Innovation or Common Sense in Addiction Recovery? The Banyans Interdisciplinary Collaborative Care Model (BiCOC)
Tracks
Springbrook Room
| Tuesday, May 13, 2025 |
| 1:40 PM - 2:10 PM |
Overview
Dr Gavin Brown & Ms Tammy Spiller, The Banyans
Speaker
Tammy Spiller
Clinical Nutritionist
The Banyans
Innovation or Common Sense in Addiction Recovery? The Banyans Interdisciplinary Collaborative Care Model (BiCOC)
Biography
Tammy Spiller is a Clinical Nutritionist (BHlthSc NutrMed and PGradDipBus) with a special interest in metabolic conditions, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and nutrition for mental health. She integrates an understanding of illness pathophysiology with nutritional biochemistry to deliver personalised, evidence-based care. Tammy works with specialist test results, pathology, medications, and co-existing health conditions to develop tailored nutrition plans. Passionate about the gut-brain connection, she is committed to increasing awareness of nutrition’s role in mental wellbeing. Tammy values the privilege of supporting patients through meaningful health changes and believes education is key to long-term, sustainable outcomes.
Dr Gavin Brown
Psychologist
The Banyans
Innovation or Common Sense in Addiction Recovery? The Banyans Interdisciplinary Collaborative Care Model (BiCOC)
Abstract
The Banyans consists of a 10-bed and 4-bed private residential rehabilitation facility providing individualised care for people with mental health conditions. Typical presentations include substance misuse and addiction, burnout, personality disorders, depression and anxiety, eating disorders and trauma. Most commonly presentations are complex and include addiction to Depressants (alcohol and benzopdiazepines), Stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine and ice) Dissociatives (Nitrous Oxide), Cannabinoids and Opiods. Polypharmacy is common. Typically guests are either privately funded, NDIS supported, or Veterans supported by DVA.
The Banyans team utilise a (Banyans) Interdisciplinary Collaborative Care (BiCOC) approach to treatment and recovery from addiction. The BiCOC healthcare team is interdisciplinary in that it integrates knowledge and methods across the different disciplines, consistently synthesising approaches to ensure best outcomes for residents. The team includes general practitioners, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, dieticians, nutritionists, sleep specialists, exercise physiologists, music therapists, art therapists, equine therapists, yoga therapists and wellness coaches (who play a key role in covering the frontline of the facility).
In addition to healthcare practitioners’, other components of the model include case management, patient (and family) education and systematic follow-up of guests via a comprehensive (up to) two-year aftercare program. The Banyans also has strategic partnerships with hospitals and community-based supports to support seamless transitions into and out of the residences.
This presentation will outline the unique model of the care that The Banyans provides, utilising case studies to illustrate the patient journey from admission to program completion, discharge and aftercare. Within this, key components of the program itself will be highlighted, including evidence of the interdisciplinarity of the program and examples of how nature, biofeedback and social connectivity all combine with evidence based practice to support positive outcomes. The effectiveness of the BICoC model will be illustrated using aggregated outcomes measures collected at key points of the patient journey.
The Banyans team utilise a (Banyans) Interdisciplinary Collaborative Care (BiCOC) approach to treatment and recovery from addiction. The BiCOC healthcare team is interdisciplinary in that it integrates knowledge and methods across the different disciplines, consistently synthesising approaches to ensure best outcomes for residents. The team includes general practitioners, psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, dieticians, nutritionists, sleep specialists, exercise physiologists, music therapists, art therapists, equine therapists, yoga therapists and wellness coaches (who play a key role in covering the frontline of the facility).
In addition to healthcare practitioners’, other components of the model include case management, patient (and family) education and systematic follow-up of guests via a comprehensive (up to) two-year aftercare program. The Banyans also has strategic partnerships with hospitals and community-based supports to support seamless transitions into and out of the residences.
This presentation will outline the unique model of the care that The Banyans provides, utilising case studies to illustrate the patient journey from admission to program completion, discharge and aftercare. Within this, key components of the program itself will be highlighted, including evidence of the interdisciplinarity of the program and examples of how nature, biofeedback and social connectivity all combine with evidence based practice to support positive outcomes. The effectiveness of the BICoC model will be illustrated using aggregated outcomes measures collected at key points of the patient journey.
Biography
Dr Gavin Brown is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience across diverse settings and age groups. He holds a BPsych(Hons) and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. As Clinical Director at The Banyans, Gavin oversees the therapeutic program development and the clinical team. His background includes roles in private practice, QLD Health, Headspace, and specialist facilities for chronic pain and substance abuse. Gavin uses EMDR, ACT, and Schema Therapy, and also facilitates equine therapy. A Certified Gottman Therapist, he has a strong interest in couples counselling—particularly supporting couples affected by addiction and trauma through evidence-based relationship therapy.
