QPS SelfRefer Program: Enhancing Police Wellbeing with Police Psychologist Services

Police Officers, first responders, law enforcement professionals, and the staff supporting these personnel face a range of unique challenges, in what can be a variety of highly demanding roles. The demanding nature of Police work can lead to significant physical and psychological strain, affecting both the personal and professional lives of the police officers involved and the civilian staff supporting their many functions. That is why it is crucial to have police psychologist services nearby and professionals who can provide support and assistance when needed. Dr Mark Bartholomew is an experienced clinical psychologist with experience working with police officers, first responders, military personnel, and civilian support staff, dedicated to providing support and assistance to those who serve our community.

The SelfRefer Program allows Queensland Police Service (QPS) employees to access six sessions with a psychologist. The SelfRefer program is anonymous with referrals being managed externally to the QPS. To commence in the SelfRefer Program, QPS employees simply need to reach out to a QPS SelfRefer provider such as MHM Psychology to find a suitable appointment time. If you are a current employee of the Queensland Police Service, you are eligible to utilise SelfRefer. The six sessions are available each financial year. If more appointments are needed a request can be made for an extension of up to three additional appointments. 

To book the earliest possible appointment with a Psychologist experienced in working with Police Officers and QPS support staff, please email MHM Psychology using the following email address, letting us know you'd like to access psychology services through the SelfRefer Program:     admin@mhmpsychology.com.au

Police Psychologist

Police and support personnel can encounter high-stress situations on a daily basis, which can take a toll on their mental health and overall psychological wellbeing. A psychologist with experience working with Police plays a vital role in promoting mental resilience, emotional well-being, and optimal performance among police officers and civilian support staff.

Psychologist that works with police are experienced in recognising and understand the distinct and unique challenges that Police, first responders, and QPS support staff face in their roles. This can include exposure to repeated trauma, critical incidents, pressure to make important decisions quickly and in high-stress situations, managing the performance demands of your organisation, and more. Police, first responders, and support staff are at a heightened risk of developing a range of psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance misuse problems. By supporting QPS members through these challenges, at MHM Psychology we aim to enhance coping mechanisms, emotional intelligence, and overall mental health.

Click here to take a brief psychological wellbeing test

Comprehensive Psychological Services for Police Officers and QPS staff

MHM Psychology offers a wide range of psychological services to enhance the well-being of Police officers and QPS staff. These services include:

• Trauma and Stress Management: Police officers and support staff can be exposed to traumatic events and high levels of stress. Through evidence-based therapeutic interventions, MHM Psychology can help Queensland Police and QPS staff to develop healthy coping strategies, improved resilience, and greater self-understanding.
• Individual Counselling: MHM Psychology offers a safe and confidential space for QPS staff to discuss personal and work-related concerns. Together, you and your psychologist will explore strategies to manage stress, improve communication skills, improve decision-making around work and personal matters, and develop a healthy work-life balance.
• Psychoeducation: Working with a Psychologist, clients can learn to better understand the psychological mechanisms that underlie their distress and presenting concerns, helping them to better cope and forge a path forward to better mental health. 
• Evidence-based Psychological Support: Working with a psychologist ensures that you are working with a professional who is trained in the most effective and research-based treatment approaches for a variety of presenting concerns. 
• Psychological Assessment: Dr Mark Bartholomew at MHM Psychology has experience in the assessment of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance misuse problems. Such assessments guide the psychotherapy treatment and allow you to get a better understanding of your current psychological functioning. 

The SelfRefer Program

Some QPS Police and support staff may be reluctance to access services due to fears around confidentiality. The SelfRefer program is run independently from QPS and, apart from rare circumstances (e.g. if WorkCover claims are initiated or for financial auditing purposes), client details are not shared directly with QPS. This means that QPS Police and support staff can anonymously and privately access the support they need, while feeling reassured that their information will remain confidential. The SelfRefer Program allows QPS Police Officers and support staff to proactively seek psychological support without fear of judgment or consequences and to easily and confidentially access psychological support services to maintain their well-being.

Choose a Police Clinical Psychologist Near Me: Finding a police psychologist near you to conveniently and easily access the services you need. As an experienced Clinical Psychologist, Dr Mark Bartholomew has worked with QPS members, military staff, and first responders over his more than 15 years of experience in the field of psychology. With a special interest in the treatment of PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression and stress. We’re here to help. Located conveniently in Coomera (Jowett St), nearby the Coomera Police station. 

We look forward to supporting you when its needed. 

Click here to learn more about Dr Mark Bartholomew, our services or you can take a look at our Blog page.