Emergency service work can expose people to cumulative trauma, operational stress, critical incidents and ongoing psychological pressure over time. Many emergency service workers delay seeking support because they’re unsure whether what they’re experiencing is “serious enough” or worry about confidentiality, career impact or being misunderstood.
Responder Assist is designed specifically for current and former emergency service workers experiencing trauma-related mental health challenges associated with the job. If you identify with the following, you may benefit from reaching out to the clinic.
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.
Responder Assist is for eligible emergency service workers experiencing trauma-related mental health challenges such as:
You do not need to already have a formal PTSD diagnosis to contact the clinic.
If you are unsure whether Responder Assist is the right fit for your situation, our team can help talk through available support options and pathways. Get in touch here.
The first step is a confidential conversation with a Responder Assist intake team member.
You can reach out via 1800 329 191 (9am – 5pm AEST Mon-Fri – excl. holidays) or via our contact form.
You won’t be expected to “tell your whole story”.
We’ll talk with you about:
This helps us connect you with the appropriate support pathway.
Depending on your needs, support from Responder Assist may include:
Treatment is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.
Responder Assist provides specialist mental health care for emergency service workers who have experienced trauma through their work.
All Responder Assist clinicians are clinical psychologists with expertise in trauma and evidence-based treatments. Your clinician will work with you to understand what you’re experiencing and recommend treatment based on your individual needs.
For some people, additional support may be helpful. Depending on your needs:
You don’t need to know what type of treatment you need before getting in touch. Our intake team can talk you through your options and help you work out the next step.
Phoenix Australia’s Regional Victoria Trauma Psychiatry Clinic provides specialist assessment and treatment advice for trauma-related mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression and anxiety.
Appointments are via telehealth and you’ll see a psychiatrist or a doctor training in psychiatry under specialist supervision. Most assessments take between one and three appointments.
Your doctor will talk with you about what you’re experiencing and recommend treatment that may help, including medication where appropriate. These recommendations will usually be shared with your GP to support your ongoing care.
Some people may also be offered short-term ongoing care through the clinic for up to six months.
Yes. We understand that concerns about confidentiality, stigma and career impact can make it difficult to seek support. Responder Assist operates independently from emergency service employers. Seeking support through the clinic does not automatically notify your workplace or become part of your employment record.
Our team can also help explain different support and funding pathways, including WorkCover, Medicare and private options.
Responder Assist operates independently from emergency service employers.
Seeking support through the clinic does not automatically notify your workplace or become part of your employment record. Your privacy and confidentiality are important to us.
Some funding pathways — including WorkCover claims — may involve communication with employers, insurers or other treating professionals as part of the claims or treatment process. What information is shared, and with whom, can vary depending on the pathway being used.
If you have concerns about confidentiality, workplace impacts or funding arrangements, our team can talk through available options and help explain what to expect before you decide to proceed.
Yes, you can choose to access support through:
These pathways may allow you to seek support without formally involving your workplace.
No, Responder Assist is not an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Responder Assist provides specialist trauma-informed mental health support designed specifically for emergency service workers, including support for cumulative trauma exposure, PTSD and other work-related mental health injuries.
While EAPs can play an important role, many emergency service workers tell us they are looking for longer-term, specialist support from clinicians who understand trauma exposure and emergency service culture.
Responder Assist focuses specifically on evidence-based trauma treatment and recovery for emergency service personnel.
There is no charge to contact Responder Assist or complete an initial intake assessment. Ongoing treatment costs can vary depending on the type of support you access, your funding pathway and your treating clinician.
A Responder Assist intake team member can help explain the different funding options and any potential out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. Get in touch →
WorkCover is a formal workers compensation pathway for work-related psychological injury or trauma exposure.
What it may involve:
What it can feel like:
May suit you if:
Many people access trauma treatment through a Mental Health Treatment Plan from their GP.
What it may involve:
What it can feel like:
May suit you if:
Some people choose to access support privately through psychology, psychiatry or counselling services.
What it may involve:
What it can feel like:
May suit you if:
WorkCover is a formal workers compensation pathway for work-related psychological injury or trauma exposure.
What it may involve:
What it can feel like:
May suit you if:
Many people access trauma treatment through a Mental Health Treatment Plan from their GP.
What it may involve:
What it can feel like:
May suit you if:
Some people choose to access support privately through psychology, psychiatry or counselling services.
What it may involve:
What it can feel like:
May suit you if:
Being able to have a resource that could connect me with a specialist who has experience in emergency services, (meaning I did not have to explain what I did day to day), made it so much easier to open up and really connect with what I needed.
It’s okay if you’re not sure what to say. Many people contact the clinic simply wanting to understand what support options are available.
You can either call the clinic or submit your details via the form below.
Call 1800 329 191
9am–5pm Monday to Friday (excl. public holidays)
Confidential 24/7
counselling and referrals