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Our regular update on mental health services, specialist care, and referral pathways in Canberra.
From the Deakin Private Hospital Team
Welcome to the April edition of In Mind, our regular GP update.
As the Canberra season transitions into autumn, things at Deakin Private Hospital have been anything but quiet. It has been a particularly meaningful few months — we've welcomed new faces, launched exciting new programs, and continue to grow the services available to your patients.
We are pleased to share that we continue to have availability across our inpatient and outpatient programs, with very short to no waiting periods. Whether your patient needs urgent stabilisation, day program support, or specialist outpatient care, we're here to make that journey as smooth as possible.
As always, our Admissions Coordinator team is your first point of call for any questions about suitability, pathways, or program availability. You can reach them by phone on 1800 961 391 or by email at dkn.admissions@imh.com.au — they're genuinely here to help.
We hope this edition keeps you informed and inspired - thank you for the trust you place in us with your patients.
Spotlight | Announcing Dr. Ava Carter as Medical Director
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Ava Carter as the new Medical Director of Deakin Private Hospital.
Many of you will already know Dr. Carter in her role as Clinical Operations Director. This new appointment is a wonderful recognition of her extraordinary contribution to our hospital and to psychiatry in Canberra.
Since joining the hospital, Dr Carter has been a key figure in strengthening clinical operations, supporting the medical workforce, and contributing to the ongoing growth and stability of the services provided.
In her new role as Medical Director, Dr. Carter will continue to provide medical leadership across the hospital, collaborating closely with the executive team, nursing, allied health, and medical staff to ensure robust clinical governance, patient safety, and a culture of continuous improvement. Dr. Carter's leadership brings both warmth and rigour to our hospital — and we know she will continue to elevate the quality of care your patients receive.
Congratulations Ava!
News and Updates
Neurodivergent Skills Inpatient Program begins 13th April.
Our Neurodivergent Skills Inpatient Program is a specialised two-week structured admission designed specifically for young adults aged 18–25 who identify as neurodivergent or who experience traits consistent with neurodivergence (including autism, ADHD, and related presentations).
This is a low-stimulus, supportive environment where participants work with a multidisciplinary team experienced in neurodivergent care. The program focuses on building the foundational skills that support long-term wellbeing and independence:
- Emotional and sensory regulation
- Social communication and interpersonal skills
- Functional daily living skills (routines, organisation, planning)
- Self-understanding, strengths identification, and self-advocacy
If you have a young adult in your practice who needs a more structured and supportive environment to begin their mental health journey, our admissions team is happy to talk through suitability with you.
rTMS & Novel Therapies for Treatment-Resistant Depression | Now Available to Outpatients
For patients who haven't found relief through traditional approaches, Deakin Private Hospital offers rTMS and novel, medically supervised therapies for treatment-resistant depression — now accessible to outpatients as well as inpatients.
These advanced treatments work through different mechanisms to standard antidepressants and are delivered safely within our hospital, assessed individually for clinical suitability.
Meet the Team | Mez Steps into Care Coordinator
Many of you may already know Mez Moffat — she has been part of the Deakin Private Hospital family for some time in a nursing capacity. We're delighted to share that Mez has recently stepped into the role of Care Coordinator, supporting Dr Ava Carter, bringing with her a depth of clinical knowledge and a genuine understanding of what our patients and their referring clinicians need.
In her new role, Mez works closely with our treating psychiatrists to ensure each patient's care program is coordinated, consistent, and person-centred from admission through to discharge.
Weekends at Deakin | Holistic Recovery Beyond the Weekday Program
Alongside our structured weekday therapeutic programs, Deakin Private Hospital offers a rich range of weekend sessions facilitated by external specialists. These are designed to complement inpatient treatment and give patients the opportunity to explore new skills, connect with others, and build wellbeing habits they can carry beyond their stay.
We are pleased to have locked in the following sessions to be held over the following months:
- Trauma-Informed Yoga with Mel
- Nutrition Workshops with Dr Emily Lewis (Dietitian, Nutritionist & Exercise Physiologist)
- Nature & the Nervous System with Sue Pretty - Hands-on environmental sessions
- Neuroscience-Informed CBT with Dr Pratik Raul (University of Canberra) - psychoeducation program
- DBT Mindfulness Skills with Bianca Miles — practical introduction to core DBT mindfulness skills
- Drumming Group facilitated by Safe Space Counselling and Mood Boost Drumming
- Scale Modelling - Facilitated by ACT Modelling Society
Upcoming intakes | Day Programs
Our Day programs deliver weekly half-day, evidence-based mental health treatment over a number of weeks, facilitated by our experienced clinicians.
APRIL
- Dealing with Distress - Tuesday 14 April
- PIMs - Wednesday 15 April
MAY
- CBT - Tuesday 5 May
- Women’s Wellbeing - Friday 15 May
*Intake dates may be adjusted as required to meet clinical and operational needs.
This Month in Mental Health
When to Consider a Referral for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Not every patient who hasn't responded to antidepressants has treatment-resistant depression — but for those who have trialled two or more adequate antidepressant courses without sufficient improvement, it may be time to explore a different pathway.
Some signs it's worth a conversation with us:
- Persistent low mood despite medication adjustments
- Significant functional impairment affecting daily life or work
- History of partial response, relapse, or intolerance to multiple agents
- Patient expressing hopelessness about treatment
Early specialist review can open doors to advanced therapies and multidisciplinary support that meaningfully change outcomes. If you're unsure, our Admissions Coordinator is happy to talk through a prospective patient with you.
Phone: 1800 961 391 or email: dkn.admissions@imh.com.au
Mark the Date | World Autism Awareness Day — 2 April
This Autism Awareness Day, we're proud to be expanding our support for neurodivergent young people through our new Neurodivergent Skills Inpatient Program — a structured, low-stimulus two-week admission designed for young adults aged 18–25.
If you have a patient who has struggled to engage with mainstream mental health services, this may be the pathway they've been waiting for.
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Neurodivergent Skills Inpatient Program Now Available at Deakin Private Hospital
Deakin Private Hospital is proud to introduce the Neurodivergent Skills Inpatient Program — a specialised program designed to support neurodivergent individuals through structured, evidence-informed care focused on building practical skills, confidence, and long-term wellbeing.