Tackling climate-related PTSD in the Northern Rivers: Seeking participants

The Australian Government has funded Southern Cross University (SCU) to undertake a world-first stepped care model trial. The Healing Climate Related Trauma (HEART) trial will test whether innovative programs can reduce the severity of climate-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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 first step focuses on arts and nature-based compassion programs led by skilled trainers. They combine creativity, mindfulness, group connection, and compassion practice. The programs run for 5 weeks. Participants meet once a week for a 3-hour session.

Step 1 is now recruiting participants in the Lismore, Byron, Ballina, Richmond and Tweed regions.

Step 2 of the stepped-care model is MDMA-assisted therapy. This much smaller trial will test whether MDMA-assisted therapy is effective for people who still have PTSD after completing Step 1. Step 2 is being planned for late 2026 to 2027.

People aged 18 years and over adults living in the Northern Rivers who have experienced trauma because of flood, landslide or bushfires between 2017 and 2022.

Visit the dedicated project website: heart.scu.edu.au.

For more information about the project, email heart@scu.edu.au.

This research has ethics approval: Bellberry 2025-03-472 and AH&MRC 2386/25