Mental Health
At Mackay Private Hospital we proudly provide evidence-based mental health treatment delivered by an experienced team of healthcare professionals to help you on your road to recovery.
Mackay Private Hospital opened its dedicated mental health unit in July 2020.
The unit provides treatment for mood disorders, anxiety, depression and older adult conditions and operates on a consultant team basis with highly qualified mental health nursing and therapy staff.
We have designed our mental health unit to deliver care in the least restrictive manner. This allows patients to feel relaxed and comfortable, with patient safety our first priority.
Mental health services
Our evidence-based treatment, comfortable facilities, and skilled and experienced staff, enhance the quality of care and health outcomes for our patients. Our specialised services include:
- Older persons mental health
- Acute adult psychiatry
- Mood disorders, anxiety and depression
- Inpatient therapy programs
- CBT-based programs
- A broad range of day therapy programs to support ongoing recovery and wellness
Mental health team
Our team of Psychiatrists, Medical, Nursing and Allied Health professionals provide expert care to manage and treat a wide range of mental health disorders. We offer a holistic approach with treatment provided in a safe, supportive environment for inpatients, day patients and outpatients.
Inpatient admissions
A referral is required from your GP or treating doctor, to a psychiatrist with admitting rights to our hospital. A member of our admissions and assessment team will conduct an over-the-phone assessment and require your health fund details.
Following assessment and health fund check, we will discuss your case with a psychiatrist with admitting rights, who consult to our hospital under their own independent business. On acceptance of the referral, we will contact you to arrange admission and transfer of your care and management to a psychiatrist with admitting rights.
Entry into the mental healthunit under private insurance requires you to attend all planned activities that are designed to support and educate you in how to understand and manage your mental health. This is alongside any medication management that your psychiatrist deems necessary.
Activities include; art therapy, psychoeducation, hydrotherapy, breathing and stretching, mindfulness/meditation, garden groups, gentle exercise programs, games, activities and excursions.
Full participation does not have to occur from day 1, realizing that it can take time to settle into a new environment when you are not feeling well, but it will be required when your psychiatrist agrees with you that you are ready to attend.
Treatment and Programs
We have a range of specialised programs, treatment options and mental health professionals who can help. Click on our link below.
Anxiety
We provide evidence-based treatment to help you manage your anxiety, and get well.
Depression
Depression does not discriminate. With understanding and the right treatment, we can help you lead a happy, fulfilling life.
PTSD
We provide evidence-based treatment in a safe and supportive environment for people living with PTSD.
Older Persons
Our multidisciplinary team is compassionate and sensitive to the needs of patients, aged 65 and over.
Inpatient Treatment
We have a qualified team who are attentive and understanding to meet the needs of the elderly and ensure the comfort of all patients.
We have two credentialed Psychogeriatricians who specialise in older persons mental health, and to support the physical care requirements of these patients, our hospital has two Physicians and a Geriatrician with visiting rights to the hospital.
We also provide assessment, management and support for people who have a mental illness over the age of 65 years, and we encourage family members and carers to get involved in helping their loved ones plan for their future.
Our assessment includes cognitive and general functioning to provide our patients with the best programs to meet their needs.
Our inpatient programs focus on educational, therapeutic and diversional activities.
Therapeutic interventions are provided on the basis of individual need and evidence-based guidelines depending on the diagnosis of each patient.
Interventions are categorised as follows:
- Healthy behaviours practiced by the individual, such as exercise, diet and routine
- Psychological approaches, such as building skills in helpful thinking, problem solving and coping with strong emotions
- Physical treatments such as medication and, less commonly, Electroconvulsive Therapy
- Changes in personal environment
- Communication and care tips for friends, family and professional care staff
- Helping patients access services and help for unmet social needs, such as loneliness, transport and housing
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a proven treatment for depression and possibly other psychiatric disorders. Studies have clearly shown that rTMS is an effective treatment for patients with depression.
For more information visit
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Therapy
