Clinical trial into PTSD from climate-related disasters expands across the region

SOUTHERN Cross University is expanding recruitment in Ballina and Byron Shire for a groundbreaking mental health trial aimed at supporting people affected by natural disasters.

The climate-related PTSD clinical trial, which began last year with a focus on Lismore, is now seeking participants from across the Northern Rivers.

The world-first stepped-care model is designed to treat trauma stemming from disasters, particularly the devastating 2022 floods.

The program, Healing Climate-Related Trauma (HEART), is open to adults aged 18 and over who were directly impacted by climate-related disasters such as bushfires, floods or landslides between 2017 and 2022.

Principal investigator Dr Janet Schloss said the trial is grounded in contemporary research into post-traumatic stress disorder linked to disasters.

“We designed the HEART trial to find ways to heal the Northern Rivers communities still suffering from recent climate-related disasters,” she said.

“Findings from this trial will help inform the development of larger-scale, sustainable mental health programs for disaster-affected populations, especially in regional areas, across Australia.”

The five-week program includes weekly three-hour sessions combining arts-based and nature-based compassion groups.

Participants engage in creativity, mindfulness, group connection and compassion-focused activities.

Before and after completing the program, participants will fill out questionnaires measuring their mental health and wellbeing.

A smaller follow-up trial will examine whether MDMA-assisted therapy can help participants who continue to experience PTSD symptoms after completing the first stage.

That component is expected to begin later this year or in 2027.

The research team will also use a dedicated website, videos and public talks to keep the community informed and engaged.

Participants can register at heart.scu.edu.au/about