Day Patient Programs

Hirondelle Private Hospital offers a range of treatment programs. 

Please contact our Admissions Team to confirm current program schedule times. 

Dealing with Distress – Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Program

This 12-week, full-day program runs on Mondays and follows a rolling intake model, offering one day per week over the course of 12 weeks. Grounded in the four core modules of DBT—Core Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness—the program is designed to help individuals build practical skills to manage distress, reduce problematic behaviours, and enhance overall mental health and wellbeing. Ideal for individuals seeking support with mood disorders, anxiety, addictions, or difficulties with emotional regulation, this structured program provides a supportive environment for learning and growth. Patients can admit into the group every six-week pending available spots.

• Mondays 9:30 – 3:00. Light lunch provided
• Facilitator: Irina – Registered Clinical Psychotherapist

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Women’s Group

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) women’s group is a trauma-informed full-day program that runs for 8 weeks. ACT is a modern, evidence-based approach to mental health that goes beyond symptom reduction. Instead, ACT focuses on helping individuals develop psychological flexibility which is the ability to adapt to life’s challenges while staying grounded in personal values. ACT is especially powerful for women navigating the emotional complexities of modern life. The ACT group is a safe space for patients to explore their experiences with likeminded peers and learn practical tools and skills fostering mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional resilience.

• Tuesdays 9:30am-3:00pm. Light lunch included
• Facilitator: Carla - Registered Psychologist

Maintaining Wellness

Maintaining Wellness is a Tuesday morning program led by a highly skilled therapist trained in ACT and DBT. This holistic and individualised program combines Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and core mindfulness. With an emphasis on the long-term integration of skills and techniques, Maintaining Wellness offers structured support for individuals seeking to sustain their recovery and enhance their mental health and overall wellbeing. Whether you’re transitioning out of an inpatient program or looking for ongoing support, Maintaining Wellness is the ideal group to maintain mental wellness or prepare to transition into the ACT or DBT programs.

• Mondays 9:30 12:30. Light lunch provided
• Facilitator: Irina – Registered Clinical Psychotherapist

ADHD Evening Group

If you're ready to take control of your ADHD and create lasting positive change, our 10-week ADHD Group Therapy Program is here to support you. This program is designed to help you manage symptoms, build self-esteem, and develop the skills needed to thrive in everyday life. In a supportive, accepting environment you will learn how to address procrastination, explore time management skills, explore the neuroscience of ADHD, and develop skills in mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional resilience. This program is a closed group. Patients on the waitlist can be admitted at the beginning of each cycle pending available spots.

• Thursdays 5:15pm-9:15pm. Light meal included
• Facilitator: Bianca – CBT Therapist

Addiction First Steps

The First Steps program is a half-day group held on Fridays, taking an abstinence-based approach to recovery. This supportive and structured program provides a space to reflect on your week-by-week experiences, identify the underlying factors that reinforce addictive behaviours, and develop healthier, value-driven ways of living.

Drawing on evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices, the program offers practical tools to support lasting change and personal growth.

• Fridays 9:30am-12:30pm. Light lunch included
• Facilitator: Helen – Registered Psychologist

FAQ’s

1. How is the program funded?

Usually, day programs are funded through your private health insurer, Workcover, DVA/Defence, or other funding bodies. Our admin team will run a funding check to ensure you are covered for the program and will discuss this with you.

2. What is required from me?

First and foremost, a genuine commitment to attend the program is necessary. There will be some paperwork and administrative tasks for you to complete at the beginning, middle (mid-way review) and end of the program. The day program therapist will also support you to complete a collaborative care plan. This document, which is review at the mid-way point, focuses on your goals for the program. Importantly, you must let the therapist know if you're intending to discharge or are going away/not able to commit, because there are rules about compliance that we need to address. Before you discharge, you will be required to attend an appointment with your treating psychiatrist at Hirondelle Private Hospital. and as regularly as needed throughout the program. This may incur a gap fee and will need to be booked in advance of your discharge.

3. What can't I attend due to illness, misadventure, or a medical appointment?

If you cannot attend due to illness or misadventure, you must let the hospital know as soon as possible, so that the kitchen and administrative teams can be notified. If we do not hear from you, we will try to contact you during the day. If we can't contact you, your next of kin will be contacted. If you miss more than 2-3 sessions in a row or without proper reason, the therapist will have a discussion with you about your attendance. If you are not able to commit to attendance, you will be discharged, and other suitable support options will be offered through your care coordinator.

4. Where are the sessions held?

Day program sessions are all held on site at iMH Hirondelle Private Hospital. You can enter through the main reception, sign in, and then attend the group room which will be shown to you either while you are an inpatient, or on your first day of the day program.