Essendon Private Clinic
PTSD and Trauma Treatment in Melbourne
For some people, these responses settle with time and support. For others, trauma-related difficulties continue or begin to significantly affect everyday life.
Essendon Private Clinic provides private, psychiatrist-led mental health treatment in Melbourne for adults experiencing PTSD and trauma-related difficulties, through inpatient care and structured day programs.
You do not need to know whether what you are experiencing is PTSD before contacting us. Our Intake Team can explain referral requirements and help you understand whether treatment at EPC may be appropriate.
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Private mental health hospital in Essendon West, Melbourne
Psychiatrist-led care
Inpatient, day program and TMS pathways
What Can PTSD and Trauma Feel Like?
People can respond to traumatic experiences in very different ways.
For some, difficulties may involve repeatedly thinking about what happened or experiencing distressing memories. For others, it may feel more like being constantly alert, withdrawing from people, struggling to sleep or feeling emotionally disconnected.
- Unwanted or intrusive memories
- Distressing dreams or nightmares
- Strong reactions to reminders of what happened
- Avoiding people, places or situations that feel connected to the experience
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
- Withdrawing from other people or usual activities
- Changes in relationships, routines or everyday functioning
Trauma can affect thoughts, emotions, relationships and everyday life. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic experience, but not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD. A qualified health professional can help assess what may be happening and discuss appropriate support.
Not sure whether you need help?
You do not need to have all of the answers before asking about support.
PTSD in Australia
PTSD affects a significant number of Australians and can have a lasting impact on everyday life.
5.6%
of Australians aged 16–85 experienced PTSD in the previous 12 months in 2020–2022
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
11%
of Australians experience PTSD at some point in their lifetime.
When Trauma or PTSD Starts Affecting Everyday Life
The impact of trauma or PTSD is not simply about how many symptoms someone experiences. What matters is how much the difficulties are affecting everyday life and whether the support currently available is enough.
Trauma-related difficulties may begin to affect sleep and physical wellbeing, work or study, relationships and social connection, daily routines, confidence, emotional wellbeing and participation in usual activities.
If trauma or PTSD is making day-to-day life increasingly difficult, it may be worth discussing your current treatment and whether additional or more structured support could help.
PTSD and Trauma Treatment at Essendon Private Clinic
There is no single treatment pathway that is right for everyone experiencing PTSD or trauma-related difficulties.
Treatment depends on the individual, their circumstances, previous treatment, clinical needs and the level of care recommended by their treating clinician.
Inpatient Mental Health Care
Planned, psychiatrist-led care in a private hospital environment for people who may benefit from more structured mental health treatment.
Day Programs
Structured therapeutic programs that allow you to receive ongoing treatment while continuing to live at home.
TMS
A psychiatrist can assess your symptoms, diagnosis, medication and treatment history and discuss appropriate next steps.
Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) may form part of treatment, with medication considered depending on individual circumstances.
When Might Inpatient Treatment Be Considered?
Inpatient treatment is not required for everyone experiencing PTSD or trauma-related difficulties.
A planned admission may be worth discussing when difficulties are significantly affecting everyday functioning and a person needs more structured support than can currently be provided in the community.
This may include situations where:
- Existing treatment is no longer providing enough support
- Sleep and everyday routines have become significantly disrupted
- Trauma-related distress is making usual responsibilities increasingly difficult
- A treating psychiatrist or doctor recommends a more structured treatment environment.
- Other mental health concerns are occurring at the same time
Admission to EPC is based on referral, assessment and clinical suitability. If you are unsure whether inpatient treatment may be appropriate, our Intake Team can explain the process and what information is required.
Inpatient Care Is Different From Emergency Care
EPC provides planned, private mental health treatment. We are not an emergency department and do not provide crisis or emergency care. If you are in immediate danger, please call 000 or present to your nearest emergency department.
Supporting the Whole Person
PTSD and trauma can affect more than how someone feels — they can influence sleep, routines, relationships, confidence, sense of safety and participation in everyday life.
EPC’s Whole-Person Recovery Model considers these different parts of recovery through three connected pillars — ESSENTIAL, EMPOWERED, ENGAGED.
ESSENTIAL
Build Safety & Stability
Support with overwhelming emotions, sleep and daily routines, grounding, practical coping skills and building stability.
