News
Psychology service meets growing need on central coast
Jan 22, 2021
A new private psychology service will open in Erina to meet the growing need for community-based mental health services in the region.
The incidence of mental and behavioural conditions in the region is higher than the New South Wales average1 with figures revealing one in four people seek assistance for a mental health issue.
Ramsay Health Care’s National Mental Health Service Line Director, David McGrath, said the clinic at Erina is the third of a number of community-based mental health clinics that Ramsay is rolling out.
He said almost 29,000 people received community mental health care in the Hunter New England and Central Coast region in 2017/2018 with 15,970 of those presenting to emergency departments.
“This shows there is a huge need for more services to meet community demand for psychological services,” Mr McGrath said.
The new Erina practice opened on January 22, with psychologist Amy Coggins, and is growing to incorporate a team of practitioners and available services over the coming weeks.
“We offer support for a broad range of mental health conditions and concerns, from anxiety to chronic pain, post-natal depression, or coping with significant change and stress like the COVID pandemic,” Mr McGrath said.
The practice will complement existing mental health inpatient facilities and day programs at Berkeley Vale Private Hospital, a local Ramsay-owned hospital.
Lorrie Mohsen, CEO of Mt Wilga Private Hospital and Berkeley Vale Private Hospitals, said the opening of the practice will mean Ramsay is able to support patients at all stages of their mental health journey.
“While we still offer psychology services in our hospital, many people who would benefit from seeing a clinician, do not have acute requirements for hospitalisation, so this may be a more appropriate setting for them.”
“It will also be a good service for those who did require hospital treatment to follow up in a community setting once they have been discharged.” Ms Mohsen said.
The clinic is located at Fountain Plaza, Erina and offers telehealth options for patients in more regional areas or who may require a specific service not available onsite at the local practice.
David McGrath said that the service provides personalised care for adults, young adults and new parents across a wide range of mental health conditions and symptoms.
“These community-based practices can sometimes be more accessible and feel less threatening than a hospital, particularly to people accessing help for the first time.”
“We understand that mental health, and mental health challenges, look different for everyone. That’s why our psychologists are experienced in a wide range of evidence-based therapies,” he said.
1 https://nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au/sites/default/files/220-021_living_well_hunter_new_england_central_coast_regional_profile_v3_22april2020.pdf