Ramsay Health Care to close 17 of its 20 psychology clinics across Australia

Australia’s largest private provider of psychology services is shutting down most of its clinics in a move it says will “reshape” its mental health support strategy.

Ramsay is Australia’s largest private psychology services provider.

ASX-listed hospital group Ramsay Health Care is set to close 17 of its 20 psychology clinics across Australia, in a move it says will “better meet the evolving needs of clients and clinicians”.

The company, which bills itself as “Australia’s largest private provider of psychology services”, said it would transition Ramsay Psychology “to a more flexible and sustainable model, which includes the progressive closure of 17 clinics by the end of August”.

Three clinics – in Cairns, Charlestown in NSW and Joondalup WA – will remain open.

“We understand this change might be unsettling and we are working closely with our psychologists to ensure every client is supported and has continuity of care, whether through our existing and expanded Telehealth service or with another trusted provider, depending on what is clinically appropriate,” the company said in a statement.

“This change is part of Ramsay’s broader strategy to strengthen how we deliver high-quality, accessible and connected care across hospital, home and virtual settings.”

17 clinics will close.

Ramsay Psychology has eight clinics in Queensland – at Cairns, Fortitude Valley, Maroochydore, Southport, Ipswich, Coolangatta, Clayfield and Rockhampton.

It has six clinics in NSW – Erina, Parramatta, Wollongong, St Leonards, Charlestown and Liverpool.

Four are in Victoria: Box Hill, Frankston, Bundoora and South Melbourne, while there are three in Western Australia: Mount Pleasant, Joondalup, West Perth.

Ramsay reported a net loss after tax and minority interests of $104.9m in the six months to December 31 but paid shareholders a 40c franked dividend.

It is yet to report its full-year results.

Ramsay Australia has 76 hospitals, clinics and day surgery units in Australia and also operates hospital in the home services, telehealth and 37 allied health clinics.

According to its latest financial report, Ramsay Australia admits more than one million patients annually and employs more than 35,000 people.

Originally published as Ramsay Health Care to close 17 of its 20 psychology clinics across Australia