A Decade of Care for North Queensland

This November, Townsville Private Clinic proudly celebrates 10 years of service—a decade dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing across North Queensland. Our journey reflects not only the growth of a clinic but the strengthening of a community committed to care.

Our Story: From Foundations to Future

Before 2001, North Queensland had public mental health services but no private inpatient option. Patients needing private psychiatric care often had to travel to Brisbane or interstate.

That changed in 2015 when Townsville Private Clinic opened its doors as the region’s first licensed private inpatient mental health hospital, offering both inpatient and day programs close to home.

The building itself has a rich history. Originally opened in 1973 as the Queensland Department of Main Roads and Transport, it served the community for decades before closing in 2014. Healthe Care Australia then transformed the site into a modern mental health facility. By August 2015, we admitted our first patient, and on 18 November 2015, we officially opened our doors.

From day one, our mission was clear: to provide accessible, high-quality mental health care for Townsville and the wider North Queensland region.

From day one, our mission was clear: to provide accessible, high-quality mental health care for Townsville and the wider North Queensland region.

Today, we offer:

• 73 inpatient beds, including private rooms with ensuites
• Comprehensive programs for inpatient, day patient, and outpatient care
• Evidence-based therapies alongside holistic approaches like art, mindfulness, and exercise

What We’ve Achieved Together

Over the past decade, we’ve supported thousands of individuals through life-changing programs. We’ve partnered with local GPs, hospitals, and community organisations to ensure seamless referral pathways. Our outreach has extended beyond our walls—educating, advocating, and reducing stigma around mental health.

We’ve introduced specialised programs for trauma recovery, substance use, and mood disorders, and we’ve built a team of dedicated psychiatrists, psychologists, and allied health professionals who share one goal: better mental health for our community.

A Decade in Numbers

• Nearly 4,000 individuals supported over 10 years
• 192,000 inpatient care admission days or day programs 
• 21,639 TMS treatments provided – introducing the region’s first TMS service
• 587 veterans and 293 ADF personnel supported

Innovation & Continuing Community Impact

Under the leadership of our CEO, Debbie Maclean, Townsville Private Clinic has consistently pushed boundaries to deliver progressive mental health care. In 2025, we launched Hospital in the Home, bringing psychiatric support directly to patients in their own environment—an Australian-first for regional mental health. We also introduced Esketamine therapy, offering new hope for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. These initiatives reflect our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and community-focused solutions that meet the unique needs of North Queensland.

Proudly Supporting Veterans and First Responders

As we look to the future, we’re proud to announce major advancements in our veteran and first responder services. Townsville Private Clinic is now firmly established as a Tier 1 DVA provider, offering priority access and comprehensive support for those who’ve served.

Our newest initiative—the At Ease Mental Health Support Unit—is a dedicated, stigma-free space designed for early intervention and personalised care. This unit focuses on:

• Specialised programs for PTSD, anxiety, and trauma recovery
• A safe environment led by a multidisciplinary team, including veterans with lived experience
• Faster access and better outcomes for those who protect our nation and community

We’re also proud to deliver the Phenix Trauma Recovery Program, now in its 33rd cycle, helping individuals rebuild resilience and reclaim their lives.

These developments reflect our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in mental health care. With veterans now representing 38% of our patients and 17% of our workforce having lived experience, we are proud to lead the way in supporting veterans and first responders in North Queensland.

Looking ahead

Mental health is the foundation of a thriving community. In a region as diverse and resilient as North Queensland, access to quality care doesn’t just change lives—it strengthens families, workplaces, and the community as a whole. For the past decade, Townsville Private Clinic has been here to provide that care, and we’re committed to continuing this mission for decades to come.

As we celebrate 10 years of service, our vision for the future is bold and deeply rooted in the needs of our region. We will expand specialised programs for veterans and first responders, strengthen our Alcohol and Other Substance services, and introduce new evidence-based treatments that deliver better outcomes for patients. Building on innovations like Hospital in the Home and Esketamine therapy, we aim to deepen partnerships and improve accessibility for regional and remote communities. Guided by compassion and innovation, Townsville Private Clinic will continue to lead mental health care in North Queensland—delivering progressive, high-quality services for those who need us most.