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- Post traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an injury that can follow exposure to one or more severe, traumatic events. It can change the way you see yourself, your life and the world. We provide comprehensive, holistic care to help you recover.
What is PTSD?
We often hear that PTSD feels like you are existing rather than living, and that no one understands, which can be a lonely experience.
PTSD is treatable and our programs may help you learn to calm the body and mind, and get back to living a life that has a sense of meaning and purpose.
If you have been diagnosed with or think you may have PTSD, you may experience:
- a heightened sense of fear, panic, horror or anger
- a sense that your body is on alert, even during normal activities
- poor sleep
- poor concentration and memory
- unwanted recollections of what happened, both during waking hours and in the form of nightmares.
You may begin to isolate yourself by withdrawing from your support and social networks, enjoyable activities and work life. You may also have a sense of foreboding or threat, and have trouble making decisions.
How PTSD treatment can help you
Recovery from PTSD is possible with the right support. By learning to calm your body and mind, you can get back to enjoying your everyday activities.
We provide a range of services that take a holistic and evidence-based approach to PTSD treatment. We:
- provide a personal health care plan based on individual health needs and challenges
- treat mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs
- link you to other support services, both inside and outside the hospital to encourage long term health
- welcome families and support networks as part of the overall treatment and recovery
- address other conditions such as depression and substance use disorders.
Our programs are evidence-based, which means it’s founded on the highest standards of clinical practice and research. Ongoing evaluation and improvement helps maintain that quality and excellence.
Where appropriate, we actively encourage family and carers to be part of the support network for people in recovery. We offer regular information and support sessions to help family and carers better manage and support a loved one through PTSD, and just as importantly, ways for family and carers to look after themselves.
Programs available
Our inpatient programs help address the PTSD symptoms which need urgent attention.
As an inpatient, you can take the time to rest and recover away from your daily activities while learning strategies to manage your condition when you return home.
What to expect?
Our inpatient program runs for 21 days and is generally followed by an ongoing day program.
Referrals and costs
To access our PTSD inpatient program, you will need a GP referral.
Most private health insurers cover the costs of enrolling in our programs and excess or co-payment may be payable depending on your level of cover.
Care is also available through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Work Cover. Self-funded patients are welcome.
Interested in our PTSD inpatient program?
To make an enquiry please fill in the form below.
PTSD and the ongoing symptoms often require continuing care and support to help you manage your condition.
Our day group programs provide care and support after a hospital stay or to help your manage your condition as you continue your daily activities.
What to expect?
Our day group programs run for between 10 and 12 weeks and you attend sessions twice a week.
At St John of God Richmond Hospital, you will take part in a four week intensive after care program where you attend hospital five days a week after discharge.
Make an enquiry to find out more.
Referrals and costs
A referral from your GP is necessary to access our PTSD treatment programs.
Most private health insurers cover the costs involved with enrolling in our programs. Any excess and/or co-payment depends on your level of cover.
We can provide care through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Work Cover. We also welcome self-funded patients.
Interested in our PTSD day group program?
To make an enquiry please fill in the form below.
You can choose to see one of our psychiatrists who specialises in helping people with PTSD. You can see a psychiatrist for individual appointments, in combination with a day program or as an inpatient.
What to expect?
Our psychiatrists will keep you informed about your rights regarding confidentiality, speak with you about your wellbeing, and work with you to develop a plan towards recovery. This plan can involve therapy and/or medication.
Single or ongoing appointments with your private psychiatrist are available.
Referrals and costs
A referral from a general practitioner is needed to see a private psychiatrist.
There is often a one-off fee for your first appointment with a private psychiatrist. We recommend you call your psychiatrist's rooms to check this cost before your appointment.
If your psychiatrist recommends you enrol in one of our anxiety treatment programs, the costs of these programs are covered by most private health insurers. Any excess and/or co-payment depends on your level of cover.
Interested in an appointment with a private psychiatrist?
To make an enquiry please fill in the form below or find a psychiatrist.
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