DOCTOR ON CAMPUS At Victor Harbor High School

Our Presenters Dr Anke Doley our Doctor on Campus, c/- Victor Medical Centre, Victor Harbor SA Mr Chris Wigg, Clinical Psychologist, Torrens House Psychology, Victor Harbor SA Colin Sibly Student Counsellor and leader of Victor High School DOC team.

BACKGROUND Operated at VHHS since 2004 Assisted over 280 students at Victor High Teen Mental Health Focus COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Victor Medical Centre Victor High Torrens House (Psychology – VH) Southern Adelaide / Fleurieu / Kangaroo Island (SAFKI) Medicare Local [Regional Health Admin and Coordination]

A Whole School approach...

How Doctor on Campus Works ? Students with needs identified / referred by parent/carers teachers / school leaders / peers / self referral. Student consults with School Counsellor. If needed, Counsellor coordinates referral to DOC or to existing family doctor. Parent involvement in process. If DOC, Counsellor provides background / briefing notes to Doctor. Doctor manages ongoing referrals / advice to student and for ongoing support in / out of school. Referrals to Clinical Psychologist at VHHS, via SAFKI (Medicare Local)

Why does DOC Work? Identification – Teachers and School Counsellors are ideally placed to notice when a young person is emotionally unwell. Trust – Because of the relationship that Counsellors have with students they are ideally placed to find out what is REALLY happening for a young person. Triaging - Counsellors are able to assess which students who are in need of clinical intervention and which can be managed with normal support.

Why does DOC Work ? Brokering – Because of the student / counsellor relationship, counsellors are well placed to assist the student in agreeing to engaging with DOC. Information Sharing – By agreeing to have the counsellor pre-share the student concern with the Doctor, the emotional hurdle of “re-telling the story” is avoided. Parental Involvement – Including parents in the support process assists greatly in positive outcomes. Cost – Parents are often relieved to find that consults via DOC are “bulk billed”. Fear of cost is often an impediment to parents seeking help for their children.

Why Does DOC Work? Confidentiality – Processes are put in place to ensure that confidentiality is a key element of DOC intervention. Overcoming Stigma – DOC overcomes the stigma that still exists around mental health. Students do not have to “risk being seen” seeking help for wellbeing issues. Teen Friendly Processes – eg texting for appointments and reminders on the morning of the consult. Teens don’t do watches!

Why Does DOC Work? Cognitive Therapy – Helping students assess lifestyle and emotional health aspects of their lives to bring positive change. Medication is a last resort. Post Intervention Support – DOC establishes a review and ongoing monitoring structure involving key “supporters”. Self Awareness – Enabling students to be aware of their personal wellbeing signs and symptoms and to empower them to “self re-refer”.

Interested In DOC For Your School ? WHAT NEXT ? See us today Collect some info Call Victor Harbor High If we did You can too !

Thank you