FAQs
Seeking help
Inpatient Residential Treatment
South Pacific Private is contracted with most major health funds and the DVA, so clients with private health insurance are able to claim for their treatment under the terms of their health fund agreement with zero gap payment.
If you have questions regarding your particular circumstances, our Intake Team are here to help on 1800 063 332.
We also accept self-funded payments for the program at an average cost of $900 per day.
Transitions Accommodation
South Pacific Private’s Transitions Day Program provides support to clients when they are most vulnerable in early recovery and when risk of relapse is highest. It’s a two-week intensive day program that runs immediately post-discharge from the inpatient program and runs daily Monday – Saturday from 10.00am – 4.00pm.
As a therapeutic and psychoeducational program, Transitions is covered by most major health funds. Clients are responsible for organising their own accommodation.
South Pacific Private’s Beachwood Supported Living, a purpose-built sober living recovery house is adjacent to the hospital and available at very reasonable rates. Beachwood Supported Living is fully supervised with 24/7 support, meals provided by the hospital, transport to 12-step meetings, and housekeeping and linen included.
Places are limited, so we recommend you book your place as early as possible. Our Intake Team (1800 063 332) can take your booking to secure your place.
Family Program
The three-day Family Program, is the cornerstone of treatment at South Pacific Private where profound and lasting healing takes place. It was the positive experience of the Family Program at The Meadows Treatment Centre in Arizona that inspired the founders of South Pacific Private (the Wood family) to open South Pacific Private in 1993.
Most major health funds will cover the Family Program on behalf of the client. For loved ones, there is a $450 fee per family for the three-day program, with lunch and course materials supplied.
Out of Pocket Expenses
All clients are asked for a $200 deposit for pharmaceutical needs during their inpatient stay. Any unused portion is returned to the client on discharge.
Clients will need $1 coins for the coin-operated laundry, and they may wish to buy books, cards or gifts from reception.
The program is tailored to individual needs and circumstances. Following a comprehensive pre-assessment an initial treatment plan will be developed in collaboration with you. Most people are recommended for a three-week in-patient stay and two weeks with the Transitions day programs, and then ongoing recovery support programs thereafter.
When South Pacific Private opened its doors almost 30 years ago, we became Australia’s first truly comprehensive, integrated treatment centre with a program designed not only for a short-term detox, but to identify and resolve the underlying drivers of addiction and mental health conditions, and to lay the groundwork for sustained, long-term recovery.
Our program is therefore not suited to for those seeking short-term break or temporary detox, it is designed for those who are ready and willing to do the work.
South Pacific Private is an accredited, fully-staffed private hospital, meaning we have the clinical expertise to assist in the most serious and complex situations, and the institutional experience to identify the most suitable treatment for each patient. Importantly, it also means our treatment is covered by most private health insurers.
Recognising that addiction, trauma and mental health issues rarely occur in isolation, our program is run by a full team of therapists, caseworkers, specialist nurses and clinicians with the expertise to treat all conditions in parallel, and to make sure every client gets the personal, compassionate care they need.
South Pacific Private’s program also recognises the core role that our interpersonal relationships can play in cycles of dysfunction and pathways to recovery. We offer the only dedicated, family, relationships and children's programs in Australia, designed to heal entire family units, repair damaged relationships and restore healthy dynamics.
At South Pacific Private, our belief that everyone deserves access to tailored, leading-edge treatment drives our commitment to embrace inclusivity, celebrate diversity and actively support the LGBTIQ+ community across every aspect of our work. Our clients are aged between 18-80 years of age. Clients come from all over Australia (locally and interstate) and internationally and are from all socio-economic backgrounds.
South Pacific Private provides a safe, medically-supervised detox. Clients are closely monitored during their detox by our multi-disciplinary team. Clients requiring more complex detoxification may be asked to detox in an acute medical hospital prior to admission.
South Pacific Private is clean, bright, and comfortable, with beach views, sea breezes and landscaped serenity walkways. We are a fully operational 54-bed working hospital and every part of the hospital has been designed with therapeutic intention.
South Pacific Private is a fully licensed and accredited hospital and rooms are allocated for optimum therapeutic benefit. Supervised shared accommodation (single sex) helps alleviate issues of isolation or avoidance and ensures clients engage with the therapeutic community. Private rooms are allocated for a variety of reasons, for example for loud snoring or night terrors (parasomnia), or to cater for LGBTIQ+ needs.
Yes, all medications or supplements brought to the hospital must be in a sealed container and in their original packaging and will be reviewed by your GP in consultation with your treating psychiatrist. All medications are stored and dispensed by the nursing team.
