Ramsay Newsroom

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

Director of Youth Services at Ramsay Clinic New Farm, Professor James Scott, says the new service will 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. However, it is well-documented that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the prevalence of these conditions,” Professor Scott said. 

“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 CEO, Ann Stevens, said the Clinic will provide purpose-built facilities to support the new program. 

“Ramsay Health Care is committed to offering the best possible care for those needing assistance to manage their mental health,” Ms Stevens said. 

“The new adolescent program will be located in a 12-bed inpatient unit completely separated from the adult population at the facility. We have established areas for group therapy, art therapy, family therapy and a gymnasium.”

Ramsay Health Care has been providing world-class standards of care for people affected by mental illness since 1964. It treats more than 70,000 mental health patients in Australia each year, and partners with 370 visiting psychiatrists. 

The new adolescent program is due to open in November 2022.