We offer our PhD students a program of study that includes world-class research training, as well as opportunities to develop diverse skills that will benefit their future career. Students will be part of a diverse research team, and have access to opportunities across Turning Point, Monash Addiction Research Centre (MARC) and Monash University.
Learn more about the novel projects currently available for student research.
Integrated care for co-occurring mental illness and addiction
Project type: PhD Scholarship
Supervisor: A/Prof Shalini Arunogiri
Area: Co-occurring mental illness and addiction, integrated care
Research Group: The Hamilton Centre, Turning Point (Richmond) and Eastern Health Clinical School (Monash University)
Mental illness and substance use disorders frequently co-occur, with international studies suggesting that up to 50% of individuals experiencing mental illness also face challenges with substance use. Despite this high prevalence, integrated care delivery remains a significant challenge within mental health services. The impact of substance use on mental health outcomes, including increased suicide risk, frequent hospital readmissions, and poorer recovery trajectories, is often underrecognised and inadequately captured in service and system-level data.
This project will examine the integration of care for co-occurring mental illness and addiction within Victorian mental health services. The research will focus on:
- Quality and safety factors in integrated care delivery;
- Pathways of care and service navigation;
- System-level factors impacting treatment accessibility and effectiveness;
- Implementation strategies for improved integrated care.
The project has a strong implementation focus, aiming to directly inform and advance approaches to integrated care within Victoria and nationally.
The student will be co-supervised by Prof Katherine Mills at The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney. The Matilda Centre is a multidisciplinary research centre committed to improving the health and wellbeing of people affected by co-occurring substance use and mental disorders. Prof Mills’ work focuses on improving our understanding of the relationship between mental health and substance use disorders, evaluating innovative treatment approaches, and improving the translation of research into practice.
This PhD program is open to domestic students only, and is suited to applicants with a background in mental health, public health, or related discipline. Experience as a practising clinician and/or lived experience of mental illness or substance use—either as a consumer or carer—is desirable, but not essential. This is a full-time opportunity, however flexibility can be provided to candidates balancing work and carer responsibilities.
Learn more about entry requirements and how to apply on the Scholarships and enrolment page, or email the Research Support team at [email protected].
For more information about projects available across Monash University, as well as supervisor details, please visit Supervisor Connect.