A key figure in the mental health community as been hired full time at Solstice.

Shawnee Basden is now the manager of adult mental health and consultant psychologist at the mental wellness centre.

Solstice said that Dr Basden will help to enhance its ability to provide high-quality mental health services while expanding research opportunities on the island and internationally.

Dr Basden completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology at Boston University, where she was awarded the Martin Luther King Research Fellowship.

She completed a pre-doctoral internship at Brown University Medical School where she worked with veterans experiencing depression, post-traumatic stress syndrome and traumatic brain injury.

She also did a postdoctoral internship at Oxford University focusing on people with eating disorders.

Dr Basden returned to Bermuda in 2011 where she provided specialist services at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s rehabilitative day hospital.

There, she has helped people with traumatic brain injuries and physical illnesses, while also managing the mood and memory clinic for dementia diagnoses.

She is an educator and researcher, teaching at Bermuda College and overseas, and serves as the vice-president of the Bermuda Psychological Association.

Dr Basden said: “I am looking forward to being a part of a dynamic group of people who work hard to increase access to top-tier mental healthcare in Bermuda.

“I am hopeful that I can bring new areas of development and direction that will feed into an already thriving practice … expand access to mental health research and assessment, as well as offer therapeutic services in my areas of speciality.”

In her role, Dr Basden will offer specialised clinical services to individuals and families, including comprehensive psychological assessments and evidence-based treatment.

She will also be responsible for preparing court reports, supervising and consulting with fellow professionals, and leading a multidisciplinary team to ensure high standards of care.

Additionally, she will play a pivotal role in service development, identifying gaps in Bermuda’s mental health services and establishing new clinical programmes in response to community needs.

She will also represent Solstice in public forums, advocating for accessible and effective mental health services, while also contributing to research, clinical audits and financial sustainability efforts.

Kelly Madeiros, a cofounder of Solstice, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Solstice.

“Dr Basden’s addition to our team will elevate our clinical services and research initiatives, strengthening Solstice’s reputation as a leader in mental healthcare in Bermuda.

“We are excited for the positive impact she will make in the community.”

With the appointment, Solstice is to expand its offerings at The Assessment Centre for older adults and people with brain injuries as well as introduce new evidence-based programmes designed to address the unique mental health challenges facing Bermuda.

• For more information about Solstice, e-mail info@solstice.bm or call 292-3456