PsychMed is committed to the delivery of evidence-based treatment programs, which are empirically supported by international research. Many of our senior psychologists have been active contributors to research and education, in addition to their clinical roles. We have teaching and research links with psychology departments at a number of universities, including the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia. Recently the Commonwealth Government through APHN recognised PsychMed as a South Australian key provider of severe mental health services in trauma, suicide prevention services and community based drug and alcohol treatment. This support has enabled the funding of three critically important programs targeting methamphetamine use, suicide attempting rates and a broad spectrum of trauma including domestic violence, sexual assault and war trauma. These Australian first programs will be trialled over a 3-year period, and evaluated in collaboration with AHPN and university-based research partners.

PsychMed has also recently been funded by the State Government to provide a structured cognitive behavioural therapy program for assisting South Australians with gambling problems. The services are delivered by highly trained clinical psychologists with expertise in cognitive behavioural therapy and the treatment of complex co-morbidities including depression, trauma, and alcohol and other drug use. The service also includes the provision of support to people whose lives have been significantly impacted by the gambling problems of others. This program is part of a South Australian network of gambling help service providers who provide a range of complimentary services. This program is being evaluated in collaboration with the state government and university-based research partners.

Gambling Program (SAIGHS)

The proposal for the new SA Intensive Gambling Help Service (SAIGHS) forming a component of the SA government gambling help service network was developed from a collaboration between Dr Quentin Black, Professor Paul Delfabbro, Dr Kirsten Vale, Dr Daniel King, Mrs Carol Black, Mr Trent Ames, Dr Rachel Humeniuk, Dr Reza Abdollahnejad and Mr David Rimmington. Dr’s Townshend, Vale, Sutherland and Black oversaw the clinical implementation phase, with significant contributions to the program content from Dr Daniel King in the initial development of the CBT program manual. Subsequently Professor Delfabbro and Dr’s Townshend, Black, Vale and King completed the manual development. Professor Delfabbro and Dr’s Black and Watson are involved in program evaluation and ongoing research with assistance from Elly Gannon, Ellie McCarron, Trent Ames and Patrick Carey.

Trauma Program (CPT)

The introduction of the South Australian trial for the Cognitive Processing Group Therapy program (CPT) for people who have experienced significant trauma was proposed and established by Dr Samantha Angelakis, Dr Quentin Black, Carol Black with input from Associate Professor Reg Nixon. Dr’s Black and Angelakis is overseeing the implementation phase and coordinating the research evaluation of the trial in conjunction with PsychMed and Emily Watson. Together we are recording data to evaluate the effectiveness of our group program and we aim to continually explore ways of improving the effectiveness of PTSD treatments.

Dr Angelakis has completed her clinical doctorate research thesis in PTSD and applications of Cognitive Processing Therapy and won the Chancellor’s prize from Flinders University for the best PhD research project in psychology. PTSD and trauma treatment is a particular research interest for Associate Professor Reg Nixon, and Quentin and Carol Black have over 20 years experience in cognitive behavioural therapy approaches in the treatment of survivors of trauma with complex needs.

MATRIX Program

The introduction of the South Australian trial for the MATRIX treatment program for methamphetamine users was proposed and established by Dr Matthew Smout, Dr Quentin Black, Dr Reza Abdollahnejad, Mrs Carol Black and Dr Rachel Humeniuk. Dr Smout is overseeing the implementation phase and coordinating the research evaluation of the trial in conjunction with PsychMed and his work with the University of South Australia, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy.

Dr Smout has recently worked as a consultant with Drug and Alcohol Services SA (DASSA) in the establishment of an outpatient support service for methamphetamine users. Dr Abdollahnejad has over 15 years experience in alcohol and drug treatment and research, and Quentin and Carol Black have over 20 years experience in cognitive behavioural therapy approaches in the treatment of persons with drug and alcohol use with complex needs. Dr Humeniuk has over 25 years experience in clinical research in drug and alcohol with DASSA.

Suicide Prevention Program (SIPS)

The introduction of the South Australian trial for the SIPS treatment program for suicide attempters was proposed and established by Mr Bart Pawlik, Dr Quentin Black and Mrs Carol Black. Dr Black, Mr Pawlik and Mr Jon Hare are overseeing the implementation phase and coordinating the research evaluation of the trial in conjunction with PsychMed and Dr Smout at the University of South Australia psychology department.

Mr Pawlik works in clinical psychology and has a special clinical and research interest in suicidality, and has previously worked with Lifeline. Quentin and Carol Black have over 20 years experience in cognitive behavioural therapy approaches in the treatment of persons with depression and suicidality. Dr Black has also previously worked with acute presentations in eight SA emergency departments. Mr Hare has over 35 years experience in treating mood disorders with cognitive behavioural therapy approaches in the community setting.