Deakin Family Options is a program for youth (12-26) and families, where there are issues similar to those described above.

The program is funded by beyondblue: the national depression initiative and Deakin University as part of a research trial, which means that (a) the family options are provided free of charge, (b) participating family members would be required to complete some surveys and an interview so that we can measure your progress.

1. The first 'family option' is a group for families. The group is called BEST-Plus. This group is designed so that the parent/s attend initially to get some tips and strategies for managing difficulties at home in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Others in the group will be in similar situations, and the group is led by two experienced counselors/educators who are trained to working with families in similar situations. This group runs weekly for eight weeks after work hours, and includes the 'parents' in the first 4 weeks and then other family members such as young person and their siblings, are invited in the last 4 weeks. 'Parents' might be any person caring for the young person, and may include a parent who may not live with the young person, or step-parents. Usually in families the more people involved in the group, the better, so everyone hears the same messages and are able to work together to make positive changes in the family if needed.
2. The second 'family option' is a number of one-on-one sessions with the young person and a trained youth counsellor, working through a program called SHADE-Y, aimed at managing difficulties, increasing positive behaviours, improving mood, and feeling and coping better. The youth will be offered 10 sessions all together, in a supportive and structured environment led by an experienced and trained counsellor.
3. Also, some families will be offered both of these options together, so that families can attend the group and the young person can also attend the one-on-one sessions.

If you currently know of young persons or families who you think will benefit from these options, we encourage you to contact us. Recipients of our services will firstly be asked to attend a confidential 60-90minute interview with a Family Options team member. Ideally, at least one parent and one young person would attend for this interview, but if that is not possible, then we may also be able to arrange it over the phone. All information collected for research purposes will be numerically coded and will not be used in a personally identifiable form (confidential and ethical processes are emphasised).

If the young person doesn't want to be involved, or if the young person wants to be involved but parent/s don't, we may still be able to offer participation in SHADEY CBT (for youth) or BEST Plus (for parents).

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact us at familyoptions@deakin.edu.au or 9663 6733 (Melbourne) or 5227 8415 (Geelong)

Should you have any concerns about this research please contact Dr Melanie Bertino, Research Fellow, School of Psychology, Deakin University. Phone 52278415.

Resources for clinicians

Deakin Family Options Assessment Interview Protocol