Phoenix Australia conducts innovative research within military and veterans’ services, hospitals, health and community settings, emergency services, industry and workplace sectors and compensation environments.
Find out morePhoenix Australia are the experts in evidence-based trauma treatments and are funded to offer mental health clinical services to key population groups.
Find out morePhoenix Australia is proud to partner with Government departments, agencies and other treatment providers to make a meaningful difference in our communities.
Traumatic events are common and most people will experience at least one during their lives.
Find out morePhoenix Australia can work with your organisation or team to build capacity in understanding, preventing and promoting recovery from trauma and other adversity. Our services include policy development, practice implementation, research, training and advice.
Find out moreThe IMPACT trial is comparing a novel, transdiagnostic psychological intervention for PTSD known as the Unified Protocol against Prolonged Exposure therapy, the gold standard in PTSD treatment.
The IMPACT trial is currently funded to provide treatment to veterans and first responders residing in Victoria. For other treatment trials for members from the general community, please see our link to the BDNF trial here.
Unified Protocol therapy has promise as an effective treatment for those with PTSD by helping individuals build skills in emotion regulation to better manage the emotional impacts of trauma. Prolonged Exposure is well established as a treatment for supporting people with PTSD by helping individuals process their traumatic memories and reclaim their lives.
Recruitment for the IMPACT study has now closed. Please refer to our Clinical Research page here for other trials that may be relevant to you, or email phoenix-clinic@unimelb.edu.au if you have any queries.
To be eligible for the IMPACT Trial, the following criteria need to be met:*
Aged 18 or over.
Have been diagnosed with PTSD or suspect that they have PTSD following a traumatic event.
Currently reside in Victoria.
Access to equipment for video conferencing (ie computer and internet) for Telehealth.
Able to attend weekly sessions.
Have good English comprehension.
Unfortunately, this trial is not suitable for individuals who have been diagnosed with a current psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, mania, or a severe drug or alcohol use disorder.
Furthermore, this trial is not suitable for people who are unable to guarantee their own current safety (i.e. have active suicidality, deliberate self-harm, a current victim/survivor of family violence), or the safety of another (e.g. a perpetrator of violence).
*Other inclusion and exclusion criteria apply, which will be advised upon contact and further assessed during an intake process to confirm eligibility.
Participation involves:
Eligible participants will receive treatment at no cost.
Please note: Consent for the research team to communicate with participant’s GP is a requirement for entering into this trial. Participants are encouraged to share this website information with their GP and other health professionals when expressing interest in this research.
For more information about the trial, including possible benefits and risks to participation, please read our Plain Language Statement.
Referrers are welcome to contact us if they would like to refer a client.
For additional details on how referrers can support their clients to access the IMPACT trial at the Phoenix Australia Traumatic Stress Clinic, please read the Frequently Asked Questions document.
The IMPACT trial is being conducted by Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, a national centre of excellence in posttraumatic mental health, affiliated with the University of Melbourne.
This research project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of The University of Melbourne (ID Number: 1853047.6).
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.
We are committed to fostering an environment in which the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their fellow Australians is characterised by a deep mutual respect, leading to positive change in our nation’s culture and capacity.
Phoenix Australia are experts in trauma-related mental health and wellbeing. For 25 years, we have been Australia’s National Centre of Excellence in Posttraumatic Mental Health and internationally recognised leaders in our field. We are committed to driving forward the mental health agenda both at home and abroad.
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