinic clinical team, supporting evidence-based assessment, diagnosis and medication management of adult ADHD and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Dr Lewis has been diagnosing and treating adult ADHD since 1999 and has extensive expertise in the assessment and management of adult ADHD, AuDHD and complex psychiatric presentations. His clinical practice integrates current evidence with a comprehensive understanding of how adult ADHD interacts with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, women’s reproductive health and chronic physical health conditions. 

He has a particular clinical interest in treatment-resistant depression, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), Bipolar Affective Disorder and presentations where multiple psychiatric conditions coexist.

Dr Lewis has held senior clinical leadership positions within Canberra Health Services, including Clinical Director of Community Mental Health and Director of Clinical Services for the Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol and Drug Services Division. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the development of the Mental Health Division’s Coronavirus Pandemic Response Plan, supporting the delivery of safe, effective psychiatric care during a period of unprecedented healthcare change.

Earlier in his career, Dr Lewis worked extensively in trauma medicine, acute psychiatry, psychiatric intensive care, forensic psychiatry, rural mental health and crisis intervention services across South Africa and the United Kingdom. 

These experiences provided a strong clinical foundation in the assessment and treatment of complex psychiatric illness and psychological trauma.

Dr Lewis currently works as a Senior Specialist Psychiatrist within Canberra’s Mental Health Crisis Service and is actively involved in the education, supervision and training of psychiatry registrars.

As an Honorary Clinical Fellow at the Australian National University, Dr Lewis is actively involved in psychiatric research and medical education. He is the Principal Investigator on the EMPACT Clinical Trial at the Australian National University, a randomised controlled clinical trial investigating psilocybin-assisted therapy for treatment-resistant depression. 

His research focuses on evaluating emerging evidence-based psychiatric treatments and translating contemporary scientific research into safe, evidence-based psychiatric care.

Dr Lewis’s clinical interests include:

• Adult ADHD and AuDHD

• Adult ADHD medication management and prescribing

• Female adult ADHD across the lifespan, including the menstrual cycle, perimenopause and menopause

• The interaction between adult ADHD and psychiatric or chronic medical conditions

• Bipolar Affective Disorder

• Treatment-resistant depression

• Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)

• Anxiety Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Psychotic Disorders

• Gender Dysphoria

• Emerging evidence-based psychiatric treatments

Dr Lewis is a gender-affirming and neurodiversity-affirming psychiatrist 

who has supported neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ communities across Australia, the United Kingdom and South Africa for more than two decades.

He is committed to providing compassionate, collaborative and evidence-based psychiatric care, ensuring that every assessment and treatment plan reflects contemporary scientific evidence, sound clinical judgement and Australian regulatory standards.

BA (Hons)   Grad Dip (Psych)    PG Cert (CBT)    PG Dip (M)    MSW  

ASW    AASW      Assoc.MAPS      ACIM      BABCP     GMBPsS

Accredited Social Work Practitioner

Member of The Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA)

Clinical Director & Executive Director of RMC 

Phil is an Accredited Social Work Practitioner, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, and clinician with over 18 years of experience in the assessment and treatment of adult mental health conditions. 

He began his clinical career within the UK National Health Service (NHS), where he worked across addiction services, older adult mental health, anger management for individuals with Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy services supporting adults experiencing anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and previously undiagnosed ADHD.

Phil has developed a particular clinical interest in the assessment and diagnosis of adult ADHD and AuDHD, with extensive experience assessing the complex ways these presentations interact with trauma, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, emotional dysregulation, and executive functioning difficulties. 

His clinical work is informed by contemporary evidence regarding executive functioning, self-regulation, and the neurobiology of ADHD, enabling comprehensive and neurodevelopmentally informed assessments.

His Master’s dissertation explored the underdiagnosis of ADHD in women, providing a strong academic foundation in understanding how ADHD and AuDHD present differently across the female lifespan. This work continues to inform his clinical practice, particularly in recognising presentations that may have been overlooked or misdiagnosed during childhood and adulthood.

Phil has a particular interest in the influence of female hormones on ADHD symptoms, including the effects of the menstrual cycle, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), perimenopause, and menopause on executive functioning, emotional regulation, and response to ADHD medication.

