HIghlands
Frequently asked questions
HIGHLANDS
Highlands Institute of Behavioural Medicine
Behavioural medicine is considered the gold standard worldwide for the treatment of a variety of health issues that include substance use disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, and other mood and anxiety disorders related to life events or lifestyle.
Residential treatment stands out as the most impactful approach for addressing substance misuse disorder related to alcohol or drug use due to its immersive environment.
Paying for rehab in Australia
Can I access my super early for addiction treatment?
Yes, you can access your super early for addiction treatment on compassionate grounds, according to the ATO. We have a comprehensive guide on accessing your Super on compassionate grounds and our team are happy to assist you with this process. You can read how here.
Why
Highlands Recovery?
How can Highlands Recovery help me?
Here at Highlands Recovery, we are not in the business of creating health, wellness and recovery that lasts a few weeks, months or years; our mission is to help individuals to craft a recovery that will grow with them as they grow, change with them as their lives and needs change, and have the ability to last the entire lifespan.
We believe in Recovery that lasts a lifetime.
Private 1:1 care
Is there a private option?
Yes, our Highlands Exclusive option offers a discreet and personalised sanctuary for clients seeking utmost privacy and individualised support.
Nestled in absolute privacy and seclusion, clients have the choice of our private residences to ensure maximum confidentiality and security throughout their stay.
Clients receive one-on-one attention and bespoke treatment tailored to their unique needs, guided by a bespoke manual crafted specifically for their journey, by our clinical team of experts.
Discover our Highlands Exclusive offer here.
Is residential care right for me?
In short, yes because starting treatment in residential care allows the individual to focus on a single priority (their recovery) whilst everything else is either put on hold, or taken care of by a team of people. This allows for a ferocious assimilation of knowledge in an extremely short period of time that cannot be undertaken in any other setting. This is the principal reason that residential care is, for those that require it, the greatest probability of a complete, long lasting successful recovery.
Highland’s Recovery offers residential care program to people who are suffering from addiction and other trauma related behavioural problems such as stress, anxiety, PTSD and relationship and attachment problems. Residential care programs like the Highlands Recovery program, are proven to improve the chance of full recovery because they provide a very safe, stable and quiet environment and a highly planned and structured program to intensively work through the underlying issue, trauma.
Residential care enables us to assemble all of the professionals, including specialist therapist, doctors, EMDR specialists, therapeutic massage, personal trainers, nutritionists etc, under the one roof and provide an integrated and holistic recovery program, based on the individual needs of each client. This type of intensive and integrated recovery program delivered within a controlled and safe environment, is not possible through outpatient treatment.
What is the typical duration of stay?
It is now a widely accepted orthodoxy that for residential treatment to be most impactful, the recommended duration is 90 days. This has to do with neurochemicals in the brain ‘re-balancing’ and returning to baseline, which for the average person takes 90 days. However, we understand that this is not for everyone. For appropriate individuals, we are able to structure programs from 4 weeks and upwards with the difference made up by our Aftercare Program.
What conditions do you treat?
The Highlands residential program is designed to treat trauma and stressor-related disorders, addiction and substance abuse disorders and mental health disorders including anxiety and depression.
Where are you located?
Our Southern Highlands facility is located in the stunning Southern Highlands, NSW, a short 1.5 hour drive from Sydney and Canberra. This region provides a serene environment conducive to healing and recovery.
Do you offer outpatient services?
Our Aftercare Program extends beyond our residential care program, focusing on the ongoing therapeutic support essential for sustained recovery. Tailored to meet individual needs, our Aftercare Program provides access to outpatient clinics or virtual consultations, ensuring continuity of care beyond the residential stay. Emphasising a holistic approach, we empower clients with resources, guidance, and community support vital for navigating life beyond treatment, fostering long-term wellbeing and fulfilment throughout their recovery journey.
How much control do I have over my schedule at Highlands Recovery?
