Lan Wu – Clinical Services Director

What do you do at Karralika?

As one of two Clinical Services Directors, I provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of residential and community-based Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) treatment programs. My role focuses on strengthening clinical governance, workforce capability, safety and quality systems, and service innovation to support sustainable, evidence-informed care delivery. With a strong background in advanced clinical practice and healthcare leadership, I am passionate about building systems and cultures that empower staff, strengthen multidisciplinary practice, and improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use and mental health challenges.

What do you like about working at Karralika?

Karralika’s commitment to person-centred and trauma-informed care strongly aligns with my professional values and a leadership philosophy that is significantly influenced by Carl Rogers’ Unconditional Positive Regard for everyone. What stands out most about Karralika is its genuine and continuous commitment to creating safe, compassionate, and recovery-oriented environments for both clients and staff. Being part of an organisation that continually strives to strengthen its services and respond to emerging community needs is deeply rewarding.

What is your background?

I became a registered nurse in 2008 and have worked extensively across the AOD and mental health sectors since 2010. My clinical and leadership experience spans government health services, non-government organisations, and private practice, with a strong focus on addiction medicine, psychotherapy, workforce development, and service system improvement. I hold a Master of Nurse Practitioner Studies and a Master of Mental Health with a focus on psychotherapy, and have also completed advanced studies in psychopharmacology.

Throughout my AOD career, I have led the development of models of care, governance frameworks, and workforce initiatives that strengthen service integration and improve access to treatment across metropolitan, rural, and regional settings within different jurisdictions (QLD, ACT, NSW). This has included contributing to legislative reform supporting Nurse Practitioner prescribing in opioid dependence treatment, establishing innovative service models, and leading district-wide workforce capability initiatives within NSW Health. Trauma-informed principles underpin my clinical, organisational, and executive leadership approach, shaping how I lead teams, strengthen systems, and support the delivery of safe, effective, and person-centred care.