COVID-19 will undoubtedly lead to an increase in anxiety and depression due to health and economic fears, loss of employment and reduced financial stability and the impact of these factors are likely to be heighted by feelings of loneliness, helplessness, panic and isolation.

If you are having difficulty managing your symptoms, please click on the links below to learn how our programs can help:

Inpatient Program – We provide specialised inpatient programs to people anxiety and depression.Patients are admitted under the care of a constant psychiatrist. Our programs are both structured yet flexible in order to meet individual needs. On admission, our team assesses each individual and a personal treatment plan is developed.

Day Program - Self Help Anxiety and Depression (SHADES)

The risk of relapse in people with disordered eating behaviour can be significant during this time. The limited ability to exercise and fear of weight gain, may trigger increased dietary restrictions and radical weight control measures, whilst increased food storage in the home may trigger episodes of binge-eating. It is not uncommon for people with an eating disorder to have co-occurring conditions such as depression or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance misuse. The fear and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, can heighten these other associated conditions which may trigger episodes of disordered eating.

If you are having difficulty managing your symptoms, please click HERE to learn more about Eating Disorders Inpatient Program

In this unsettling time, it is important to recognise the long term impact that COVID-19 may have on mental health and the increased risk of developing PTSD for those directly impacted, their family members and the healthcare workers striving to preserve life.

PTSD and its effects may vary from nightmares and flashbacks to avoidance of people and places that trigger a distressed response. Symptoms may vary in their duration and severity and an individual’s risk may vary based on a number of complex factors. The prevention of PTSD in the current climate is challenging, but there are things that can be done to empower individuals to manage their symptoms long-term.

The Geelong Clinic offers two Programs – A Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Program and a Trauma Recovery Program.

The PTSD Program is offered for military personnel, veterans and emergency services personnel and covers traumas related to service and employment experience.

The Trauma Recovery Program is suited to those experiencing complex and long standing traumas alongside workplace, accident and natural disaster traumas.

Please click HERE to learn more about our Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Day Programs.

The isolation and depression associated with COVID-19 may lead some individuals to resort to substance use in order to alleviate their stress and feelings of fear. Individuals having recently been treated and in recovery, may experience more pronounced urges to resume substance use and may be at greater risk of relapse.

If you are concerned about your use of substances, or know of someone who is displaying signs of substance abuse or misuse, we can help. The Geelong Clinic offers programs for individuals at various stages of their detoxification and rehabilitation journey and you can learn more by clicking on the links below -

Inpatient Program – Addictive Behaviours Program

Day program – Relapse and Maintenance Support (RAMS)

While you will require a referral from your GP to see a psychiatrist, we can make the process of finding one seamless. The Geelong Clinic operates an Intake service with access to over 30 accredited psychiatrists.

Simply ask your doctor to fax a ‘Dear Doctor…” referral to 03 5248 4852.

An experienced clinician will review the referral and match you to a psychiatrist who is best suited to your individual needs.

You can also refer to our Specialist Directory to see the admissions process, names of psychiatrists and their areas of interest.

Please click HERE to view the Specialist Directory

Whilst we are committed to the ongoing delivery of our treatment programs, we have made some changes to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. These are listed below:

• Patients who have returned from overseas in the past 14 days, or who are currently experiencing respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, fever), will not be admitted or permitted to enter the hospital or consulting suites. Please contact the hospital or your treating doctor prior to your admission or appointment.
• Temperature checks are carried out at the front entrance for those permitted to enter the hospital
• All patients will be asked screening questions prior to admission
• Patient leave during admission has been limited
• No visitors are currently allowed in the facility
• Group sessions are conducted in line with social distancing measures
• Day programs are delivered remotely but remain face-to-face via virtual platforms
• Outreach programs are delivered remotely but remain face-to-face via virtual platforms

Please click HERE to view General Patient information regarding an admission to The Geelong Clinic.

Let us make it easy for you - Call us to find out whether your current policy covers you fully for treatment at The Geelong Clinic. We will ask you a few questions and do the rest so you can proceed with your admission with peace of mind. Call us on 03 5240 0700 to find out more.

You may find that phone-based and digital mental health resources are helpful during this time.Please find some of our suggestions below:

Websites

Apps