The Darwin Clinic set to change the NT’s mental health landscape

30 March 2021

The Darwin Clinic, the Northern Territory’s first private mental health clinic, has celebrated its official opening.

Located at Darwin Private Hospital, the $16 million 18 bed facility expects to treat up to 5000 patients in its first 12 months of operation.

Darwin Private Hospital General Manager Professor Jo Seiler said The Darwin Clinic would provide a much-needed boost to the Territory’s mental health support and treatment capacity.

“The Darwin Clinic will offer Territorians a range of vital mental health supports, including alcohol and drug withdrawal programs, and treatment for a range of mental health conditions including personality disorders, mood disorders, trauma and post traumatic stress disorder,” Professor Seiler said.

“As well as the 18 bed in patient facility, The Darwin Clinic will also house a dedicated day rehabilitation centre, and will offer patients treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, not previously available in the Territory.”

The dedicated facility was designed to ensure confidentiality, enable direct patient access, and provide a continuum of care model. The facility will comprise of a team of over 15 dedicated mental health nurses, and four consulting psychiatrists. The Clinic will soon have a group of psychiatrists who will expand a private practice in the onsite consultant suites.

Chief Executive Officer Steven Rubic said Healthscope’s investment in The Darwin Clinic underscored the company’s commitment to meeting the growing mental health needs of both Territorians and Australians more generally.

“With the opening of The Darwin Clinic, Healthscope now operates 12 dedicated mental health facilities across Australia. We have seen first-hand the urgent need for mental health services to be expanded to meet the growing demand, a situation further exacerbated by the stresses of the Covid pandemic,” Mr Rubic said.

“It’s a privilege to be able to open the first private mental health facility in the Northern Territory, one that will help improve the mental health of thousands every year.”

Dr Rob Parker, president of the AMA NT, said the opening of The Darwin Clinic would provide additional options for Territorians who require management for their mental health conditions.

“The mental health recovery day programs available through the Darwin Clinic are also an important additional service for Territorians who often previously had to travel interstate away from family and friends to access these important therapeutic initiatives,” Dr Parker said.