MINISTER for Mental Health Helen Morton officially opened the Blackwood River Clinic, a unique, fully accredited and licensed private mental health day hospital set in the Blackwood River Valley on April 15.
At the same time Barry House, MLC President of the Legislative Council and Member for the South West Region opened the equity of access accommodation adjacent to the Clinic.
Sky Lakes Retreat provides Western Australians from the country, including from rural and remote areas, the opportunity to access these world class programs at Blackwood River Clinic.
Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director Dr Stephen Proud said the intensive therapy provided in this peaceful environment would assist patients to deal with issues without the distractions normally found at home.
He said the Clinic adopts a holistic approach and blends psychotherapy with mindfulness, meditation, creativity, yoga, nutrition education and exercise.
Patients are admitted for four-week programs that treat depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD and drugs and alcohol addiction.
Highly qualified mental health professionals include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses and occupational therapists.
The Clinic also offers weekend programs that include mindfulness, wellness and families and carers support and respite.
Blackwood River Clinic was once a stately spacious country home and has now been carefully transformed into a day hospital that maintains a warm and homely atmosphere.
Site and project manager Dr Wally Moroz said he was grateful for the leadership exhibited by Nannup Shire President Barbara Dunnet and Deputy Shire President Margaret Bird, who at the time guided the local community through the consultation and development approval process.
The active support by MLC Barry House, Mental Health Minister Helen Morton, Warren Blackwood member Terry Redman and Planning Minister John Day ensured that this unique service is available to Western Australians.
