Welcome Friends and Whānau
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi engari he toa takitini
My strength is not that of an individual but that of a collective.
We recognise that supportive whānau can be an important part of recovery. When a person comes to Ashburn, they join a Democratic Therapeutic Community where the focus is on building resilience and working towards wellbeing. Being a part of this community, working through a treatment programme at Ashburn is intensive and immersive.
For more information, please view our Whānau & Friends brochure.
Supporting Someone You Care About
Supporting a loved one who is struggling isn’t easy. At Ashburn Clinic, we offer a safe and supportive environment that provides a respite from the stress and triggers of daily life. People from across New Zealand are welcomed with warmth and understanding, allowing them the chance to focus entirely on healing and growth.
Located on the peaceful outskirts of Dunedin, Ashburn offers a calm environment designed to foster recovery, renewal and hope.
Inpatients may be funded privately, or through contracts with the Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand or the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
How to Access Treatment
If you think Ashburn could help someone close to you, the first step is to encourage them to speak with their GP or psychiatrist about making a referral. Most commonly, people are referred for problems with:
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Life crises
- PTSD
- Sexual abuse and trauma, and
- Personal and relationship issues.
For more information, please read our Inpatient Referral Information for Patients & Whānau booklet.
The referral is reviewed by a professional team for the suitability of Ashburn in treating this person. There may also be a wait before a bed is available and, if funding is required through a governmental agency, for funding to be approved. It may be that in reaching out for the initial referral, a person has used a family member or friend, whānau to support them through the process. If so, it is likely that the person will appreciate continued support during the pre-admission process.
Whānau should recognise that by seeking admission to Ashburn, a person is taking a big step towards their recovery.
Patient Journey
The Democratic Therapeutic Community involves a structured daily programme, comprising a range of group meetings, recreational activities, and practical living tasks, which is based on the principles of personal and collective responsibility, citizenship, and empowerment. Patients have a significant role in decision-making and the management of the community.
Ashburn’s therapeutic approach focuses on the meaning of each person’s feelings, actions and relationships, so changes in understanding and behaviour can be made. By exploring their difficulties and sharing with peers, patients will be better able to develop self-management strategies and move towards recovery.