Clinical practice is grounded in a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and person-centred approach. 

Phil recognises that many neurodivergent adults have experienced years of misunderstanding, masking, stigma, and repeated invalidation before seeking assessment. His goal is to provide a respectful, collaborative, and evidence-informed assessment process that helps clients better understand their neurodevelopmental profile and the factors that have shaped their experiences.

As a gender-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming practitioner, Phil is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all clients. He also brings lived experience of neurodiversity, which provides an additional perspective and understanding of the challenges experienced by many adults seeking assessment for ADHD and AuDHD.

During assessments, clients are encouraged to participate in ways that best support their concentration and comfort. Taking breaks, standing, moving around, using fidget items, or adopting other self-regulation strategies are welcomed as part of a genuinely neuro-affirming assessment environment.

Clinical Interests

• Adult ADHD assessment and diagnosis (17+)
• ADHD in women across the lifespan
• Later-life diagnosis of ADHD
• AuDHD (co-occurring ADHD and Autism)
• Executive functioning and self-regulation
• Emotional dysregulation and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
• ADHD across the menstrual cycle, PMDD, perimenopause, and menopause
• Men’s ADHD, depression, and AuDHD
• Trauma and neurodevelopmental presentations
• Anxiety disorders and panic disorder
• Gender dysphoria and neurodiversity

Professional Memberships

• Full Member, Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA)
• Accredited Member, Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
• Associate Member, Australian Psychological Society (APS)
• Graduate Member, British Psychological Society (BPS)
• Member, British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)

Expertise in ADHD Medication Management

Dr Sonia Res has extensive clinical experience in the assessment, initiation, titration and long-term optimisation of ADHD medications for adults with complex clinical presentations.

Working within Rainbow Mandala Clinic’s psychiatrist-led shared-care model, Dr Res collaborates closely with the treating psychiatrist to develop safe, evidence-based and individualised medication plans that are tailored to each client’s clinical presentation, functional goals and overall wellbeing.

Dr Res recognises that effective ADHD treatment extends beyond prescribing medication alone. Medication optimisation is an ongoing therapeutic process that requires careful monitoring, thoughtful clinical judgement and regular review to achieve the best possible balance between symptom improvement, daily functioning and medication tolerability.

Her approach considers the whole person, including executive functioning, emotional regulation, occupational demands, sleep, physical health, co-occurring mental health conditions and quality of life. 

Treatment is continually reviewed and adjusted as a person’s circumstances, health and treatment response evolve.

Dr Res has particular expertise in:

• Initiation and titration of stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications
• Individualised medication optimisation to maximise therapeutic benefit while minimising adverse effects
• Complex psychopharmacology in adults with co-occurring psychiatric conditions
• Management of ADHD alongside anxiety disorders, mood disorders, OCD, PTSD, complex PTSD, eating disorders and psychotic disorders
• Medication management for adults with co-occurring Autism (AuDHD)
• Consideration of hormonal influences on ADHD symptoms and medication response, including the menstrual cycle, PMDD, perimenopause and menopause
• Cardiovascular assessment and physical health monitoring during ADHD treatment
• Collaborative psychiatrist-led shared-care medication management
• Long-term review of treatment effectiveness, functional outcomes and quality of life

Dr Res is committed to helping each client achieve the most effective and sustainable treatment outcome. 

Rather than focusing solely on reducing symptoms, her clinical approach aims to improve executive functioning, emotional regulation, everyday functioning and overall wellbeing through careful, evidence-based medication management delivered in partnership with the client and the wider treating team.

Kelly Chase | Psychiatric Registered Nurse

Kelly is a Psychiatric Registered Nurse with more than 20 years of clinical experience providing mental health and medical nursing care across hospital, community, and specialist services.

Her areas of clinical expertise include:

• Adult ADHD (17 years and over)
• AuDHD (ADHD and Autism)
• Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)
• Trauma
• Treatment-Resistant Depression
• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Gender Dysphoria
• Comprehensive Psychiatric Assessment
• Psychiatric Assessments for Gender-Affirming Surgery
• Acute Mental Health
• Intensive Care Nursing
• Oncology
• Clinical Research and Clinical Trials

Kelly previously held the position of Nurse Consultant within the Acute Mental Health Unit at Canberra Hospital and later served as Clinical Lead of the ACT Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team, providing assessment and intervention for individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises.

