Qld’s first private mental health inpatient clinic for ages 14 and over

Queensland’s first private inpatient mental health facility for adolescents aged from 14 has opened in Brisbane.

Young Queenslanders now have access to private inpatient mental health services, with Brisbane’s Ramsay Clinic New Farm launching the state’s first dedicated, specialist mental health inpatient service for adolescents from age 14.

This will be the first time patients under 16 can access dedicated, private inpatient mental health services in Queensland.

Ramsay Clinic New Farm director of youth services Professor James Scott said the new service would improve functioning in young people living with mental illness.

“The most recent comprehensive study into adolescent mental health disorders found almost one in seven people aged four to 17 – or more than 560,000 Australian children – have a mental disorder,” Prof Scott said.

“However, it is well documented that the pandemic has exacerbated the prevalence of these

conditions.

“The new inpatient service at Ramsay Clinic New Farm will help adolescents acquire the skills to manage their mental health.

“Through group and individual therapy young people will develop skills in emotional self-regulation, distress tolerance and behavioural activation.

“The program will include family involvement and look at enhancing family relationships.

“It’s important for adolescents to remain connected to their education, so we will include in the program some time for them to do their schoolwork.

“One benefit of the pandemic is that these students are experienced in online learning, and we will have staff available to support their learning.

“The three-week inpatient program is followed by a day program to support patients as they transition back to their usual care.

“Where required, the adolescent program can also work alongside Ramsay Clinic New Farm’s existing offerings including a dedicated eating disorder program.”

Ramsay Clinic New Farm chief executive Ann Stevens said the clinic, which opens this month, will provide purpose-built facilities to support the new program.

“The new adolescent program will be located in a 12-bed inpatient unit completely separated from the adult population at the facility,” she said.

“We have established areas for group therapy, art therapy, family therapy and a gymnasium.”

Queensland youth are waiting up to 18 months to see a mental health professional.

Contact Ramsay Clinic New Farm on [phone].