Our Programs: Clinical Services

Clinical Services

Whilst you are an inpatient at the Clinic you will be looked after by a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals which includes psychiatrists, doctors, specialist nurses, psychologists and allied health professionals.

Drug & Alcohol - Unit 1

For some people it begins as innocently as social drinking that gets out of hand, a way to cope when the pressure is on. For others it might be prescription or recreational drugs. Drug and alcohol dependency is a disease that damages your emotional, physical and spiritual health, whatever the substance and whatever the cause. Instead of helping you cope, it’s destroying your life.

As serious as substance misuse is, the Drug & Alcohol Unit offers both detoxification and rehabilitation. If detoxification is necessary it can be achieved safely under the supervision of our medical staff and generally wit the use of medication to relieve the side effects of withdrawal.

The rehabilitation program provides psych-education, which is an important part of the recovery process. During group therapy sessions patients work on issues such as relapse prevention, how to deal with cravings and how to communicate more effectively. The program promotes a healthy and relaxed lifestyle combined with personal growth. This encourages a strong sense of self, laying the foundation for high self esteem.

Following discharge patients are encouraged to attend the Supportive day program.

If you are concerned about your drinking habits, complete this short test. Click here to open the test and follow the instructions.

Mood Disorders - Unit 2

Whoever coined the phrase ‘the depths of depression’ really understood what life feels like for thousands of people every day. Sometimes it can occur when we experience seemingly impossible circumstances. Other times it’s due to a physical disruption within the brain’s chemistry. Whatever the cause, depression is a very real medical condition. Depression is also experienced by people with Bipolar disorder. A person fluctuates between high mood ‘mania’ and low mood ‘depression’; extreme mood that can change regularly and may not relate to what is happening in their lives, although their mood swings may be triggered by certain events.

Most patients coming into the Mood Disorders unit have complex diagnostic and medical problems that require careful observation and assessment. Once a diagnosis has been made treatment can commence. Physical treatments such as medication target the underlying changes in brain function alleviating symptoms and preventing recurrence. At Northside we believe patients must feel fully involved in their recovery, so each aspect of the individual’s program is discussed at length.

Individual and group therapy sessions help patients recognise factors contributing to their depression. There are three one-hour groups per day, run by clinical psychologists.

The group program covers: education about depression; motivating patients to meet the day; teaching coping skills; and challenging unhelpful thinking. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interperpersonal Therapy (IPT) also help patients work towards developing strategies to cope with current issues and the future more effectively.

Please view the Mood Disorders timetable.

General Mental Health Disorders - Unit 3

Everyone understands that the human body is susceptible to illness and sometimes needs medical attention to restore good health. Likewise, people also succumb to emotional and psychological problems.

The symptoms are many and varied. Some people describe feelings of being ‘shut down’ and withdrawn. Others feel anxious and confused, and have trouble understanding what is happening around them. Just as you would see a doctor for a medical condition, the best thing you can do for yourself at this time is seek professional help. As with many medical conditions, by seeking treatment early you can greatly improve the likelihood of a good outcome.

The General Mental Health Disorders Unit offers an holistic approach to treatment, with a focus on healing the mind, body and self. A thorough assessment is carried out to determine the cause of any problems and to ensure that appropriate treatment can begin.

Our goal is to work towards the fastest possible recovery for each patient, helping them manage their symptoms and work towards leading a full and productive life. Each patient’s program is individually tailored to meet their needs. Individual and group therapy sessions help patients gain an insight into their illness and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) also helps patients work towards developing strategies to cope more effectively in the future. Psycho-education and support groups are offered to help friends/family gain a better understanding of your illness.

Please view the General Mental Health Disorders timetable.

Eating Disorders - Unit 4

An eating disorder involves extreme disturbances in eating behaviour such as following rigid diets, purging, and obsessively counting kilojoules. At their core, eating disorders are much more complex than just unhealthy eating and weight. They involve distorted, self-critical attitudes about weight, food, and body image. Food is used to deal with uncomfortable or painful emotions. Restricting food is used to feel in control. Overeating temporarily soothes anger, sadness or loneliness. Purging is used to combat feelings of helplessness and self-loathing. Over time, people with eating disorders lose the ability to see themselves objectively and obsessions over food and weight come to dominate everything else in their lives. The longer an eating disorder remains undiagnosed and untreated, the harder it is on the body and the more difficult to overcome.

Generally what works best is a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counselling, exercise and group support. We offer a safe environment in which you can gradually regain control of your life with medical, social and psychological support to help you make a full and lasting recovery. Your recovery will be aided by a team of clinicians comprising psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, dietitian and nurses all specialising in eating disorders.

The Unit also employs a teacher who visits regularly to encourage patients to continue with their school/university studies whilst in hospital.

Following on from inpatient treatment is the Eating Disorders day program, held four days a week.

For more information please view the following list: