Ramsay Newsroom

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. 

The Northside Group Adolescent and Young Adults Service at St Leonards will focus on areas including: 

• General mental health,  
• Depression and anxiety disorders, 
• Self harm, 
• School refusal,  
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, 
• Social and behavioural problems, 
• Personality disorders, and  
• Adjustment disorders. 

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. 

For more information or patient admission enquires please contact the Easy Access Admissions Service at Northside Group St Leonards Clinic on 02 9433 3555.