Mental health day programs

Sleep well with CBT

Sleep well with CBT uses cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to help you address unhelpful thoughts, beliefs and behaviours that affect your sleep. Delivered in a trauma-informed framework, the program is flexible and can include nightmare rescripting for participants who need additional support.

Who is the day program for?

This program is suitable for anyone struggling with sleep disturbances, insomnia or nightmares.

How will it help me?

You will learn strategies to:

• manage thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours that interfere with sleep
• understand and cope with distressing nightmares 
• improve overall sleep quality and establish healthy sleep routines

When can I start and how long is the program?

The program runs for eight weeks. You attend a weekly three-hour session.

If you experience nightmares or need additional therapeutic support, you can choose to extend the final four sessions into full-day workshops, held weekly. 

Participants can join at the beginning of each module. Please contact our Intake Team on (03) 9773 7000 for more information.

Thriving with ADHD

Our ADHD day program is designed to give you the skills and support to manage your symptoms and live well at home, at work and in your relationships.

Using interactive group therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other proven techniques, the program is tailored specifically for adults with ADHD.

Who is the day program for?

Adults (18+) who:

• have a diagnosis of ADHD and are seeking extra support to manage symptoms
• have completed inpatient ADHD treatment 

How will it help me?

This program offers a safe and structured space where you can learn practical tools, connect with others who understand, and build confidence in managing ADHD. 

In this program, you will:

• build skills to manage your ADHD symptoms
• learn coping strategies to improve focus, organisation and emotional regulation
• connect with others through group therapy and shared experiences
• develop social, emotional and professional skills to support personal growth

When can I start and how long is the program?

The program runs for eight weeks. Each week you attend a three-hour session.

This is an ongoing program, so you can join at any time with a referral.

ACT essentials

Do you find yourself struggling with difficult thoughts or feelings? Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help you make space for these challenges while still living in line with your values.

Our ACT essentials program focuses on building practical skills to help you live a more meaningful life. 

Who is the day program for?

This program is suitable for people experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, chronic pain and other mental health challenges.

How will it help me?

The program supports you to develop psychological flexibility—the ability to adapt, cope and keep moving toward what matters to you.

In this program, you will:

• learn how to let go of unhelpful thinking patterns
• learn mindfulness techniques to help manage difficult thoughts and emotions
• identify what truly matters to you and use this as motivation for change
• take practical steps towards your personal goals and values

When can I start and how long is the program?

The program runs for 12 weeks. Each week you attend a three-hour session. 

A referral from your psychiatrist is required, and an assessment will be completed by our intake team. This group is skills-based and requires your active participation, including home practice between sessions.

Anxiety and depression program

Our anxiety and depression day program is here to support your recovery and wellbeing. The program combines proven therapies with practical strategies you can use in everyday life.

Who is the day program for?

Adults (18+) experiencing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or similar mental health challenges. 

How will it help me?

You will take part in guided activities that help calm your body and mind, while also learning skills to manage your thoughts and emotions. The program introduces you to group therapy, helping you build confidence and tools that can support you in this program and other programs you may do in future. 

In this program, you will:

• build mindfulness skills to stay present and calm
• explore personal goals and values
• understand emotions and how they affect you
• recognise unhelpful thinking patterns and learn new coping strategies
• develop skills to manage distress
• practise self-soothing techniques you can use in everyday situations

When can I start and how long is the program?

The program runs for 12 weeks. Each week you attend a three-hour session.

This is an ongoing group, so you can join at any time with a referral.

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy designed to help you manage strong emotions, reduce harmful behaviours, learn alternative coping skills and build a life worth living. It can also support you in improving relationships and making positive changes in your daily life.

Who is the day program for?

This program is for people who:

• struggle with intense emotions or impulsive behaviours
• experience ongoing distress
• have difficulties maintaining relationships or work
• live with conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, binge eating or substance use

How will it help me?

In this program, you will build skills in four key areas.

1. Mindfulness – learning to stay present and aware
2. Distress tolerance – coping with crises in healthier ways
3. Emotion regulation – understanding and managing strong emotions
4. Interpersonal effectiveness – improving relationships and communication

When can I start and how long is the program?

The program runs over 25 weeks and is divided into three modules. Each module lasts seven to nine weeks with a short break in between. Every week you attend a three-hour session.

New participants can join at the start of each new module. Please contact us for the dates. 

Participants have the option to repeat the day program if they wish to further strengthen their skills.

Please note: you must complete at least three sessions of our anxiety and depression program and attend a pre-commitment workshop before you can sign up for this day program. 

Substance addiction program

Our substance addiction program is designed to help you build practical skills to support recovery and improve your quality of life. 

Drawing on proven addiction recovery models, the program combines a range of evidence-based approaches to give you effective strategies for change.

Who is the day program for?

