Clinical Approach

Arrow Health is a leading addiction treatment provider in Australia.

Clinical Approach & Expertise

Arrow Health is different to other rehabs. Our programs are informed by international best-practise and based on the Minnesota Model and Therapeutic Community Model.

We provide the best possible therapeutic care for patients that’s based on experience and expertise. This brings peace of mind to families and friends that their loved one is in good hands.

Our holistic approach treats clients physically with the detox process (medicated if required) followed by abstinence. And informs the psychological and mental health treatment of clients and their families’ through a mix of proven therapeutic approaches including:

  • Neuroscience
  • Detox and abstinence
  • Cognitive behavioural therapy
  • Dialectical behavioural therapy
  • Psycho-education
  • Group therapy
  • Psychotherapy
  • Psychoanalysis
  • Therapeutic Community
  • Self-efficacy and motivation
  • Mindfulness based interventions
  • Family therapy

Arrow Health’s Clinical Approach encourages abstinence in recovery and follow up therapy for at least twelve months.

Clinical Approach What is it? Where is it used?
(Arrow Health Programs)
Detox and abstinence Detox is a process where one rids the body of unhealthy substances.
Abstinence is the practice of refraining from ingesting drugs/alcohol.
Inpatient Program
Therapeutic Community A participative, group-based approach to treating addiction and other long-term mental health disorders. Inpatient Program
Self-efficacy and motivation Self-efficacy refers to people’s beliefs about their ability to succeed or accomplish a task. These beliefs determine how people feel, think, behave and motivate themselves. All Programs
Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is an umbrella term for a group of psychological talking therapies that help people process and manage problematic thoughts, feelings, behaviours and experiences with the aim of developing awareness and insight. Inpatient Program
Family Programs
Psychoanalysis Psychoanalysis is a set of theories and therapeutic techniques that deal with the unconscious mind, and which together form a method of treatment for mental disorders. All Programs
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy A type of psychotherapy in which negative patterns of thought about the self and the world are challenged in order to alter unwanted behaviour patterns. All Programs
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy A form of skills-based psychotherapy designed to assist people with addiction and psychosocial disorders. It supports recovery by promoting abstinence and reducing the likelihood of relapse Inpatient Programs
After-Care Programs
Mindfulness Based Interventions As part of the DBT program, mindfulness involves learning to pay attention in the moment, in a particular and deliberate way, without judgment. MBI helps alter emotional responses, enhance emotional regulation and reduce emotional reactivity. All Programs
Psycho-education Education and information based on promoting self-awareness and self-knowledge in addiction and recovery. All Programs
Group therapy aka Group Psychotherapy People meet with a facilitator and talk about issues related to problematic substance abuse. A sense of belonging is created through a shared understanding so people can work through their issues and make healthier choices. Inpatient Programs
Family Programs
Family Therapy & Education A therapeutic approach which aims to help families going through difficulties in their relationships. This group treatment is focuses on changing thought patterns and overt behaviour to improve the interactions between family members. Inpatient Programs
Family Counselling
Family Programs
Adolescent Program
Neuroscience of Addiction Research designed to determine changes in the brain that occur in conjunction with the development of addiction. All Programs
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps a person accept stressful events, such as the experience of certain symptoms, and commit to developing positive attitudes towards them and focus on the present moment. Inpatient Programs

My Client Needs Help

We are committed to client outcomes and take our duty of care seriously.

Fill in our online referral form and we will be in touch within 1 business day to follow up and complete an assessment.

What you’ll learn

Arrow Health’s Clinical Approach will support you to increase your understanding and skills in:

  • Understanding and managing your addiction
  • Dealing more effectively with disturbances in your thoughts, emotions and behaviour
  • Developing resilience and relapse prevention strategies
  • Enhancing communication skills and self-awareness in the context of healthier relationships
  • Managing conflict
  • Setting and maintaining positive boundaries

Risk Assessment & Management

Before treatment commences, the history of risk-taking behaviour will be discussed to determine the support that may be required to ensure client’s safety during treatment. Safety planning is facilitated through a risk assessment process to address self-harm, suicidal intent, inappropriate sexual behaviour and aggression or violence. A risk assessment helps identify at-risk scenarios or vulnerabilities and manage associated triggers.Whilst the Clinical Team recognises that treatment can trigger feelings of anger, fear and a sense of loss of control; the following aggressive behaviour towards fellow residents and staff will not be tolerated:

  1. Verbal and physical assault
  2. Violence of any kind including threats of violence
  3. Threats to use or use of weapons
  4. Intimidation, bullying and harassment
  5. Aggression and passive aggression
  6. Damage to property

A breach of the fundamental rules as outlined above will result in an initial warning and counselling to develop a management and support plan. This gives clients the opportunity to work with staff and the community to manage the behaviour in a safer way.

Relapse Prevention & Continuing Care Plan

All inpatients receive a Continuing Care Plan upon completion of the program. This plan is developed as a collaboration between the client, case manager and clinical team. The focus is on continued recovery and relapse prevention.

Relapse prevention is built into all Arrow Health programs, ensuring clients are well-equipped to maintain sobriety. Arrow Health’s programs build skills and knowledge to anticipate, identify, and manage high-risk situations that could lead to a physical relapse.

Expertise

Our qualified team has over 30 years’ experience in the medical and AOD sector. Staff combine their qualifications with their own lived experience with addiction and recovery. Meet the team.

Staff have a range of qualifications including:

  • Ph.D. in Psychological Medicine
  • Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
  • Psychoanalyst
  • Bachelor of Dual Diagnosis in Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)
  • Bachelor of Behavioural Neuroscience
  • Bachelor of Nursing
  • Bachelor of Science (Nutritional Therapy)
  • Graduate Diploma of Mental Health Nursing
  • Diploma in AOD and Mental Health
  • Certificate IV in Youth Work
  • Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)

Proof-of-concept trial to improve treatment outcomes for methamphetamine users.

We are proud to have been part of the Proof-of-concept trial of Goal Management Training+ to improve executive functions and treatment outcomes in methamphetamine use disorder. We assisted with recruitment numbers and trial timelines, and facilitated a broader geographical reach.

The paper was published in the Drug and Alcohol Dependence Volume 246, 1 May 2023.