$3.8 million to run a 'world first' post traumatic stress program at SCU

Researchers at Southern Cross University will be led by professor James Bennett-Levy in a 'world first' stepped care model, funded by the federal government.

Stepped care is an evidence-based system for treating mental health, involving a hierarchy of treatments, from least to most intensive.

The stepped care treatments in this clinical trial will include an arts-based group compassion program and group-based MDMA-assisted therapy.

Mr Bennett-levy levy said long-term displacement after floods is a big contributor to PTSD.

He has been a leader in the field since the 2017 floods when he was at the university centre for rural health.

"We still have thousands of people displaced (from the 2022 floods) in various ways," he said.

"No one has been able to collect accurate data on how many people have been displaced, who has left the area and where people are staying now.

"We just don't know those numbers at this point in time but it would be really helpful if we did. We're always playing catch up.

"My hope is this trial will be a model for other communities in Australia."

About 250 people have already expressed interest in the low intensity program with 84 set to be part of the MDMA assisted therapy.

It will be a multi-year program and will start in September or October.

"Our research after the 2017 floods showed that mental health problems were compounded if people were self-critical and blamed themselves. Mr Bennett-Levy said.

"We have therefore designed a stepped care program with a self-compassion focus.

"Step 1 will evaluate a five-session arts-based program which engages participants in creating compassion-focussed artworks.

"If participants still have PTSD, they may be eligible for Step 2, MDMA-assisted therapy.

"Prior research has shown that MDMA-assisted therapy is an effective evidence-based treatment for PTSD and enhances self- compassion."

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin said the federal government is providing the funds as part of the 2022 Clinical Trials Grant Activity.

"This project not only offers innovative evidence-based practices for trauma relief, but also means something positive can come out of our local experience," Ms Saffin said.

"This research will add to the body of knowledge around trauma and post-traumatic growth.

"James Bennett-Levy has an international reputation for innovative mental health approaches and a commitment to the wellbeing or rural Australians, particularly the residents of the Northern Rivers Region."

It is hoped the findings will provide additional treatment options for those impacted by future disasters.

"Under Professor Bennett-Levy's leadership and expertise, this novel trial will broaden our knowledge about the effectiveness of therapeutic treatments for addressing serious trauma following a natural disaster," Southern Cross University vice chancellor Tyrone Carlin said.

"We congratulate Professor Bennett Levy for being awarded the Medical Research Future Fund grant.

"It represents the largest block MRFF funding received by Southern Cross University to date and illustrates the excellence and impact of critical research conducted by the University in our region."

People can register their interest in participating in the clinical trial by emailing compassiontrial@scu.edu.au