Mental Health
Our mental health is just as important as our physical health.
Good mental health is fundamental to our social, emotional and
physical wellbeing.
St John of God Hospital Warrnambool offers
services tailored to suit individual needs through programs
available for inpatients, day patients and outpatients.
In addition to individual care, we use group therapy which
research has shown is effective in overcoming feelings of isolation
and helps people realise they are not alone in their
experiences.
Therapeutic techniques vary but usually involve participants
talking about their current thoughts and beliefs and investigating
new ways to think about themselves, the world and others.
Our Services include:
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Grief/Loss and Trauma
- Body Image and Self Esteem
- Acute psychiatric disorders
- Lifestyle management
- Depression
- Aboriginal mental health outreach service
- Alcohol and Drug Dependence.
Our Programs include:
- Group and individual therapy
- Stress/lifestyle management
- Sessions to assist in understanding and managing symptoms and
conditions
- Sleep Management
- Diversional/Creative and Music Therapies
- Mood control or managing depression
- Skill development, particularly living, social and
organisational skills
- Self help groups.
Treatment regimes are tailored to ensure the best possible
outcome for each person and may combine medication, psychotherapy
and group therapy via our:
- Inpatient programs
- Regular half day programs
- Relapse prevention groups
- Individual counselling
- Outreach Services.
Our Mental Health Team
Caregivers are
highly qualified professionals committed to supporting people
through their therapeutic program with the highest quality of
care. Our team understands the importance of
confidentiality. They respect the need for, and are committed
to providing a supportive environment which fosters independence
and self responsibility.
Mental health outreach services for Aboriginal
people
The service provided by St John of God
Hospital Warrnambool engages with the local Aboriginal community,
providing flexibility and responsiveness to longer-term mental
health issues. Accessing hospital-based mental health services is
often difficult for Aboriginal people. Our work within the
community dramatically improves access to services for many, whilst
also removing the stigma often associated with mental health.
Our Aboriginal mental health services are committed to long-term
support and we understand the importance of gaining trust and
rapport over time in order to challenge unhealthy lifestyles and
coping skills. We use a flexible approach which best suits
the individual in order to increase resilience.
The Mental Health Outreach Service provides continuity and
consistency for Aboriginal community members. Operating across a
large geographical area, from Portland to Camperdown in South West
Victoria, the service connects Aboriginal people to services whilst
supporting them when other providers have moved on.
Health Insurance and Fees
For inpatient
admissions, please enquire with your private health insurer.
If you are a member with DVA, TAC or Workcover you may wish to
discuss your needs with them, or your treating medical
practitioner.
Day Programs and Outpatient Services are covered by your private
health insurance, or alternatively you may incur a small gap
payment with other Medicare funding options.
For further information and to access these services, please
contact the Mental Health Service on 5564 0629.
How to access our Service
To access the
Mental Health Service please ask for a referral to
our service from your General Practitioner or Private Psychiatrist
or contact us directly on 03 5564 0629 or 1800 135
735.