In line with NSW Health mandates, South Pacific Private is a smoke-free environment and gives you the perfect conditions to quit smoking, with full medical and therapeutic support. You can purchase nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) whilst in treatment and we encourage you to bring NRT with you for your admission. If you are a smoker, we also encourage you to consider beginning NRT prior to admission.
Our program is abstinence-based as distractions such as smoking are typically 'used' to regulate emotions. One of the aims of treatment at South Pacific Private is to learn how to self-soothe and better regulate strong emotions and triggers without relying on potentially addictive substances and behaviours.
In recovery it’s vital that clients do not swap one addiction for another. To support this South Pacific Private has a caffeine-free and low sugar policy. We support healthy living ideals with plenty of herbal teas, fresh food, and beach walks to support a change in overall lifestyle that’s sustainable.
Chef Ed is a firm favourite with clients, never failing to appear in the client’s monthly compliments reports. South Pacific Private supports healthy eating, and mindful eating education is available for those who need it. A good range of options is available with vegetarian and vegan dishes supplied daily and most needs catered for including dairy and gluten-free options. If you have specific dietary requirements, please let us know in advance.
South Pacific Private is a voluntary facility and clients may discharge at any time. However, once admitted to the Inpatient Program clients are to remain onsite unless granted special permission by the multi-disciplinary team. Clients may be given permission to leave the facility for specialist medical appointments if it is considered safe by the team for the client to do so.
All clients once cleared by a GP, can participate in twice daily walks on and around Curl Curl Beach.
Yes, we enable essential contact, however for therapeutic reasons and to ensure you are fully focused on your own treatment and recovery we ask all clients to reduce their interaction with friends and family members while in the inpatient program. Parents with young children are permitted a short call to say good night daily and calls to a spouse or loved ones are limited to two per week.
In order to minimise risk to the South Pacific Private community, visitors to South Pacific Private are not permitted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We will recommence Sunday visiting hours when advised by the NSW Health Department. Ordinarily visiting hours are on Sunday from 1.30pm -3.30pm. Visits take place once during treatment (usually during the second weekend) and are arranged in conjunction with our clinical team.
Intake is straightforward and begins with a call to our Intake Team to organise an assessment over the phone. It generally takes about 40 minutes and determines which of the programs is best suited to you and your situation. Simply call 1800 063 332.
From there, our Intake Team will provide all the information you need for admission, including your doctor’s referral, and what you need to bring with you.
How soon can I come in?
We guarantee fast-tracked admission for clients where necessary and appropriate.
Clients are asked not to leave their car parked on the streets around they hospital while in inpatient treatment. We recommend visitors park on Carrington Parade or Wyndora Street. Clients and visitors are requested not to park on Beach or Ellen Streets to minimise disruption to local residents. Please click here for a map.
The Program
South Pacific Private provides a safe, medically supervised detox. Clients are closely monitored during their detox by our multi-disciplinary team. Clients requiring more complex detoxification may be asked to detox in an acute medical hospital prior to admission.
In line with NSW Health mandates, South Pacific Private is a smoke-free environment and gives you the perfect conditions to quit smoking with full medical and therapeutic support. You can purchase nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) whilst in treatment and we encourage you to bring NRT with you for your admission. If you are a smoker, we also encourage you to consider beginning NRT prior to admission.
Our program is abstinence-based as distractions such as smoking are typically 'used' to regulate emotions. One of the aims of treatment at South Pacific Private is to learn how to self-soothe and better regulate strong emotions and triggers without relying on potentially addictive substances and behaviours.
All clients are to remain onsite unless granted special permission by the multi-disciplinary team. Clients may be given permission to leave the facility for specialist medical appointments if it is considered safe by the team for the client to do so.
All clients once cleared by a GP can participate in twice-daily walks on Curl Curl Beach and the surrounding lagoon district
In order to minimise risk to the South Pacific community, visitors are not permitted during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will recommence Sunday visiting hours when advised by the NSW Health Department. Ordinarily visiting hours are on Sunday from 1.30pm -3.30pm. Visits take place once during treatment (usually during the second weekend) and are arranged in conjunction with our clinical team.
Clients and visitors are requested not to park on Beach or Ellen Streets to minimise disruption to local residents. Click on this link to view parking suggestions for South Pacific Private.
Please read this page which shares information about a ‘typical’ day in treatment.
You are permitted to use the hospital public phone to contact family and friends. We support you to limit this contact and focus on attending all aspects of the program. You are not permitted to use your mobile phone (or iPad) as this will be stored for you and returned to you post-treatment. In special circumstances, e.g. to contact young children, you will have more frequent phone access.
This is discussed and reviewed with our GP in consultation with your treating Psychiatrist. Any recommended changes to your medications will be discussed with you and your referring practitioner if required. On admission, nursing staff will request your medications and they will be stored in our medication room. Medications may not be kept by clients but will be stored and dispensed by the nursing team. All medications and supplements brought to the hospital must be in a sealed container and in their original packaging.
