Research

Our research programs have been remarkably effective alongside PsychMed’s clinical interventions. PsychMed and WARRI have generated strong research output, media coverage, and have been recognised for excellence in innovation, collaboration, access, and equity.

The team has presented work from all of our research programs at several conferences all around Australia, and the established success of the Matrix program was commended in a number of news stories on the ABC and SBS. More detail about the research of each of our clinical programs, community engagement, and research dissemination is provided below.

Structured Intervention for the Prevention of Suicide (SIPS/SPS) and CPT

The Short Intervention Program for Suicide Attempters (SIPS) is a brief, structured, collaborative, client-centred program for people who have had a suicide attempt. It is a 4-week individual program of up to 5 sessions. It involves case conceptualisation, chain analysis, exposure based therapy, co-therapy narrative review, ongoing treatment plan (for GP & healthcare team), and development of a personalised hope & safety plan or client. The SIPS program is based on the European ASSIP program, and adapted for Australian population. The SPS is a 6-12 session for suicide risk clients, providing CBT, and reflective counselling.

The Cognitive Processing Therapy for Trauma and PTSD is a 12-session structured focussed CBT program for clients with PTSD, small group format with some specialised groups for LGBTQI+, and proposed groups for FGM & first responders.

Gambling Treatment Program (SAIGHS)

Since late 2016, PsychMed has provided the South Australian Intensive Gambling Help Service (SAIGHS) throughout metropolitan and regional South Australia. This free and confidential treatment program enables South Australians to access evidence-based treatments by qualified psychologists and mental health workers. By engaging in evidence-based treatments, clients can access the best treatment available internationally for the treatment of their Gambling and for those who complete treatment recovery is possible.

The regional SAIGHS hybrid program includes direct service visits combined with telepsychology, which has successfully increased the accessibility and engagement with people experiencing gambling harm throughout regional South Australia. We also provide support and education to significant others who may be struggling with someone else’s gambling or gaming issues.

MATRIX Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program for Methamphetamine users

The MATRIX program is an Intensive Outpatient Treatment program for people using Methamphetamine (Ice) who want to stop. This program supports the patient and the family / significant others. It runs for a full year, with 16 weeks of intensive treatment (3 x individual session + 3 x weekly group sessions), and the remaining 36 weeks of continuing care (1 x week social support group session).

An Intensive Outpatient Treatment program for people using Methamphetamine (Ice) who want to stop offered at 6 sites across SA. Matrix uses four therapeutic techniques to assist clients: 16-week bi-weekly intensive group treatment; weekly family/spousal education group; 43-week weekly social support group with novel treatment technique; 3 one-on-one clinical sessions.

ASSIST and Relapse Prevention Group (RPG)

World Health Organisation drug and alcohol use assessment for impact on quality of life, and Relapse Prevention Group for alcohol and other drugs.

Our ASSIST and RPG programs have maintained a robust intake this year, and we have worked hard to optimise the delivery of these groups to minimise wait times. Toward the end of the year, we successfully cleared our waitlists and are now able to provide these services using a rolling intake to ensure minimal wait time for entry and maximal care for those who are struggling with alcohol or other
drug use.

This year, over 500 people have been provided with appropriate care in ASSIST and RPG programs, and thanks to ongoing funding from APHN, we look forward to continuing the provision of this care into the future.