The White Cloud Foundation
Founded in 2011, White Cloud Foundation (WCF) is a mental health not for profit organization that provides early intervention services for adults and their families with or at risk of developing depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and peri/postnatal depression (PND).
WCF acts upon evidence based research to develop, test and implement a multi-disciplinary approach in the treatment of depression, PTSD and PND. The White Cloud Foundation believes in easy, early access to professional, evidence based clinical programs.
The formation years for the White Cloud Foundation saw the organization gather and evaluate current research findings and treatment practices in the area of depression, PTSD and PND under the leadership of Professor Adam Scott.
In 2013, based at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) a steering committee of clinicians, researchers and administrators was formed to guide the development of the White Cloud multidisciplinary model of care for Post Natal Depression.
In 2014, in partnership with Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Health Clinics, the Foundation conducted a pilot program of the multidisciplinary model of care for at risk mothers in Queensland. The study showed that by addressing the underlying triggers for PND a woman had the best chance of recovery. The pilot program drew on the disciplines of phycology, psychiatry, exercise physiology, nutrition and social work.Quantitative testing showed 91%) of mothers had meaningful and clinically significant improvements in their mental health over the course of their involvement with the WCF/QUT Clinics.
Evaluation of the 2015 pilot program led to the refinement of the White Cloud multidisciplinary model of care. The program offers a cost effective, evidence based treatment pathway for primary health networks and other NGO’s. Referral to a White Cloud Clinic will provide a patient and their family with access to a co-located team of expert clinicians who will work together to develop an individualized treatment plan . Treatment plans can include the services of a mental health nurse, psychologist, exercise physiologist, nutritionist or social worker. A plan may include all disciplines or favor 2 or 3 clinician’s expertise depending on underlying need, treatment can be delivered face to face or via tele-health.
In 2015 a second steering committee formed to guide the development of the PTSD multidisciplinary model of care. The pilot study is currently underway in partnership with QUT Health clinics. The pilot program has enrolled current and former defense and first responders with anxiety, depression or PTSD and is due for completion in December 2016.