CAHS psychologist named Western Australia’s Young Australian of the Year

Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) Senior Clinical Psychologist Pheobe Ho has been named Western Australia’s Young Australian of the Year for 2027, recognising her leadership in eating disorder treatment, mental health advocacy, research and lived-experience engagement.

The award acknowledges Pheobe’s contribution to improving care and outcomes for children, young people and families, as well as her efforts to raise awareness of eating disorders and reduce stigma surrounding mental ill-health.

Pheobe’s journey into psychology was inspired by her own recovery from an eating disorder as a teenager. Drawing on both her clinical expertise and lived experience, she has become a leading voice in the treatment of eating disorders and in advocating for more inclusive, person-centred approaches to mental healthcare.

“We know that eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of all psychiatric illnesses,” Pheobe said.

“Supporting children and young people through some of their most challenging moments, and seeing the positive impact of evidence-based care, is what really motivates and inspires me.”

Through her work at CAHS, Pheobe supports children and adolescents experiencing eating disorders and other complex mental health challenges. This includes supporting young people transition to the adult health sector, and advocating for inclusion of lived experience to strengthen treatment and recovery pathways.

Beyond her clinical role, she is a respected advocate, mentor, public speaker and national policy adviser. She has served on numerous state and national advisory groups over the last decade, including as National Mental Health Commissioner from 2022-2023, and contributing to development of Australia’s 10-Year Plan for Eating Disorders (2023-2033). 

Pheobe’s current research and advocacy efforts are focused on supporting healthcare professionals with lived experience, by championing psychologically safe workplaces, as well as bridging the gap between lived experience, clinical practice, and research. She is currently completing a PhD at Curtin University examining these themes. 

CAHS Chief Executive Valerie Buić said Pheobe’s commitment to improving the lives of children, young people and families was extraordinary.

“Through her clinical work, research and advocacy, she has made a profound difference to countless lives, while helping to build greater understanding of eating disorders and mental health challenges,” shared Valerie. 

“Her willingness to share her lived experience with courage and authenticity has provided hope to many people facing their own recovery journey.

“This recognition is incredibly well deserved, and everyone at CAHS is immensely proud of Pheobe and the impact she continues to make in our community.”

Pheobe is one of four Western Australians recognised in the 2027 Australian of the Year Awards across the categories of Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero.

As Western Australia’s Young Australian of the Year, she will now join recipients from across the country as a finalist in the national Australian of the Year Awards, which will be announced in Canberra on 25 January 2027.

Congratulations, Pheobe, on this outstanding and well-deserved achievement.