A RIVERLAND program helping clients battle drug addiction is hoping its success during a two-year pilot period will be enough to secure long-term funding.
The Riverland Matrix Pilot Program, operated by PsychMed and funded by the State Government, was contracted for two years starting in January 2019, with the pilot ending at the start of 2021.
The Berri PsychMed office closed at the end of January, with staff working out of other locations when doing regular clinical visits to the Riverland for gambling treatment programs or Better Access mental health sessions.
PsychMed clinical psychologist Dr Quentin Black said staff were in the process of finalising a report to the Government on the program’s success.
“There were many significant clinical outcomes, including decreased use, strong abstinence and recovery rates, and significant improvements in measures for urge, dependency, depression, social function and quality of life,” he said.
“There were… fantastic outcomes at the individual level for participants and their families.
“We also saw a number of fantastic secondary outcomes. For example, four young trainees from rural SA received training in clinical psychology and AOD (alcohol and other drugs) work.
“One trainee has completed her clinical masters and is one of the very small number of clinical psychologists working in rural SA for SA Health, while another is completing her masters this year and two more are completing the second year of their internships.
“Of the two lived-experience mentors, one has now gone on to full-time employment and the other provides support to people in rural Aboriginal communities.”
Dr Black said despite the pilot program ending, several locals were continuing to receive assistance from PsychMed to complete the program.
“There are about four people completing the program by telehealth,” he said.
“We will also be following up with the more than 60 people who participated over the two years following their completion of the 16-week intensive component.”
Dr Black said PsychMed would continue to provide clinical psychology support in the region, including with problem gambling.
PsychMed are expected to provide their report to the State Government later this month.