This program is for people experiencing challenges with substance use and mental health.

How will it help me?

Each session is self-contained, meaning you will learn useful skills every week that you can put into practice straight away. Over time, these sessions build on one another to strengthen your ability to take positive, life-enhancing steps.

In this program, you will:

• develop mindfulness skills to better understand the link between your thoughts, feelings and actions
• strengthen problem-solving and communication skills
• build healthier relationships and interpersonal skills
• build resilience
• learn strategies to support a healthier lifestyle

When can I start and how long is the program?

The program runs for 12 sessions. Each week you attend a three hour session.

This is an ongoing group, so you can join at any stage of the program.

Because this is a skills-based group, your active participation in each session is important.

Skills training in affective and interpersonal regulation (STAIR)

STAIR is a trauma-informed program designed to support serving and veteran first responders and defence personnel experiencing PTSD, trauma, or cumulative job stress.

The program helps restore key areas of life affected by trauma, including:

• social resources: rebuilding connection with colleagues, family, and community
• emotional resources: learning to manage emotions effectively
• sense of self: strengthening self-worth, competence, and personal value

Who is the day program for?

This program is for serving and veteran first responders and defence personnel who are experiencing:

• PTSD (complex, primary, subsyndromal) or other trauma-related stress conditions
• mood or anxiety disorders
• emotional dysregulation, social isolation or difficulties in relationships
• challenges related to cumulative job stress

How will it help me?

In this program, you will:

• improve awareness and regulation of your emotions
• build distress tolerance skills
• learn how to access and use social support
• develop assertiveness and strengthen relationships
• cultivate self-compassion
• take steps towards meaningful change based on your values

When can I start and how long is the program?

The program runs for 12 weeks. Each week you attend a three-hour session. 

The STAIR program has specific intake dates each year. Please speak to our Intake Team about our upcoming program commencement dates by calling (03) 9773 7000.

Art therapy for mindfulness

Our art therapy for mindfulness day program gives you a safe, supported space to explore creativity while improving your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. This group focuses on strengthening mindfulness skills with flexibility for you to choose activities based on how you are feeling at the start of each session.

A trained facilitator is available to guide you through the creative process, help with materials, and support your personal expression. Each week, a variety of art materials and creative approaches are offered so you can explore and experiment in your own way.

Who is the day program for?

This program is for anyone interested in using creativity to support their mental health and self-awareness. No prior artistic skill or experience is needed to participate.

How will it help me?

In this program, you will have the opportunity to:

• express feelings that are difficult to talk about
• reduce stress and anxiety
• improve self-esteem and confidence
• increase self-awareness and acceptance of yourself and others
• identify and clarify personal issues and concerns
• recognise and work through blocks to emotional expression
• explore your imagination and creativity
• develop healthy coping skills

When can I start and how long is the program?

This is an ongoing group, so you can join the program at any time. 

Sessions are held once a week, for 5.5 hours.

Art therapy for trauma

This group is a structured program for people who have experienced trauma or are managing life with a mental illness. Through art, you can explore aspects of yourself and your challenges, build resilience, and develop tools to support your recovery.

This program focuses on creating a sense of safety and emotional regulation, helping you regain trust and control within yourself, and providing practical strategies to face life’s challenges.

Who is the day program for?

This program is for people who enjoy exploring the creative process, want to learn more about themselves, and wish to develop tools and resources to support recovery and wellbeing.

How will it help me?

In this program, you will:

• better understand yourself and your needs
• exercise personal choice and decision-making
• explore a range of creative art methods • receive regular support to sustain and integrate recovery
• develop coping skills to use in daily life
• discover your strengths, abilities, and resources
• recognise patterns of behaviour and increase self-awareness
• express and explore feelings and needs safely
• understand and assert personal boundaries
• use art as a tool for problem solving, organising, and mapping personal challenges

When can I start and how long is the program?

Two streams are available weekly:

• full-day: 5.5 hours
• half-day: 3 hours

You will need a referral at an appropriate time within the module. Please contact the Transitions Team on (03) 9773 7000 to discuss which stream is most suitable for you.

Art therapy for emotional balance

Art therapy for emotional balance is a skills-based, therapeutic outpatient program designed to help you build emotional regulation and psychological flexibility through structured creative expression. 

Using guided art activities, you will develop practical skills to manage emotions, improve self-awareness, and support overall mental wellbeing.

Who is the day program for?

This program is suitable for anyone seeking to improve emotional balance and develop tools to manage their mental health through creative and structured therapeutic practices.

How will it help me?

This program is ideal for individuals who want to:

• enhance emotional awareness
• strengthen coping strategies
• gain personal insight
• develop practical skills through guided creative expression

When can I start and how long is the program?

The program runs for 12 weeks. You attend a weekly three-hour session.

This is an ongoing group, so you can join the program at any time.