Ramsay Newsroom

The new program, modelled off Ramsay’s successful female-only trauma-informed mental health facility at Ramsay Clinic Thirroul in Wollongong, will ensure even more Australians now have access to much-needed support for PTSD.  

Recent studies have shown more than 62 per cent of Australians over the age of 16 have experienced childhood trauma, and highlight the link between trauma and risk behaviours, such as drinking, drug use, self-harm and suicide attempts.1

Psychiatrist and Medical Superintendent of Ramsay Clinic Macarthur, Dr Angelo Virgona, said there is a desperate need for more specialist services to support the mental health concerns of those suffering from PTSD. 

“We understand that mental health, and mental health challenges, look different for everyone. Patients with PTSD are best treated by trauma-informed specialists using evidence-based treatment options,” Dr Virgona said. 

“Prevention is beyond the scope of health care workers, other than being able to intervene early enough to prevent inter-generational trauma. 

“Programs like those we offer at Thirroul and now here at Macarthur have the capacity to change the trajectories of people’s lives.”

Dr Virgona said the new trauma program is psychiatrist-led with the support of trauma informed medical, allied health and nursing staff. 

“The program goes further than simply treating the symptoms of trauma, like depression or anxiety, it works with patients to identify and treat the underlying cause,” he said. 

“The program is available to those who have experienced all forms of trauma, including childhood trauma, veterans with PTSD, refugees, first responders, domestic violence survivors and car crash victims.”

Ramsay Clinic Macarthur launched the new three-week inpatient trauma program this week with plans to offer day patient programs in the future. 

The inpatient program offers holistic, evidence-based psychiatric treatment, supported by experiential therapies such as art therapy, pet therapy, mindfulness, yoga and other leisure-based therapies.

Ramsay Mental Health is the largest private provider of mental health services in Australia, treating more than 70,000 patients per year for more than 310,000 inpatient days per annum in Australia.