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Supporting an Emergency Worker

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If you are a Victorian-based emergency worker contact Responder Assist Clinic for a confidential chat about emergency worker mental health, assessment and treatment options.

About Responder Assist

 

Responder Assist is a Victorian State funded service that aims to improve the lives of emergency services workers through tailored mental health supports.

Our clinic is open to all Victorian emergency services workers, including those that have retired from service.

We offer training, research and support to mental health practitioners who treat emergency services personnel. This is underpinned by our innovative research, leading ongoing studies to develop evidence-based mental health interventions that are specific to emergency workers.

 

Why Responder Assist?

We're independent and confidential

We're independent and confidential

Responder Assist’s intake service is Independent and confidential.

We understand emergency workers

We understand emergency workers

Our service is devoted to the mental health of emergency workers with specially trained clinicians with deep experience in treating emergency workers.

We use the latest evidence-based treatments

We use the latest evidence-based treatments

Responder Assist’s research pillar is across the latest interventions so that you can feel confident in knowing that you will be receiving the best possible care and evidence-based treatments.

We lead innovative research

We lead innovative research

We are currently undertaking world-first studies to better understand how to optimise treatment for emergency workers

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a WorkCover claim to access treatment through Responder Assist?

No. A WorkCover claim is encouraged to ensure that gap-free treatment is funded throughout your treatment under Responder Assist. However, this is not the only way to fund your care. Medicare referrals with a current and valid Mental Health Care Plan from your GP can also be used to help co-fund your treatment. However, it should be noted that there is a limit to the rebated sessions (10 per calendar year) and that there is a gap per session charged which will be charged to you by your treating clinician. Finally, you can also elect to pay for the full cost of your treatment as an out-of-pocket expense. 

Can I see a psychiatrist as part of Responder Assist?

Yes. If you or your treating clinician think that seeing a psychiatrist would be of service, the intake team can help you to arrange a referral. You can learn more about Phoenix Australia’s psychiatry services here.

How long will it take for me to be allocated to a clinician after intake?

The Responder Assist team aim to allocate you for treatment as soon as possible. In periods of high demand for the service, there may be a short delay to the start of your treatment. The intake clinician will be able to advise you as to whether there is a wait time at the time of your initial assessment. If there is a wait, you will be placed on a waitlist until a suitable specialist clinician becomes available. 

Is my intake call confidential?

Yes. Your intake call is completely confidential and will not be reported to your emergency services employer, EAP, or other associated party. However, please note that there are duty of care and legislative requirements for the intake team to liaise with your GP, other treaters, or mental health crisis services if they assess that you need immediate support.

What’s the difference between psychology and psychiatry?

The main difference between the two is that a psychiatrist has trained as a medical doctor and can prescribe medication. A psychologist is not a medical doctor and can’t prescribe medication.

Who is eligible to use the Responder Assist clinical services?

Victoria based emergency workers (current and retired), requiring mental health advice and treatment as a result of a traumatic event in the workplace. This also includes volunteers, administrative and non-operational staff.

For a confidential conversation contact our intake team on: 1800 329 191 9-5 Mon-Fri (excluding holidays)

Will I need to complete questionnaires to access Responder Assist services?

Yes. In order to ensure the highest clinical standards we ask all members to complete regular questionnaires. The responses on the questionnaires will be seen by your treating clinician to optimise your treatment and will also be de-identified and collated in order to evaluate our service. By agreeing to have anonymised data collected as part of your engagement with Responder Assist you will be making an invaluable contribution to emergency worker mental health and helping us to deliver best-practice, evidence-based care to the emergency worker community.

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Phoenix Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and pays respect to all Elders, past and present. We acknowledge continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to land, water and communities—places of age-old ceremonies, of celebration and renewal—and their unique contribution in the life of these lands.

Responder Assist

Responder Assist is a Victorian State Government funded service that aims to improve the lives of emergency services workers through tailored mental health supports.

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