Active Recovery Team (ART)
For: Adults
Available in: North East Metro Wheatbelt
Our Active Recovery Team provides mental health and wellbeing care and support for people aged 18-65 in Perth with complex drug, alcohol and mental health needs.
About the ART program
The Active Recovery Team program is delivered in partnership with the Eastern Metropolitan Health Service and the Mental Illness Fellowship of WA (MIFWA). We have community-based teams in Midland, Bentley and Royal Perth Hospitals, providing care coordination and partnering with other services to:
- improve wellbeing and mental health outcomes
- reduce alcohol- and drug-related harm
- minimise unplanned in-patient hospital admissions and length of stay.
Our intensive 12-week ART program focuses on individualised mental health and wellbeing care and support designed to help each participant achieve their social, physical, mental and emotional goals. This includes:
- medical management
- crisis plan development
- access to AOD counselling and support
- access to other community-based services.
How it works
People are usually referred to ART during tough times in their lives. While the commitment to the program may initially feel daunting, once people attend and get to know our teams, participants frequently report feeling relieved to be met, held and supported.
If someone just needs to go out for a walk or have a coffee, that’s what we do, until they are back on their feet and confident moving towards their personal goals.
“It was really good not feeling alone.”
“ART helped me get my confidence back and helped me get back into the things I like doing. I felt supported and not judged by the Holyoake facilitators.”
Participants usually engage with our teams at least twice a week, often more, with appointments and phone conversations with their Care Coordinator and other members of the team, as well as regular appointments with their psychiatrist.
FAQs
Who are the Active Recovery Team?
ART teams include a Senior Health Practitioner (Occupational Therapist/Social Worker), Mental Health Nurse, AOD Counsellor, AOD Support Worker and Peer Worker (someone with lived experience). We work alongside psychiatrists and psychologists based in mental health clinics.
Do I have to see a psychiatrist?
Yes, our psychiatrists are responsible for monitoring your mental ill-health and prescribing appropriate medication as part of your recovery journey.
Do I have to see an AOD Counsellor?
Yes, as part of the Active Recovery Team model of care, participants need to regularly see a counsellor. However, these appointments are client-led – if all you can manage is a take-away coffee and a time to talk in the park, that’s all that’s required.
Can I get a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD?
No, this can only occur through a private psychiatrist or your GP.
Is ART a 24/7 service?
No, ART is available Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm. Outside these hours, participants need to contact MHERL on 1300 555 788 or attend their local emergency department.
Can I stay with ART longer than three months?
Usually not. However, occasionally, due to extenuating circumstances, we might extend this time. It’s our goal to help participants build their own support networks, as well as make referrals to other longer-term agencies, so participants feel they have control of their recovery journey and are more confident moving forward.
Referrals to ART are usually made by hospital emergency departments, inpatient mental health wards or GPs. For more information, please call 08 9416 4444 or email clientservices@holyoake.org.au