The statewide trauma service will support people affected by trauma with mental health care, education and research.
With an estimated 75% of Australians experiencing a potentially traumatic event in their lifetime, investment into accessible, trauma-informed care is crucial.
In recognition of the expertise and impact of psychologists in responding to trauma, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) was last year selected as a key partner to develop and run Victoria's new mental health statewide trauma service.
Transforming Trauma Victoria (TTV) will be a comprehensive service designed to deliver better outcomes for Victorians living with trauma. TTV is co-designed based on close collaboration with a consortium of psychologists, mental health practitioners, trauma experts, peer workers, consumers and carers with lived experience.
"Transforming Trauma Victoria will address a timely need for community support.This includes but is not limited to the lasting psychological trauma impacting many people as our country continues to experience increased risk of bushfires and natural disasters," said APS CEO Dr Zena Burgess.
"The innovative and integrated model has implications for other states and territories, and we are advocating to see it replicated around the country."
In addition to providing timely support for people impacted by trauma, key components of TTV will include trauma research, creating digital peer-led support platforms, and coordinating and facilitating access to trauma experts.
TTV is the first jurisdiction-wide trauma specialist service globally, according to our consortium agency, Phoenix Australia. It will translate research and decades of experience into immediate action and relief for Victorians recovering from potentially traumatic events.
"The breadth of research, education and expertise brought into the development of this service will ensure that more Australians can be informed and cared for in a way that brings them meaningful change," added Dr Burgess.
"We're proud to support the mental health workforce to provide trauma-informed care, and we look forward to continuing this important work alongside our members and partners."
We would like to thank APS members who were involved in this consultation, and the fellow members of the consortium who helped to bring this service to life:
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Phoenix Australia
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Orygen
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SANE
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Victorian Aboriginal Childcare Agency (VACCA)
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Mindful Foundation House - the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture
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Berry Street
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Royal Women's Hospital - Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA House)
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Austin Health - Psychological Trauma Recovery Service, Mental Health Division
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The Bouverie Centre
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The Royal Melbourne Hospital - NorthWestern Mental Health
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Thorne Harbour Health