SKILLS YOU MAY EXPLORE
- Managing distress and trauma-related responses
- Sleep, routine and activity planning
- Grounding and coping strategies
Additional topics may be explored according to your individual needs.
EMPOWERED
Understand Your Emotions
Recognising unhelpful thinking patterns, behavioural activation, emotion regulation and building resilience.
SKILLS YOU MAY EXPLORE
- Recognising patterns and triggers
- Understanding emotional responses
- Building emotional regulation and skills
Additional topics may be explored according to your individual needs.
ENGAGED
Connect With What Matters
Rebuilding relationships, confidence, meaningful activities, purpose and plans for life beyond hospital.
SKILLS YOU MAY EXPLORE
- Returning to meaningful activities
- Building confidence with others
- Planning for future challenges
Additional topics may be explored according to your individual needs.
How To Get Started With Treatment
1
Contact our Intake team
We’ll listen and answer your questions.
2
Referral and assessment
Your psychiatrist will review your needs.
3
Understand your treatment options
We’ll explain the options that may help.
4
Plan your treatment
Together, we’ll create your treatment plan.
Worried About Someone You Care About?
PTSD and trauma can also be difficult for family members and carers to understand — particularly when someone is withdrawing, struggling with sleep, feeling constantly on edge or finding everyday life harder to manage.
Family members and carers can contact EPC’s Intake Team to ask about PTSD and trauma treatment options, referral requirements and the intake process.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Treatment?
Coverage depends on the treatment, your health fund, and your individual policy.
We work with major health funds
Most major Australian private health funds are accepted for eligible admissions. Cover depends on your fund, policy and level of hospital cover.
Out-of-pocket costs
Excesses and out-of-pocket costs vary by policy and treatment. Intake can explain what information is needed so you can confirm costs before admission.
We can help explain your cover
The intake team can walk you through the funding process and what to check with your health fund, including waiting periods and eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD and Trauma
What is the difference between PTSD and trauma?
Trauma can describe the psychological and emotional impact of experiencing or witnessing a highly distressing event. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop following trauma. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD.
What treatment options are available for PTSD?
Treatment varies depending on the person and may include psychological therapies, medication and other forms of mental health support. At EPC, clinically appropriate pathways may include psychiatrist-led inpatient care and structured day programs.
What if my current PTSD treatment isn’t helping?
If trauma-related difficulties continue to significantly affect everyday life despite treatment, it may be worth discussing your treatment plan with your treating health professional. In some circumstances, a different or more structured level of care may be considered.
When might inpatient treatment be considered for PTSD?
A planned inpatient admission may be considered when difficulties are significantly affecting everyday functioning, current support is no longer enough or a treating clinician recommends a more structured treatment environment.
Do I need to know whether I have PTSD before contacting EPC?
No. You do not need to diagnose yourself before contacting EPC. Our Intake Team can explain the referral and assessment process and help you understand what information is required.
Do I need a referral to Essendon Private Clinic?
A GP or psychiatrist referral is generally required for a private admission. If you do not have an admitting psychiatrist, contact intake to ask about the pathway.
Can a family member enquire about treatment?
Yes. Family members and carers can contact EPC to ask about available treatment options and the referral process. Privacy and confidentiality requirements apply to information about an individual patient.
Does private health insurance cover inpatient treatment?
Cover and out-of-pocket costs vary by insurer, policy and admission. Intake can explain what information is needed; confirm benefits with your health fund before admission.
Is TMS used for PTSD and trauma?
TMS is an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment that may be considered for eligible patients. Eligibility is determined through clinical assessment.
Where is Essendon Private Clinic located?
Essendon Private Clinic is located at 35 Rosehill Road, Essendon West VIC 3040, in Melbourne’s north-west. Contact our Intake Team if you would like to ask about depression treatment options, referrals or how to access care.
You Don't Need to Diagnose Yourself Before Asking For Help
Reading about symptoms online can help you recognise that something may not be going well. It cannot determine why you are experiencing those difficulties or what treatment you need.
Our Intake Team can discuss your circumstances and explain available treatment options.
YOU DO NOT NEED EVERY ANSWER BEFORE YOU CALL
Talk to Intake About Admission
Send a short enquiry and the intake team can explain treatment options, referrals, costs and next steps.