What the service is

The Sub-Acute Mental Health Unit supports people who are struggling with mental health issues. The unit has 20 beds and is available for residents in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven area.

What we do

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 back home. This is called a “step down” admission.  The program runs for 28 days, and the aim is to improve health and wellness through a range of educational groups and individual sessions.

The model of care is embedded in recovery orientated practice. The unit provides consumer led care planning and provision of care. We assist consumers to look at ways of improving their psychological, physical and social wellbeing, and prepare for returning home. We provide group education to enhance consumer knowledge, and offer a safe place for consumers to work on their recovery, and share their experience with others. We provide a Family and Carer friendly service. Every consumer’s family and care networks are welcomed, and offered support and education about mental health issues. We provide group education to enhance consumer knowledge.

Who should access this service

Referral criteria: living in the Illawarra Shoalhaven area, aged 18 – 65 years old, diagnosed with a mental health condition, have secure housing in the community, in need of short term support to avoid hospitalisation / needing support after a mental health hospital stay, and willingness and ability to attend group programs and work toward recovery.

How to access this service

Referrals to the Mental Health Service are by calling:

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

If it is an emergency call: 000