Sub-Acute Mental Health Unit

About the Sub-Acute Mental Health Unit.

The Sub-Acute Mental Health Unit supports people who are struggling with mental health issues through psychosocial interventions (mental health supports and education). The Unit has 20 beds and is available for residents in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas.

‘Step up’ or ‘Step down’

The Unit supports people within the community who are becoming unwell to avoid a hospital admission. This is called a “step up” admission. 

The Unit also supports people who have been in hospital and want to work on their recovery before returning home. This is called a “step down” admission. 

What we do.

The Sub-Acute Mental Health Unit program runs for 28 days and is aimed at improving health and wellness through a range of educational groups and individual sessions. We work with people from a recovery-orientated and trauma-informed perspective.

We assist consumers to look at ways of improving their psychological, physical, and social wellbeing, and prepare for returning home. This includes providing group education to enhance knowledge and skills and offer a safe place for consumers to work on their recovery and share their experience with others.

We are a service where consumer’s family or care networks are welcomed and are offered support and education about mental health issues.

What might a usual day look like?

TIME                                     ACTIVITY

6.30am-8.00am                    Breakfast

8.30am-9.00am                    Morning Meeting & Relaxation

9.00am-9.30am                    Morning Walk

10.00am-11.55pm                Group Education Sessions

12.00pm-1.00pm                  Lunch

1.00pm-4.00pm                    Individual appointments

1.00pm-4.00pm                    Afternoon groups and activities

5.30pm-6.30pm                    Dinner

6.30pm-10.00pm                  Relaxation/Own time

Leave Hours

Weekdays 12pm-5.00pm

Weekends 10am-5.00pm

Staff at Sub-acute Mental Health Unit.

Nurse Unit Manager                      Registered Nurses & Clinical Nurse Specialists

Allied Health Assistants                 Aboriginal Allied Health Assistant

Peer Workers                                Social Worker

Psychologist                                  Occupational Therapist

Diversional Therapist                    Mental Health Liaison Officer (Intake)

Administration Officer

Who should access this service?

Those living in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven areas who are;

• Aged 18-65 years old seeking help with a mental health condition
• In need of short-term support to avoid hospitalisation or needing support after a mental health hospital stay
• Willing and able to attend group programs that are recovery focused.

There are a number of things that we consider when determining if this program will benefit you, some of these are:

• Primary diagnosis of mental illness/disorder
• Resides within the Illawarra/Shoalhaven geographical areas
• Aged between 18-65 (referrals for people over 65 may be considered on a case by case basis)
• Require short term support to avoid acute hospitalisation or to support post-acute hospitalisation as transition
• Willingness to engage in recovery and goal-orientated activities

If you are unsure if you are eligible, please get in contact with the Sub-acute Mental Health Unit on the details below the photo.

How to access this service.

Referral forms can be obtained directly from the Sub-acute Mental Health Unit by calling (02) 44291 666

Referrals to the Sub-Acute Mental Health Unit-Community can be completed by:

• GPs
• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists and Counsellors
• Social Workers
• Nurses
• Community Mental Health Teams
• Inpatient Mental Health Services
• NGOs
• Or any other professional or service involved in your care.

For assistance regarding a referral to this service please call unit direct on (02) 4429 1666 or:

Mental Health Line is a 24-hour telephone access service.

If it is an emergency call: 000