NSW’s first private mental health facility for teenagers

MedTech News: With demand for youth mental health services stronger than ever before, Ramsay Mental Health has launched the first private, dedicated inpatient service for school-aged children in New South Wales.

The three busiest days in Lifeline’s 57-year history was recorded in late August with the service receiving 3,436 calls in one day. The significant demand for Australia’s largest suicide prevention line is a reminder that this is a physical and mental health pandemic.

The Adolescent and Young Adult Service at Northside Group St Leonards Clinic provides 13 new private rooms for 14-18 year old’s, and expands the number of private rooms for 18-25 year old’s to 19. 

Northside Group St Leonards Clinic Unit Medical Director Dr John Kasinathan said it was important for Ramsay to open an inpatient service for adolescents, because there is a great need for mental health interventions in this age group. 

“I find adolescents and young people ‘get it’. They get that mental health is the biggest issue for adolescents and young adults in Australia. Suicide remains the leading cause of death in this age group and they ‘get’ that treatment can help a lot,” Dr Kasinathan said. 

“The new and expanded inpatient units, for adolescents and young people, are conveniently situated on the same floor of the bespoke and modern Northside Group Clinic at St Leonards. We’ve tailored mental health care and treatment for these age groups and they really love their own new space here,” he said. 

According to the Mental Health Commission of NSW, 1 in 4 Australians aged between 16 – 24 are living with a mental disorder and 1 in 3 experience moderate to high levels of psychological distress. 

Director Ramsay Mental Health Australia Anne Mortimer said she was very pleased to be have opened the State’s first private, specialised mental health unit for 14-18 year olds.  

“Current demand for mental health services for this age group is high and we’re committed to reducing the burden on our young people by providing high quality and quickly-accessible services,” Ms Mortimer said. 

“We have also expanded our Young Adult unit to ensure our ability to help this age group who are struggling with mental health issues, through our inpatient and day programs.” 

During their stay in the Adolescent and Young Adult Service, patients can access group psychological therapy, individual reviews with a psychiatrist, art therapy, physical and social health programs, specialised nursing care and treatment plans that are individual and targeted to their developmental stage.  

The adolescent unit also features input from an experienced teacher to help adolescents set goals and plan for their education.