The program is tailored to individual needs and circumstances. Following a comprehensive pre-assessment an initial treatment plan will be developed in collaboration with you. Most people are recommended for the three-week in-patient program and two weeks of Transitions day programs, then ongoing recovery support programs thereafter.
All therapy sessions at South Pacific Private are in a group setting. Your treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs and will encompass group therapy and psycho-educational lectures. You will meet with your psychiatrist twice a week in a private session.
We currently have a maximum capacity for 54 inpatients. The community is divided into smaller groups for group therapy sessions.
Inpatient residential treatment
South Pacific Private is contracted with most major health funds and the DVA, so clients with private health insurance are able to claim for their treatment under the terms of their health fund agreement with zero gap payment.
If you have questions regarding your particular circumstances, our Intake Team are here to help on 1800 063 332.
We also accept self-funded payments for the program at an average cost of $900 per day.
Transitions Accommodation
South Pacific Private’s Transitions Day Program provides support to clients when they are most vulnerable in early recovery and when risk of relapse is highest. It’s a two-week intensive day program that runs immediately post discharge from the inpatient program and runs daily Monday – Saturday from 10.00am – 4.00pm.
As a therapeutic and psychoeducational program, Transitions is covered by most major health funds. Clients are responsible for organising their own accommodation.
South Pacific Private’s purpose-built sober living recovery House, Beachwood is adjacent to the hospital and available at very reasonable rates. Beachwood is fully supervised with 24/7 support, meals provided by the hospital, transport to 12 step meetings, and housekeeping and linen included.
Places are limited, so we recommend South Pacific Private is contracted with most major health funds and the DVA, so clients with private health insurance are able to claim for their treatment under the terms of their health fund agreement with zero gap payment. If you have questions regarding your particular circumstances, our Intake Team are here to help on 1800 063 332.
We also accept self-funded payments for the program at an average cost of $900 per day.you book your place as early as possible. Our Intake Team (1800 063 332) can take your booking to secure your place.
Family Program
The three-day Family Program, is the cornerstone of treatment at South Pacific Private where profound and lasting healing takes place. It was the positive experience of the Family Program at The Meadows Treatment Centre in Arizona that inspired the founders of South Pacific Private (the Wood family) to open South Pacific Private in 1993.
Most major health funds will cover the Family Program on behalf of the client. For loved ones, there is a $600 fee per family for the 3-day program with lunch and course materials supplied.
Out of Pocket Expenses
All clients are asked for a $200 deposit for pharmaceutical needs during their inpatient stay. Any unused portion is returned to the client on discharge.
Clients will need $1 coins for the coin-operated laundry, and they may wish to buy books, cards or gifts from reception.
South Pacific Private is clean, bright and comfortable, with beach views, sea breezes and landscaped serenity walkways. We are a fully-operational 54-bed working hospital and every part of the hospital has been designed with therapeutic intention.
South Pacific Private is a fully licensed and accredited hospital and rooms are allocated for optimum therapeutic benefit. Supervised shared accommodation (single sex) helps alleviate issues of isolation or avoidance and ensures clients engage with the therapeutic community. Private rooms are allocated for clinical reasons, for example for loud snoring or night terrors (parasomnia).
Yes, all medications or supplements brought to the hospital must be in a sealed container and in their original packaging and will be reviewed by your GP in consultation with your treating psychiatrist. All medications are stored and dispensed by the nursing team.
In recovery it’s vital that clients do not swap one addiction for another. To support this South Pacific Private has a caffeine-free and low sugar policy. We support healthy living ideals with plenty of herbal teas, fresh food, and beach walks to support a change in overall lifestyle that’s sustainable.
Chef Ed is a firm favourite with clients, never failing to appear in the client’s monthly compliments reports. Whether it’s his family heritage, or his time overseas as a Restauranteur, Ed’s food is as tasty as it is nutritious.
South Pacific Privatesupports healthy eating, and mindful eating education is available for those who need it. A good range of options is available with vegetarian dishes supplied daily and most needs catered for including dairy and gluten-free options. If you have specific dietary requirements, please let us know in advance.
Family and Friends
If you are concerned about a family member or a loved one due to addiction and or mental health issues, it is important to reach out for help. Please call our Intake Team here for more information.
We also offer workshops and programs specifically for family members. A good starting point is Family Education Day, South Pacific Private’s educational workshop where you will meet others in a similar position to you, learn more about the causes of addiction and mental health and gain a snapshot of what treatment is like at South Pacific Private.
We would also encourage you to reach out to 12-step programs for family members, such as Al-Anon or Nar-Anon. We have listed Australia’s best-known support groups here.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions family visits are cancelled at this time. We will recommence Sunday visitation once advised by the NSW Health Department.
