The Australian Psychological Society (APS) is proud to have been selected to help develop and run the state’s new Mental Health Statewide Trauma Service (STS) alongside key sector leaders.
The new service will bring together the very best psychologists, mental health practitioners, trauma experts, peer workers, consumers and carers with lived experience to deliver better outcomes for Victorians living with trauma.
The STS will have a range of functions. Trauma research, supporting the mental health and wellbeing workforce to provide trauma-informed care, creating digital peer-led support platforms, and coordinating and facilitating access to trauma experts will all be key components.
APS President Tamara Cavenett said investment into trauma-informed care was welcome to address the alarming rates of trauma and trauma-related mental illness within the community.
“Trauma can have a deep and long-lasting effect on mental health, so providing evidence-based care is essential to providing all Victorians with the support they need. We must ensure every touch point of the mental health and health care system is trauma informed.”
“75% of Australians are affected by trauma at some point in their lives. People’s lives shrink after trauma as they increasingly avoid trauma related cues and events – but that doesn’t have to be where the story ends. Trauma-informed psychological treatment can be effective – often at least twice as effective as medication alone.”
“It is pleasing that the Victorian Government is working to address these concerns”.
The Mental Health Statewide Trauma Service (STS) consotrium includes:
- Australian Psychological Society
- Phoenix Australia (lead consortium agency)
- Orygen
- SANE
- Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency (VACCA)
- Mindful
- Foundation House – the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture
- Berry Street
- Royal Women’s Hospital – Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA House)
- Austin Health – Psychological Trauma Recovery Service, Mental Health Division
- The Bouverie Centre
- The Royal Melbourne Hospital – NorthWestern Mental Health
- Thorne Harbour Health
