PTSD Day Treatment Program

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has a profound effect on the health and quality of life of people who develop this condition following exposure to traumatic events or incidents. The condition can stem from direct exposure to, or the witnessing of, a wide variety of traumatic events including motor vehicle accidents, assaults and industrial accidents. Apart from the individual, their family can also be significantly effected.

The PTSD Day Treatment Program is a specialised day program for the treatment of PTSD, arising from work related incidents and/or other events such as motor vehicle accidents.

The program aims to assist those affected by PTSD by targeting specific symptom groups including:

Depression and anxiety
Substance abuse/use
Relationship difficulties
Physical health
Intrusive memories, flashbacks and nightmares
Anger

The specialist program team, led by Dr Andrew Khoo, Clinical Director Trauma and Related Disorders, provide a complete treatment program for individuals and their partners including the following components:

Assessment

A comprehensive assessment performed to identify individual needs and determine suitability to undertake the program. The assessment is undertaken by the clinical staff of the treatment team and includes valuation by a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker and occupational therapist. The assessment aims to ascertain the optimum treatment plan for each person and provide guidance in the longer term regarding worker training, where appropriate.

Primary Treatment Sessions

The primary treatment sessions of the program includes group and individual sessions. Participants attend these sessions during the day and return to their accommodation at the conclusion of each day's session.

Review & Subsequent Treatment Sessions

Following completion of the primary treatment sessions, subsequent sessions are provided at 6 and 12 months to reinforce the skills and strategies learnt during the program and to enhance recovery and prevent relapse.

The program also has a focus for partners. This includes partner specific sessions such as:

Education regarding PTSD
Coping skills development
Focusing on personal needs

Eligibility

The person's work place, insurer, or health care providers may initiate first contact with the program (e.g. psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist, nurse). Participants in the program will require a referral from their treating medical practitioner and agreement with the insurer (e.g. Workcover) prior to assessment. Following assessment a recommendation will be forwarded to the insurer for approval to undertake the treatment program.