A dedicated space for first responders, veterans and defence

Treatment program for first responders, veterans and defence personnel struggling with PTSD, addiction and other mental health challenges

The Base Ward 

The Base is a 13-bed unit exclusively for first responders, veterans and defence personnel. The Base reflects our commitment to patient-centered care, combining clinical excellence with thoughtful design to support recovery in a private and comfortable setting. The Base clinical care team consists of experienced mental health professionals who are not only experts in their field but also understand the unique experiences of those who serve or have served.

Inpatient program  

Our inpatient program is offered in two stages: 

The Foundation 

The Foundation program is a minimum three-week inpatient stay aimed at promoting stabilisation and detoxification if required. The Foundation program is based on psychoeducation, incorporating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles to develop emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills. The Foundation program is required prior to commencing the next stage, Phase One.  

Phase One

After completing The Foundation program, our Phase One program focuses on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) recovery. Phase One is a three-week evidence-based closed inpatient program, that blends trauma focused therapy and psychoeducation to equip you with skills to aid in your recovery. During your three-week stay with us, you will gain skills to help you:

• Understand the aftermath of trauma and its potential effects on your daily life.
• Practice techniques to calm the body and mind after trauma.
• Develop skills to identify and regulate emotions in an effective way.
• Learn techniques to deal with flashbacks and unwanted memories.
• Understand the balance between threat responses, drive to achieve, and self-soothing.  
• And more to assist you in your recovery journey.  

All our programs integrate the latest evidence-based treatment with complementary therapies such as martial arts, Tai-Chi, creative therapies, horticulture and more. 

Recovery is not one and done. So, once you have completed your inpatient stay with us, we develop a plan for your ongoing support and healing.  

Day programs

Our day programs are delivered in a closed group setting exclusively for first responders, veterans and defence personnel. 

Trauma Skills

Our Trauma Skills day program runs one day per week, for 12 weeks and incorporates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) to help develop and improve the skills you require to manage symptoms associated with trauma. The program is offered as an in-person attendance or if you live regionally or are unable to attend in person, we offer a virtual based program. 

The day program is suitable:

• Following an inpatient admission to help you to transition from your hospital stay back to daily life whilst still providing you with support and the opportunity to connect with others in a group setting.  
• If you have experienced trauma, are grappling with PTSD and seeking practical strategies and support, and where an inpatient admission is not clinically required. 

Dual Diagnosis

Our Dual Diagnosis program integrates treatment for addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. This program runs for 24 weeks and addresses the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to addiction, helping to equip you with practical strategies for recovery.

The day program is suitable:

• Following an inpatient admission to help you to transition from your hospital stay back to daily life whilst still providing you with support and the opportunity to connect with others in a group setting.  
• If you are experiencing substance abuse or addiction alongside a mental health condition and seeking practical strategies and support, and where an inpatient admission is not clinically required. 

The Trauma Skills and Dual Diagnosis Day programs are DVA approved.