What Are the Benefits of Private Mental Health Care?
When your mental health is affecting your everyday life, finding the right care can make an important difference.
For some people, support from a GP, psychologist or psychiatrist in the community may be appropriate. At other times, you may need a higher level of support or a more structured treatment environment.
Depending on your circumstances, private mental health care can provide access to specialist inpatient treatment, a choice of treatment pathways, private hospital facilities and ongoing care beyond your hospital stay.
Private hospitals are an established part of Australia’s mental health care system. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), $865 million in funding was provided for specialised mental health services delivered by private hospitals in 2023–24 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2026). Private hospitals also play an important role in taking pressure off Australia’s public hospital system. However, if you are considering private mental health care, statistics may be less important than understanding what your care experience could look like.
At Fullarton Clinic, the focus is on providing comprehensive, person-centred mental health care in a private hospital environment where you are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
At Fullarton Clinic, the focus is on providing comprehensive, person-centred mental health care in a private hospital environment where you are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
What are the benefits of private mental health care?
The benefits will depend on the hospital, the treatment you require and your individual circumstances.
Private mental health care may provide more timely access to treatment, including specialist inpatient care, as well as a choice of treatment pathways and ongoing support following a hospital stay. It can also provide a private and structured environment away from some of the pressures of everyday life.
At Fullarton Clinic, we currently have inpatient availability for suitable patients. Our approach provides access to psychiatrist-led treatment, comprehensive clinical support and different treatment options according to your individual needs.
Private health insurance and other funding pathways may help you access treatment. Fullarton Clinic works with major private health funds and also welcomes eligible DVA, WorkSafe, TAC and other compensable patients. Our Intake team can help you understand your funding options, referral requirements and next steps.
Step away from everyday pressures and focus on your mental health
Sometimes it can be difficult to focus on your mental health while continuing to manage work, family responsibilities and the demands of everyday life.
Inpatient mental health care provides a structured environment where you can step away from some of these pressures and focus on your treatment and wellbeing.
At Fullarton Clinic, your day may include group therapy, individual support, creative or movement-based sessions, time for rest and reflection, and regular contact with your treating psychiatrist.
For some people, being alongside others who are experiencing their own mental health challenges can also provide a valuable sense of connection and shared understanding.
Care that considers the whole person
At Fullarton Clinic, person-centred care means considering you as a person, not just the symptoms you are experiencing.
Your treatment is based on your individual mental health needs and goals, with your treating psychiatrist and broader clinical team working with you throughout your care and may include a range of evidence-based therapies and treatment options, depending on what is clinically appropriate for you.
Receive care in a private, supportive environment
Your surroundings can matter when you are experiencing mental health challenges.
Fullarton Clinic is a purpose-built private psychiatric hospital in Epping, in Melbourne’s north. It has been designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for mental health and addiction treatment.
Every inpatient has a private room with an ensuite, providing personal space for privacy, rest and reflection. The hospital also includes therapeutic and shared spaces, natural light and areas where you can spend quiet time.
Throughout your stay, you are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
Private Patient Suites
Your own private, light-filled room and ensuite provides a comfortable space to rest, recharge and focus on your mental health.
The Unity Hub
A light-filled communal space for meals, conversation, quiet time or simply relaxing between scheduled activities.
Shared Spaces
Comfortable shared spaces provide opportunities to connect with others or spend time away from the more structured parts of your day.
Access different levels of mental health care as your needs change
Mental health care does not necessarily begin and end with a hospital admission.
Fullarton Clinic provides inpatient treatment alongside Day Programs, outpatient psychiatry and advanced treatments. This creates different treatment options depending on your clinical needs and stage of recovery.
Planning for what happens after hospital also forms part of inpatient care. Where appropriate, a Day Program can provide structured ongoing support as you transition from hospital back into everyday life.
If you are comparing private mental health facilities, it can be helpful to consider not only the inpatient treatment available, but also what options are available before and after a hospital stay.
How is private mental health care funded?
If you have eligible private health insurance that includes psychiatric services, your cover may contribute towards the cost of inpatient mental health treatment. Your level of cover and any out-of-pocket costs will depend on your individual policy, so it is important to confirm your benefits directly with your health insurer.
Your current level of hospital cover may not necessarily prevent you from accessing private mental health care. If you have already served the two-month waiting period for limited psychiatric benefits, you may be eligible to upgrade your hospital cover and access higher benefits for psychiatric care without serving another waiting period. This exemption can only be used once, so you should confirm your eligibility directly with your health insurer.
Learn more about the mental health waiting period exemption
Fullarton Clinic works with major Australian private health funds, and our team can help you understand the information you may need to confirm your cover and potential costs before admission.
Self-funded treatment is also available. Eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs patients may also be able to access funded mental health treatment at Fullarton Clinic.
If you are unsure what your private health insurance covers, you do not need to work everything out before contacting us. Our Intake team can help you understand your options and the next steps.
Considering private mental health care at Fullarton Clinic?
Deciding to seek a higher level of mental health support can feel like a significant step. You do not need to know exactly what treatment you need before making an enquiry.
To access inpatient mental health treatment at Fullarton Clinic, you will need a referral to a psychiatrist with admitting rights at the hospital. You can ask your GP or psychiatrist for a referral, or contact our intake team if you need help understanding the referral process.
Your individual needs will then be assessed to determine the most appropriate treatment pathway.
If you are exploring mental health care for yourself or someone close to you, our team can help you understand available programs, private health insurance and funding options, referral requirements and what to expect from treatment.
Take the next step
To discuss your treatment options or understand how to access care at Fullarton Clinic, call 1300 377 464 or complete our online enquiry form.
If you already have a referral, you're welcome to contact us through the form below — and our intake team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2026). Expenditure on mental health-related services. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/facilities-resources/expenditure