Monash University > Clinical Psychology Centre

Headstart Program

Headstart is a fully funded program for people with traumatic brain injury and their families.

Headstart family groups include education, group problem solving, social networking and family discussion.

The aim is to:

strengthen family communication;
make it easier to solve day to day dilemmas;
make understanding brain injury easier; and
get people back to having fun with others.

This type of family-group program has been shown to:

improve mental health;
reduce family stress; and
increase vocational activity.

Who can join the program?

The Headstart program aims to assist people who:

have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of a motor vehicle accident, fall, assault, sporting injury, or other cause of head injury;
are over 17 years of age; and
have a family member who would be interested in the program.

Please read the Headstart Program Frequently Asked Questions and/or contact the Headstart team for inquiries on 9501 2428.

Referrers can use the Referral form
MS Word Format (42 kb)
PDF Format (62 kb)

Further information is available in the Headstart Program Brochure (PDF Format (130 kb).

Download Acrobat Reader to view PDF Files.

What families say

"We feel the courage to face the problems because we feel we are on the same boat as others and not left alone" (John)

"The power of the group is amazing. If each of us had to sit down as an individual and try to go through that you might get the same result but it would take longer and this way you get the benefit of a lot of experience that comes to the table" (Bob)

Who is involved?

The Headstart team consists of psychologists and neuropsychologists who are highly experienced in supporting people with TBI and their families.

The program has been funded by the Victorian Neurotrauma Initiative and is a collaboration between Monash University Clinical Psychology Centre, Epworth Healthcare, the Dandenong Division of General Practice and community support services for people with TBI.

Where is the program located?

The Headstart office is located at the Monash University Clinical Psychology Centre at 270 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia.

Southern Metropolitan Region
Headstart is currently conducting group sessions in the at the Notting Hill offices.

North & West Metropolitan Region
Groups will also be conducted in the North & West Metropolitan Region.

How can I get more information or make a referral?

We encourage all families living with brain injury to talk to our program staff about Headstart. We will explain the program, and answer your questions.

Further information about the program can be obtained by contacting the Headstart team on (03) 9501 2428.

Making a referral

Anyone can refer to the program.

You can make a telephone referral by calling (T: 03 9501 2428) and speaking to one of the Headstart team who will take the relevant details.

Alternatively, you can complete the Referral form((doc 42 kb), (pdf 62 kb)) and then fax (F: 03 9501 2535) or post the form to Headstart (see address below).

Contact details for the Headstart Program

Telephone:	(03) 9501 2428
Fax:	(03) 9501 2535
Email:	cpc@med.monash.edu.au
Website:	www.cpc.monash.org
Address:	Clinical Psychology Centre Monash University 1/ 270 Ferntree Gully Rd Notting Hill, VIC 3168