Your program will be designed by our clinical team in consultation with you to give you maximum opportunity to recover. We will accommodate and plan for your specific recovery needs, including sufficient sleep, rest, private time, reflection time, diet, medical conditions, exercise, social interaction etc. You will be able to work with Clinical Director to build a schedule to meet these needs. We do not support opting in or out from parts of the agreed program, we require our clients, who are committed to their own recovery, to complete the agreed program over the agreed timeframe.
Can I leave the property during my stay?
Highlands Recovery offers a world-class and extensive, holistic and planned recovery program that extends from 7am-7pm six days a week for each client. This is an individualised program, carefully created by our clinical team to meet the recovery needs of each client. Hence during this time, departure from the program is not advised unless for a very specific and urgent need (e.g. medical care). Outside of these times, with the supervision of the clinical team, you are able to undertake group or individual planned trips outside of the premises.
Will my private health insurance cover this?
Possibly. Some private health insurance in Australia can cover residential rehabilitation and therapy, but the extent of the coverage depends on the specific policy and insurer. Here are key points to consider:
- Type of Coverage: Many comprehensive and top-tier private health insurance policies include coverage for residential rehabilitation and mental health services. Check if your policy includes these benefits.
- Pre-Existing Conditions: There might be waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, typically 12 months. Verify with your insurer.
- Hospital Cover: Policies that include hospital cover often extend to private psychiatric services, including residential rehabilitation.
- Extras Cover: Some policies also offer extras cover, which can include outpatient therapy sessions, such as consultations with psychologists or counsellors.
- Referral Requirement: Coverage for residential rehabilitation usually requires a referral from a GP or specialist.
- Policy Limits: Check for annual limits, co-payments, and specific exclusions in your policy.
How much free time will I have during my stay?
Our recovery program encompasses six days (Monday-Saturday) of biological, social and psychological activity (see details on our program), usually from 7am through to 7pm. In total, that’s 72 hours of recovery program for each client per week.
Within this program design, there is time allocated to relaxation, journalling and reflection as well as time for sauna, cold baths, exercise, yoga, personal training and massage. Evenings are generally free for personal quite time or socialising with other guests. Our facilities include swimming pool, sauna, cold bath, pool table, table tennis, tennis court, fully equipped gymnasium, library, private reading rooms, media lounge, kitchenette and vegetable garden all for the exclusive use of our guests.
What makes Highlands Recovery different from other residential centres?
Highlands has assembled a carefully selected team of international experts in the treatment of addiction and trauma related behavioural disorders to ensure we have a truly world class recovery program. Our program is built on the latest global research into effective recovery methodology and is delivered by highly trained and experienced, specialist trauma and addiction therapists and allied health practitioners. Our program is reviewed and updated regularly by our international panel of experts in this field. The highlands program is holistic addressing all psychological, social and medical issues that inter-relate in the treatment of trauma and addiction disorders, and research has proven this to be the most thorough and successful program for successful recovery
What is your availability?
Please call us on 1800 577 552 to determine your suitability for our program and our availability.
What are the payment options?
Primary payment options include utilising personal funding, accessing superannuation or in some cases, private health insurance policies cover residential care.
How does Highlands Recovery manage privacy and confidentiality?
Client confidentiality is a non-negotiable and mandatory condition that governs all clinical relationships. We at Highlands Recovery take this mandate with the utmost seriousness. All clients may opt to select a new “guest name” upon arrival and all staff and residents will only be aware of that name. Highlands Recovery operates a strict cyber and personal security protocols.
In addition to the absolute confidentiality that is the right of all clients at Highlands, we also offer a private option that offers complete privacy and anonymity for the client along with the highest level of exclusivity. For the client who requires privacy during their treatment, our Highlands Exclusive program offers full access to the recovery team and program delivered at your own private residence within the Southern Highlands.
Can my family visit me during my stay?
Yes. In general, visitations are not encouraged, so that our clients can remain completely focused on their recovery program. However, with the consultation and agreement with the clinical team, family visits can be arranged.
Contact
- Level 16/17, 9 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000