She also worked for many years as a frontline psychiatric nurse within ACT community mental health services, delivering comprehensive mental health assessment, crisis intervention, treatment, and recovery-focused care.

Kelly undertakes comprehensive clinical assessments for adults (17 years and over) presenting with possible undiagnosed ADHD. Her assessments include a detailed developmental, psychiatric, medical, psychosocial, and functional history, together with screening for common co-occurring conditions including autism, anxiety disorders, depression, Complex PTSD (CPTSD), trauma-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, and gender dysphoria.

Working within the Rainbow Mandala Clinic multidisciplinary team, Kelly’s comprehensive nursing assessment forms an integral part of the diagnostic process, helping to ensure every client receives a thorough, evidence-informed, holistic, and neuroaffirming assessment prior to psychiatric review.

Kelly has developed particular expertise in trauma-informed psychiatric assessment and treatment, including the assessment and support of adults experiencing Complex PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, and complex mental health presentations. 

She has considerable experience providing gender-affirming care and is committed to delivering safe, respectful, and inclusive healthcare for transgender, gender-diverse, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Kelly’s extensive experience across both physical and mental health nursing provides a unique understanding of the close relationship between physical health, mental health, neurodevelopment, and overall wellbeing. She adopts a holistic biopsychosocial approach to assessment, recognising that biological, psychological, and social factors interact to influence a person’s mental health and quality of life.

Her comprehensive nursing assessments consider the whole person, integrating physical health, emotional wellbeing, developmental history, trauma, neurodevelopment, medications, sleep, hormonal influences, and psychosocial factors to develop a comprehensive understanding of each individual’s presentation.

Kelly is the Nurse Consultant for the Rainbow Mandala Clinic Novel Therapies Programme, where she supports clients receiving innovative evidence-informed treatments for complex psychiatric presentations, including treatment-resistant depression and trauma-related disorders. 

She works collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive assessment, clinical monitoring, education, and ongoing therapeutic support throughout treatment.

Kelly also has extensive experience supporting individuals who are exploring their gender identity, experiencing gender dysphoria, or undertaking gender transition. She understands the importance of providing affirming, respectful, and individualised care throughout every stage of a person’s journey.

Kelly is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and is an accredited member of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN).

KIRSTY GREGSON | DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & GOVERNANCE

Kirsty Gregson is the Director of Operations and Governance for Rainbow Mandala Clinics and Rainbow Mandala Therapies.

With more than 20 years of experience in senior operational leadership and practice management, Kirsty oversees the governance, operational management, quality systems, and day-to-day administration of both practices.

Kirsty is responsible for ensuring the clinics operate to the highest standards of clinical governance, organisational quality, regulatory compliance, and professional accountability. She leads the development and implementation of robust operational systems, policies, and quality improvement processes that support safe, ethical, and evidence-based client care.

Working closely with the multidisciplinary team, Kirsty ensures the clinics maintain compliance with AHPRA requirements, relevant Commonwealth and ACT health regulations, privacy legislation, and the professional codes of ethics and practice governing Medicine, Psychiatry, Mental Health Nursing, Psychology, and Social Work.

Her expertise spans healthcare operations, clinical governance, risk management, policy development, quality assurance, practice management, and organisational leadership. Kirsty’s commitment to operational excellence provides the governance framework that enables Rainbow Mandala to deliver high-quality, neuro-affirming, trauma-informed, and client-centred mental health care.

Elysha Serna | Administration Manager 

Elysha brings 20 years of experience of working in busy healthcare administration teams and provides focused support across script queries, medicare rebate, and pathology queries and liason.

Elysha is the point of contact for all queries through the clinic email, helping clients with all aspects of the clinic administration which means questions related to billing, medicare rebates and appointment changes.

Client Care Administrators

Specialising in coordinating referrals from GPs, handling various administrative tasks, and providing essential medical admin support to ensure a seamless patient experience and efficient clinic operations.