eMerge: a trauma informed mental health hub for young people

Mental health disorders in youth can impact healthy development of individuals, leading to long-lasting impacts on people and on society.

Access to mental health care for young people has a range of challenges arising from various sources, including complex health networks and systems, lack of knowledge and awareness of available support, gaps in care between child and adult mental health services, and social stigma preventing discussion and acceptance of treatment.

A trauma-informed model of care seeks to provide individualised care that minimises the long-term impacts of trauma and reduces re-traumatisation due to difficulties in finding care. This model has evolved from earlier approaches to treatment and carries a number of similarities to the model therapy approach first initiated in the 1800s.

eMerge offers an accessible mental health service targeted to the individual needs of young people and focuses on prevention and early intervention.

Developed through the Envision research program, the adaptable design can be located in a wide range of environments and networked with other health services and precincts. It offers engagement with the wider community through open gateways and integrated services, reducing the social stigma of mental health.

Read more about this research paper here.