Ordinarily visiting hours are on Sunday from 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Visits take place once during treatment (usually during the second weekend) and are arranged in conjunction with our clinical team. Visitors are asked to park on Carrington Parade. We ask visitors not to park on Beach or Ellen Streets to minimise disruption to local residents. To view recommended parking options click here.
For therapeutic reasons and to ensure clients are fully focused on their own treatment and recovery we ask all clients to reduce their interaction with friends and family members while in the inpatient program. Parents with young children are permitted a short call to say good night daily and calls to a spouse or loved ones are limited to two per week.
Please call reception on 1800 063 332 and our team will connect you with the most relevant member of staff to address your concerns. Please note we can only discuss your loved one with you after they have given us permission.
At South Pacific Private we only treat voluntary clients. If you are seeking support for yourself, or more information on how to help your loved one, we would recommend one of our family programs.
You might find the information pages available on this website useful. Please click to find out more about addictions or mental health concerns.
The three-day Family Program, is the cornerstone of treatment at South Pacific Private where profound and lasting healing takes place. You may be recommended to participate in the program for the benefit of your loved one, and also for your own wellbeing. The Family Program runs for three days (Saturday - Monday) every week. If you would like to enquire about the program, please contact us on 1800 063 332.
Please call reception on 1800 063 332 and our team will connect you with the most relevant member of staff to address your concerns. You can also email our client care team at [email protected] For calls out of hours please press three (on the automated voice message) in order to be connected directly with our nursing team.
Inclusivity
South Pacific Private understands that for treatment to be successful, clients must feel safe and comfortable bringing their whole selves to the recovery process and being as open as they choose to be. As clinical professionals, we understand the importance of gender and sexuality affirmation and pride ourselves on creating a culture of respect, inclusion, empathy and support.
While we strive to create an environment that facilitates openness, we understand that everyone’s experiences in life are different. We know that in some cases, issues of gender and sexuality can become entangled with addiction, broken relationship dynamics, family problems, self-perception issues, shame, guilt and fear.
From a therapeutic perspective, our aim is to disentangle and disconnect sexuality and gender identity from such issues, allowing you to process each freely. Ultimately, our aim is to allow you to work towards discovering and expressing your authentic self, free of shame, guilt and fear.
As a hospital, all client information is handled with the strictest doctor-patient confidentiality, with all information handled in accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act. Depending on your treatment mode, you may be participating in group therapy and discussions. What you choose to disclose in a group setting will always be up to you.
Our health information, particularly when it comes to addiction, trauma and psychological treatment, is some of the most sensitive information you can disclose to another person. We understand that. All information is stored securely with measures taken to protect your privacy and maintain confidentiality. South Pacific Private is required to ensure that information is handled within the strict requirements of the Privacy Act.
South Pacific Private has a combination of gendered bathrooms and showers in addition to non-gendered, universal options. Clients are encouraged to use the facilities they identify with and feel most comfortable with.
South Pacific Private has embedded the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights into its quality and safety culture. This charter recognises your right to:
- Access services to address healthcare needs
- Receive safe and high quality care.
- Be treated with respect, dignity and consideration
- Be informed about services, treatment, options and costs in a transparent manner
- Be included in your healthcare decisions and choices about treatment
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Comment on your care and have concerns addressed
South Pacific Private is committed to providing a safe, supportive and affirming environment. This extends to people of all backgrounds with all lived experiences. Our staff are trained to be adaptable and supportive of all different needs and requirements, with special training given relating to individuals from culturally-diverse backgrounds, the disability community and those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Breaches to cultural safety from staff and the client community are treated extremely seriously. Everyone has a right to a safe treatment environment where their identity and background is both respected and affirmed. Workplace related offensive behaviour towards staff or clients will result in implementation of the hospital’s Workplace Discrimination Policy. Discrimination, disrespect or harassment from fellow clients may result in their immediate expulsion from treatment.
South Pacific Private welcomes feedback from all clients related to their experience and advice on how we can make the program more inclusive. This can be done directly with a staff member or through our client surveys.
South Pacific Private measures cultural safety through its LGBTQIA+ experience of care survey and open feedback channels in the hospital during treatment.
South Pacific Private is aware of the importance of the power of language and identity. Pronouns and other personal or cultural identifiers are respected in care, conversation and clinical records.
WE HEAL FAMILIES
Why Choose South
Pacific Private?
With decades of experience, South Pacific Private is Australia’s leading treatment centre for addiction, trauma, depression and anxiety. Our uniquely comprehensive programs change lives, repair relationships and heal families by identifying and addressing the underlying causes laying the groundwork for sustained, long-term recovery.
