Residential Rehabilitation program

In this section:

How can I enter Banyan’s rehabilitation program?

Simply call Banyan House on (08) 8942 7400 during business hours to arrange an assessment interview.

The interview provides you more detailed information about the program and collects information to assess your suitability for acceptance into the program. Clients are usually advised within 48 hours if they have been accepted into the program.

Banyan House is a safe, supportive, drug and alcohol free environment. Once accepted residents must remain drug/alcohol free and adhere to the program.

Anyone 18 years of age or over who is experiencing drug and/or alcohol problems can enter the program. Clients may not be accepted into the program if they present a significant risk to the safety of the Banyan House Community or its members, or require a level of medical care or support beyond what Banyan House is able to provide.

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Banyan House Rehabilitation Program

Banyan House is a therapeutic community, which is a group of people working together to overcome their common problem of alcohol and/or other drug addiction.

At Banyan House, recovery means regaining lost or diminished capability, health or previous level of functioning. In other words, returning to a state of physical and mental health.

Our view of recovery extends beyond achieving and maintaining abstinence to encompass lifestyle and identity change.

At Banyan House, recovery involves residents taking an active role in your own recovery by following a structured program that incorporates a system of trust, individual responsibility & community participation.

The community structure provides the opportunity for people to reflect upon their previous lifestyle that has led them along a path of alcohol and other drug misuse.

Within the therapeutic community, residents learn new behaviours and gain new perspectives on life and it is with the support of other recovering addicts and the guidance of staff at Banyan House that positive changes can be made.

There are three phases to our rehabilitation program:

  1. Induction
  2. Primary treatment
  3. Re-entry

Induction
The objective of induction is to assimilate new residents into the Community. On arrival, new residents are allocated a ‘buddy’ for a few days to help them orientate to Banyan House and the rehabilitation program. Buddies are more senior residents who take on the responsibility of looking after the new resident, showing them around, introducing them to community members and answering any questions the new resident will have in regards to the program.

Primary Treatment
 The objective of primary treatment is recovery through each individual’s participation and engagement in the Community. Each resident develops and works through an individual treatment plan involving self examination and behavioural change, educational, vocational and life skills, new supportive relationships and recreational activities.

Re-entry
 Re-entry aims to facilitate the individual’s separation from the residential community and to complete his or her successful transition to the larger society.

Once accepted into Banyan’s program, residents must remain alcohol and drug free and adhere to the program as set out in the Residents’ Handbook. Prescribed medications, such as antibiotics and certain types of antidepressants prescribed by a doctor are allowed.

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Privacy

Banyan House respects and closely guards clients’ privacy at all times. We only collect information about clients required for the purpose of providing treatment services. We will not make information about clients available to other persons or organisations without their written consent, which can be withdrawn at any time.

What does it cost?

Residents pay a weekly fee of $195 as a contribution towards the cost of accommodation, food and providing the rehabilitation program. Clients generally pay fees from Centrelink benefits and find them very affordable. Residents provide their own clothing, footwear and personal toiletries.

Banyan House operates a trust account system for residents’ finances. Residents can deposit funds, such as their benefit cheque, take out funds for fees, purchase of personal items and for approved outings, and accumulate savings for accommodation and other costs when they leave Banyan House.

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Amenities

A Banyan House is a new facility built in 2009. Residents enjoy modern single or twin share rooms with en-suites and community kitchen, dining and group facilities. Bicycles, a gym area, volleyball court and children’s play-gym and games room are also available for residents and their children.

Banyan House is situated on 3 hectares among bush and gardens at Berrimah. Residential facilities comprise 20 units accommodating one or two residents, and 2 self-contained family units.

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Contacting friends and relatives

New residents can make a phone call to a relative or friend on arrival to Banyan House to advise them of where they are, and then enter a no contact period for 7 days. After this period, residents negotiate calls they wish to make with staff.

Relatives and friends can also arrange to visit residents on Saturdays between 1.30 and 4.30pm Saturday. No visitors will be allowed on the premises if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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Conflict Resolution and Grievances and Complaints process

Conflict is a part of everyday life. Banyan House seeks to help residents learn and practice effective conflict resolution skills, as this will enhance communication skills, increase self-esteem and support a positive approach to dealing with future issues.

Banyan House actively supports the right of clients to complain about our decisions, actions or services. We consider a complaint to have occurred when a client tells us that they are unhappy or dissatisfied with:

  • a decision we have made
  • the services we provide
  • the way we provide services
  • the staff who work in our organisation

Complaints should be addressed to the Director, Banyan House, telephone (08) 8942 7400 or mailed to the Director, Banyan House, PO Box 312 Berrimah, NT 0828

Complaints will be dealt with promptly, fairly, confidentially and without retribution. All complaints will be investigated and resolved in a fair and objective manner by the Director or appointed staff as soon as practicable. Acknowledgment and feedback will be given regarding the complaint.

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