Hospitals, clinics and residential options for mental illness

Getting help for mental illness#

There are times when the severity of a mental illness means that you, or someone close to you, may need help from a mental health service provided by a hospital, clinic or residential care facility.

If you are struggling with a mental illness, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can direct you to the service that best suits your needs.

Mental health services may be delivered by public health systems, and there are also private health providers, not-for-profits and community organizations that provide services.

Types of mental health services#

Mental health services are commonly divided into three main categories:

• adult mental health services (generally around 16 to 64 years)
• child and youth mental health services (generally 0 to 18 years)
• aged persons mental health services (generally over 65 years)

There is often some overlap in the age ranges these services cater for. The severity of your mental illness will help determine where you are treated.

Your doctor can suggest support services in your local area or refer you to a psychiatrist. If a psychiatrist decides you need a higher level of mental health care, they can advise on, or arrange, further treatment through community clinics and hospitals.

Adult mental health services#

Hospital stays#

Major public hospitals treat both voluntary and compulsory patients with mental illness, typically in acute inpatient wards and in secure or extended care inpatient units. Private psychiatric hospitals, often located in larger cities, generally treat only voluntary patients.

Secure extended care units provide medium- to long-term inpatient treatment and rehabilitation for people with a serious mental illness or disorder in a hospital setting. This offers intensive treatment for people who cannot live safely in the community.

Community-based services#

A range of community-based services help bridge the gap between inpatient treatment and living in the community:

• Acute community intervention services provide advice, diagnosis and treatment for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Such services may be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can include telephone advice, emergency department care, and short- to medium-term mental health treatment at home.
• Community care units offer medium- to long-term clinical care and rehabilitation for people with a serious mental illness and psychosocial disability. Some people move through quickly, while others may need this level of support for a few years.
• Prevention and recovery care services offer a short-term treatment option for people who do not need a hospital admission.

Specialist mental health services#

A range of specialist services may be available for people with particular needs, including:

• family-focused treatment, offering programs to individuals and family members
• services for adults with an acquired brain injury or a neurodegenerative condition and an associated psychiatric disorder, across hospital, residential and community programs
• dual disability services for people with both an intellectual disability and a mental illness
• eating disorder services, available as inpatient and community-based care
• forensic mental health services for people living with mental illness who are involved with the justice system, including secure hospital inpatient services and community-based services
• services to support specific communities and populations
• mother and baby services that allow mothers to bring their babies into hospital with them while they receive treatment for mental health issues
• neuropsychiatry services offering assessment, short-term admission and treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders
• personality disorder services for people with severe or borderline personality disorder who are at risk of serious self-harm or suicide
• a psychotropic medicines advisory service that provides information on psychiatric medicines and other psychoactive substances
• information, education and counseling for panic, anxiety and depression, including specialist counseling for people who want to withdraw from benzodiazepine or analgesic use

Child and youth mental health services#

Specialist mental health services for children and adolescents provide short-term assessment and inpatient treatment for young people with a severe emotional disturbance that cannot be assessed or treated safely and effectively within the community. Inpatient services are usually located within general hospitals, and young people from rural areas can be connected to these.

Aged persons mental health services#

These services treat older people, predominantly those over 65, who are experiencing a severe and enduring mental illness. They also cater for conditions such as depression or psychosis, as well as people with psychiatric or severe behavioral difficulties associated with disorders such as dementia.

Most services are provided in community clinics. Residential facilities are designed to have a “homely” atmosphere, and residents are encouraged to join in a wide range of activities. Some services provide short-term treatment during an acute phase of illness until the person can access treatment while living in the community. These services are located within aged care facilities and general hospitals.

Community support services#

Some mental health community support services are managed by non-government organizations. They provide assistance with daily activities and help people live successfully in the community, including those whose disability has developed as part of a mental illness.

Key points#

• If you are struggling with a mental illness, talk to your doctor, who can refer you to the service that best suits your needs.
• Mental health services are commonly divided into adult, child and youth, and aged persons services.
• Care ranges from acute hospital inpatient wards to community-based and residential services.
• Specialist services exist for particular needs, such as eating disorders, personality disorders, and mother and baby care.
• The severity of the illness helps determine where a person is treated.

Where to get help#