Browse practical and informative resources such as tip sheets, booklets, videos and toolkits.
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.
The Responder Assist team aims to connect people with appropriate support as soon as possible.
Wait times can vary depending on:
If there is a wait for a suitable clinician, the intake team will discuss this with you and help explore available support options in the meantime.
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.
Responder Assist supports current and former Victorian emergency service workers, including paid staff, volunteers, communications staff, administrative staff and non-operational personnel.
This includes people who are currently working, volunteering or who have previously worked within:
You need to be based in Victoria to access the service.
For many emergency service workers, the impact of repeated trauma exposure can show up during active service, after a critical incident or sometimes months or years after leaving the job. You do not need to still be actively serving to seek support. Get in touch → Call 1800 329 191 9-5 Mon-Fri (excluding holidays) or send us a message.
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 is a Victorian State Government funded service that aims to improve the lives of emergency services workers through tailored mental health supports.
Confidential 24/7
counselling and referrals