Mental health conditions don’t affect everyone the same way. Women in Australia face gender-specific challenges that can impact their emotional wellbeing and access to care.
Gender-specific Risk Factors
- Women are more likely to experience gender-based violence, harassment, and trauma
- Higher risk of anxiety and depression, particularly during hormonal shifts like pregnancy or menopause
- Societal pressures and expectations often result in increased emotional labour and stress, especially for working mothers or carers
According to Beyond Blue, over 1 in 6 Australian women will experience depression, and 1 in 3 will face anxiety during their lifetime.
Common Mental Health Challenges in Women
Cabrini addresses a wide range of issues, including:
- Depression (including postnatal depression)
- Anxiety disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders and disordered body image
- Complex trauma from abuse or domestic violence
About Cabrini Elsternwick and the Lisa Thurin Women’s Health Centre
History and Founding Vision
The Lisa Thurin Women’s Health Centre, located at Cabrini Elsternwick, opened in 2021 through a philanthropic partnership with the Gandel Foundation. It was founded to address a critical gap: no private, inpatient mental health facility in Australia had been dedicated solely to women—until now.
The hospital’s mission is to deliver evidence-based, trauma-informed care that empowers women and promotes long-term recovery in a safe and understanding environment.
Facility Features and Setting
Located in Elsternwick, Melbourne, the hospital offers a calm, therapeutic space that avoids the clinical feel of traditional psychiatric wards. Features include:
- Private patient rooms with ensuite bathrooms
- Group therapy areas and wellness lounges
- Natural light and gardens for restorative healing
- A non-judgemental, supportive environment for women of all ages
Key Services Offered at Cabrini Women’s Mental Health
Cabrini Elsternwick offers both inpatient and outpatient services designed specifically for women and their recovery journeys.
Inpatient Care Programs
The standard inpatient program is 28 days, with flexibility depending on clinical need. Treatments include:
- Psychiatric assessment and diagnosis
- Trauma processing therapies (e.g. EMDR)
- Daily group sessions
- Individual therapy
- Medication management
- 24/7 clinical support
The inpatient environment promotes emotional safety, essential for trauma recovery.
Outpatient and Day Programs
Cabrini’s Day and Partial Hospitalisation Programs (PHPs) are suitable for those who do not need overnight stays. These include:
- Psychoeducation groups
- Mindfulness and self-regulation strategies
- Relapse prevention
- Family and relationship support
Programs are ideal for women transitioning out of inpatient care or managing moderate symptoms with structured support.
Trauma-Informed Approach
Cabrini applies a trauma-informed care model across all services. This includes:
- Recognising the widespread impact of trauma
- Prioritising emotional and physical safety
- Avoiding re-traumatisation during treatment
- Empowering patients in their recovery decisions
Specialist Clinicians and Staff
The team includes:
- Psychiatrists with trauma and women’s health expertise
- Clinical psychologists
- Mental health nurses
- Social workers
- Peer support workers
All staff are trained in gender-sensitive communication and psychological safety.
How to Access Support and Begin Treatment
Referral Process and Costs
To begin, you’ll typically need:
- A GP referral or mental health care plan
- Private health insurance (with psychiatric cover)
- Alternatively, self-funding options are available
Out-of-pocket costs may apply depending on your insurer. Medicare rebates may apply to outpatient sessions.
Wait Times and Patient Intake
- Admission is coordinated through an intake team
- Waiting periods vary depending on bed availability
- Pre-admission assessments help determine the most suitable program
Real Impact and Community Support
Cabrini’s services are already changing lives, particularly for women who have struggled to find safe, female-focused care.
Testimonials or Success Outcomes
While individual stories remain confidential, patients have reported:
- Increased emotional resilience
- Reduced PTSD symptoms
- Enhanced confidence in managing work and personal responsibilities
- A deep sense of belonging through peer support
Role of Philanthropy and Research
The Gandel Foundation played a vital role in establishing the facility. Ongoing research partnerships aim to enhance clinical outcomes and accessibility, particularly for underserved populations.
Why Choose a Women-only Mental Health Service?
Feeling Safe and Understood
For many women, especially survivors of abuse or trauma, co-ed environments can feel unsafe. A women-only clinic reduces this anxiety and fosters deeper trust in therapeutic relationships.
Peer Support and Connection
Shared experiences build community and solidarity, allowing patients to feel:
- Less isolated
- More motivated by seeing others heal
- Open to exploring difficult topics in a judgement-free zone
Alternative Resources and Further Reading
While Cabrini offers specialist services, other supports include:
Emergency and Crisis Contacts
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- 000: For emergencies
- Mental Health Triage (Victoria): 1300 859 789
Peer Groups and Online Forums
- NM Support (nmsupport.org.au)
- Beyond Blue
- Butterfly Foundation (eating disorder support)
- SANE Australia
FAQs
What services does Cabrini Elsternwick offer for women’s mental health?
Cabrini offers inpatient and outpatient mental health programs for women, including trauma therapy, mood disorder treatment, and relapse prevention.
Is Cabrini Elsternwick open to all women in Australia?
Yes. Women from across Australia can access the service, though private health insurance or self-funding is usually required.
How can I get referred to Cabrini’s women’s mental health program?
Speak with your GP or mental health specialist to organise a referral. You can also contact the clinic directly for intake information.
What is trauma-informed care at Cabrini?
It’s a care approach that prioritises safety, empathy, and patient empowerment, especially for survivors of trauma and abuse.
How long are inpatient stays at Cabrini Elsternwick?
The standard stay is 28 days, but shorter or longer options may be offered depending on clinical need.
Are there outpatient options available?
Yes. Cabrini offers Day Programs and Partial Hospitalisation Programs for women who don’t require overnight care.
What types of mental health conditions are treated at Cabrini?
Conditions include anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and complex trauma.
Do I need private health insurance to access Cabrini’s services?
Private health insurance is preferred, but self-funding options are also available.
Is Cabrini Elsternwick involved in any research or community programs?
Yes. Cabrini partners with research organisations and relies on philanthropy (like the Gandel Foundation) to expand and improve services.
What makes Cabrini different from other mental health facilities?
It is Australia’s first private, women-only psychiatric hospital, offering specialised trauma-informed care in a supportive, female-led environment.
Final Thoughts
Cabrini Elsternwick stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the mental health landscape. With its trauma-informed, evidence-based, and gender-specific approach, it offers women a safe and empowering environment to recover, rebuild, and thrive.
For Australian women facing emotional or psychological challenges—whether related to trauma, anxiety, or the pressures of modern life—Cabrini provides dignified, compassionate, and expert care tailored to their unique journey. If you’d like to learn more about mental health as a whole and provide assistance to those facing mental health challenges, consider enrolling in CPRFA’s various mental health course choices. Each course imparts valuable skills and knowledge you can use to make a difference.