Applying Strengths Model principles to build a rural community-based mental health support service and achieve recovery outcomes

Debra Dunstan

qualifications: PhD

contribution: original concept, designed the project, devised survey tool, literature review, collected data, wrote the first draft, input data

position: Director, Clinical Psychology Program

Australia

Debra Dunstan PhD MAPS is a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of New England, Armidale Australia, where she teaches full-time in the Postgraduate Clinical Psychology Program. Debra has professional qualifications in Clinical Psychology and Physiotherapy and extensive experience in occupational rehabilitation and rural clinical practice. Her research interests are in the areas of rehabilitation psychology - in particular work-disability due to musculoskeletal conditions and mild to moderate mental health problems - and, modes and models of mental health and rehabilitation service delivery, suitable for use in rural settings. Her current research projects include: the evaluation of community-based, rural mental health programs, including the importance of social inclusion in mental well-being; and, the role of co-workers in workplace rehabilitation.

Dr Donnah Anderson

qualifications: PhD

contribution: input data, statistical analysis, contributed to drafts

position: Lecturer