Public and private addiction treatment centres
Introduction
With gaming addiction, hotline consultations may not be enough - a comprehensive treatment program is needed. In Australia, both public (free) services and private clinics with in-depth therapy are available. Below is a clear description of each type, service format and access algorithm.
1. Government centers
1. 1. Gamblers Help (by state)
Services: face-to-face individual and group consultations, family sessions, webinars, online chat, video sessions.
Format: short courses (4-12 weeks), post-completion support.
Cost: Free on Medicare, no verification.
Contact procedure:
1. 2. Specialized government programs
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VIC)
Office for Problem Gambling (SA)
Gambler’s Help WA (WA)
- Offer inpatient and outpatient services, crisis interventions, SMS support.
2. Private clinics and rehabilitation centres
2. 1. Format and Services
Inpatient programs (1-3 months): round-the-clock care, group therapy, CBT, art and sand therapy.
Outpatient courses (8-12 weeks): full-time evenings/weekends, intensive weekends.
Additional services: medical supervision, detoxification, family retreats, coaching after discharge.
2. 2. Examples of clinics
2. 3. Treatment procedure
1. Clinic selection by location and format
2. Telephone consultation - pre-screening
3. Paperwork and medical examination
4. Payment directly or through insurance (if covered)
5. Program receipt on the agreed date
3. Comparison and selection
Conclusion
Government-run Gamblers Help centres are available free and fast, suitable for primary and moderate dependency. Private clinics offer in-depth inpatient programs with medical support, but require payment and preliminary registration. The choice depends on the severity of the problem, financial capabilities and preferred treatment format.
With gaming addiction, hotline consultations may not be enough - a comprehensive treatment program is needed. In Australia, both public (free) services and private clinics with in-depth therapy are available. Below is a clear description of each type, service format and access algorithm.
1. Government centers
1. 1. Gamblers Help (by state)
Services: face-to-face individual and group consultations, family sessions, webinars, online chat, video sessions.
Format: short courses (4-12 weeks), post-completion support.
Cost: Free on Medicare, no verification.
Contact procedure:
- 1. 1800 858 858 Call (24/7)
- 2. Make an appointment at your local office or online
- 3. Initial Program Evaluation and Assignment
1. 2. Specialized government programs
Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VIC)
Office for Problem Gambling (SA)
Gambler’s Help WA (WA)
- Offer inpatient and outpatient services, crisis interventions, SMS support.
2. Private clinics and rehabilitation centres
2. 1. Format and Services
Inpatient programs (1-3 months): round-the-clock care, group therapy, CBT, art and sand therapy.
Outpatient courses (8-12 weeks): full-time evenings/weekends, intensive weekends.
Additional services: medical supervision, detoxification, family retreats, coaching after discharge.
2. 2. Examples of clinics
| Clinic | Locations | Course Cost (AUD) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cabin Sydney/Byron Bay | NSW | 15,000-25,000 | Multidisciplinary team, trauma management |
| Lives Lived Well | QLD, NSW, VIC | 8,000-12,000 | Online and face-to-face, focus on family therapy |
| South Pacific Private | QLD | 10,000-18,000 | Aboriginal Community Support, Telemedicine |
| Melbourne Rehab Hub | VIC | 12,000-20,000 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Coaching |
2. 3. Treatment procedure
1. Clinic selection by location and format
2. Telephone consultation - pre-screening
3. Paperwork and medical examination
4. Payment directly or through insurance (if covered)
5. Program receipt on the agreed date
3. Comparison and selection
| Criterion | Public Centers | Private Clinics |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | 8,000 to 25,000 AUD |
| Availability | No Timeouts | Possible Queue |
| Program Depth | 4-12 weeks | 1-3 months |
| Medical care | Limited | Round-the-clock supervision |
| Format | Group/Individual | Individual + Hospital/Online |
| After Help | Community Support | Coaching & Retreats |
Conclusion
Government-run Gamblers Help centres are available free and fast, suitable for primary and moderate dependency. Private clinics offer in-depth inpatient programs with medical support, but require payment and preliminary registration. The choice depends on the severity of the problem, financial capabilities and preferred treatment format.
