Meet the Clinicians

Dr James Dickens is an experienced and approachable Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with over 20 years’ experience. Since 2022, Dr James has worked as a Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for Queensland Health on the Gold Coast, Australia. Dr James attained his Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists in 2024. He previously worked as a consultant for the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom (UK) whilst also running a private practice in England for more than 10 years.

Dr James graduated as a medical doctor at the University of Manchester, UK in 2002, following a successful career in business. He attained Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) in 2007, completing higher specialist training and becoming a Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in 2010. He was awarded a Master of Science in Psychiatry from the University of Manchester in 2010.

Dr James is a highly qualified mental health professional with a broad scope of expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of mental health conditions. His approach to treatment is comprehensive and flexible, incorporating individual and family interventions with evidence-based medication management. He takes a personalised approach to treatment, carefully selecting the most applicable therapeutic modalities for each young person's unique needs and circumstances.

Areas of Expertise

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Tic Disorders including Tourette Syndrome
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Behavioural Problems
• Family Work
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Mentalization Based Therapy
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

You can trust that Dr James will approach your care with the utmost sensitivity, compassion, and discretion. He is committed to working closely with you and your family to address any mental health concerns and will do so in a manner that is respectful, empathetic, and confidential.

Dr Solomon Shatananda is a dually trained Consultant Psychiatrist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Lifespan Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Psychiatry, having completed Dual Certificate of Completion of Training (Dual CCT) in the United Kingdom. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) and currently works as a Consultant Psychiatrist with the Mental Health Intellectual and Developmental Disability Service (MHIDDS), Gold Coast Health, providing specialist psychiatric care for children, young people and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition to his dual specialist training, Dr Solomon holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Behavioural Analysis and Intervention, providing a unique combination of expertise in psychiatry and behavioural science that is uncommon in Australia. This integrated background enables him to offer comprehensive, formulation-driven assessments and insights into management strategies for individuals with complex neurodevelopmental and mental health presentations.

At SJP Child, Family & IDD Psychiatry, Dr Solomon offers two complementary specialist services: comprehensive Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for mainstream mental health presentations, and specialised Lifespan Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Psychiatry for children, young people and adults with IDD, including complex neurodevelopmental disorders and syndrome-specific psychiatric presentations.

Dr Solomon's philosophy of care is centred on compassion, collaboration and evidence-based practice. He adopts a neuro-affirming, strengths-based and family-centred approach, recognising each individual's unique strengths, aspirations and support needs. He has a special interest in supporting the transition from childhood to adulthood, particularly for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He works collaboratively with families, carers, GPs, paediatricians and allied health professionals, recognising the complex interaction between mental health, behaviour and neurodevelopmental conditions. Multidisciplinary case conferencing and shared care are incorporated whenever they would enhance coordinated patient care, ensuring practical, individualised treatment plans that promote wellbeing and quality of life across the lifespan.

Qualifications

• MBBS
• BSc Hons in Behavioural Analysis & Intervention
• PG Diploma
• MRCPsych (UK)
• FRANZCP