At 9 a.m on March 22th of 2019, host by the Student Work Department of Central South University and Xiangya School of Nursing of Central South University and organized by the Nursing Branch of the Association of Young Scientists and Technicians of Central South University and the Graduate Association of Xiangya School of Nursing, a lecture series on "An evaluation of a psychoeducation program for people with serious mental health and substance use problems" was successfully launched in Classroom 457 in Xiaoqian Building at Xiangya New Campus.

Professor Wendy Cross, dean of School of Nursing and Healthcare Professions of Federation University Australia, was the keynote speaker of the lecture which was chaired by Guo Jia, associate professor of Xiangya School of Nursing. At the news of the lecture, faculties and graduate students of School of Nursing, one after another,  registered to be a part of the audience attending the lecture.

At the beginning of the lecture, Professor Wendy Cross pointed out the occurrence of mental health problems in Australia resulting from substance and alcohol abuse and the high risk of relapse due to lack of support from family or friends who are often in shortage of knowledge or resources in this respect. Given that, Professor Wendy Cross brought out the concept of "family therapy", a type of psychotherapy that is based upon intimate interpersonal relationships within family with the aim of promoting the behavioral change of its family members. Afterwards, Professor Wendy Cross introduced a mixed-methods research she has conducted on the evaluation of a family therapy program for people with mental health problems from 7 perspectives, including the research background, intervention methods, research results, and discussions among others. Finally, Professor Wendy Cross summarized the effect and impact of this program, believing in its effectiveness in instructing family members to help patients control the use of substances or alcohol and deal with some emergency so as to ensure the safety of their beloved ones and the security of society, which greatly alleviates the burden of the whole family and society.

During the Q&A session, Professor Wendy Cross gave detailed answers to the questions raised by the inquisitive students based on her rich scientific research experience. At the end of the lecture, Associate Professor Guo Jia expressed his sincere gratitude to Professor Wendy Cross, placing high hopes on the students to explore a way for the integration of "family therapy" into the background of China. The lecture was rounded off with thunderous applause.