Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) — formerly VOCAT
Psychology Support for Victims of Crime in Victoria
If a violent crime has affected your wellbeing, Meyer Institute can help you enquire about counselling, discuss a psychology report or work out which service pathway fits your current funding status. You do not need to describe what happened in detail online.
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Trauma-informed approach
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Telehealth and Melbourne appointments
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Applicants and professional referrers welcome
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Private psychology enquiry — not a government application
Making a new application?
Victoria’s Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) accepts new applications for assistance following violent crime. Meyer Institute is an independent psychology practice and cannot submit the official application for you through this website.
Already have a VOCAT matter?
VOCAT stopped accepting new applications when FAS began on 18 November 2024. VOCAT continues to finalise applications lodged before that date. If you have an existing VOCAT application, award or future counselling approval, choose the existing VOCAT pathway below and we will ask only for the information needed to understand your psychology enquiry.
Scheme information checked 11 August 2026
Choose your pathway
How psychology may help
Support after a violent crime can focus on safety, recovery and day-to-day functioning at a pace that respects your choices. Subject to clinician suitability and availability, psychology support may assist with:
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distressing memories, nightmares or reminders
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anxiety, panic, hypervigilance or feeling unsafe
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sleep, concentration and daily routines
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low mood, grief, loss, shame or self-blame
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trust, relationships, work, study or community participation
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planning further treatment or documenting current psychological needs where an authorised report is requested
Who the official scheme may assist
FAS may provide assistance to eligible primary, secondary and related victims of violent crime in Victoria. In general, the crime must have caused physical injury, psychological injury or trauma. The offence usually needs to have been reported to police, although special circumstances can apply. The offender does not need to have been charged or convicted.
Eligibility and time limits depend on the person’s circumstances, age and the offence. FAS—not Meyer Institute—decides applications. Check the official Victorian Government guidance or seek legal assistance if you are unsure.
What happens next
1. Send a short enquiry. Tell us how it is safe to contact you, your current FAS or VOCAT status, and the type of psychology support you are seeking.
2. We check the pathway. We will contact you safely to clarify clinician fit, availability and any approval or referral information we need.
3. Funding and costs are confirmed. FAS or an existing VOCAT arrangement may cover approved services. We will explain the proposed payment arrangement and any possible cost before an appointment is booked.
4. Appointment or next step. If the service is suitable, we will offer an appointment or explain what is needed next. If Meyer Institute is not the right service, we will aim to point you toward another appropriate pathway.
What to have ready
You can submit the first enquiry without uploading documents. If available, these details can help us understand the next step:
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your FAS Individual Application Number or existing VOCAT reference number
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whether counselling, a quote or a report has been approved or requested
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the number of counselling sessions approved and used, if known
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the name of your lawyer, case worker, GP or other referrer, if you want us to liaise with them
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your preferred appointment mode and safe contact instructions
Funding and independence
FAS determines eligibility, the assistance approved and how payment will be made. Meyer Institute is an independent psychology practice and is not part of VOCAT, FAS, the Department of Justice and Community Safety or Victoria Police.
Do not assume there will be no out-of-pocket cost until Meyer Institute has checked the written approval and confirmed the payment arrangement with you. If you do not yet have approval, you can still make an enquiry and we can explain what information the practice would need before accepting funded work.
FAQs
Has FAS replaced VOCAT?
Yes. FAS accepts new applications. VOCAT continues to finalise applications lodged before 18 November 2024.
Can I apply for FAS through Meyer Institute?
No. Meyer’s form is only a psychology-support enquiry. Use the official Victorian Government FAS portal to make or manage a scheme application.
Do I need to tell you exactly what happened?
No. The first enquiry asks only for contact, pathway and support information. You can choose ‘prefer to discuss’ and provide clinical detail later in an appropriate setting.
Does the offender need to be charged or convicted?
No. Current FAS guidance says the offender does not need to be charged or convicted. Other eligibility requirements still apply.
Does the crime need to have been reported to police?
Usually, yes, although FAS can consider special circumstances. Meyer Institute cannot decide whether an exception applies.
Can FAS pay for counselling?
Counselling is one type of assistance FAS may approve. Approval, provider and payment requirements must be confirmed for the individual matter.
Can I enquire before FAS has decided my application?
Yes. You can ask about clinician fit and the information the practice would need. FAS may also offer interim assistance in some circumstances, but FAS decides this.
What if my application is still with VOCAT?
Choose the existing VOCAT pathway. VOCAT continues to finalise eligible pre-transition applications, and some future assistance may later be administered through FAS.
Can my lawyer or support worker refer me?
Yes, with your authority. A separate professional referral form is available.
Will I have to pay a gap?
The practice will check the approval and payment arrangement before booking. Do not assume there is no gap until this is confirmed in writing.
Is this form monitored for emergencies?
No. Call 000 if there is immediate danger. Use a 24-hour crisis service if you need urgent support.
Request psychology support
This short form helps us contact you safely and understand the service pathway. It is not a FAS or VOCAT application. Please do not include a detailed description of the crime or upload documents. Fields marked * are required.