Our Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Adolescent Unit (CAU) is a six bed Inpatient Unit located within a paediatric medical and surgical unit at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, on The Canberra Hospital campus.
About this service
The CAU provides acute inpatient mental health care for adolescents from 12 years up to their 18th birthday. The unit accepts both voluntary and involuntary admissions.
Care is provided by a specialist multidisciplinary mental health team experienced in supporting young people experiencing significant mental health distress. The service works closely with families, carers, schools and community services to support recovery.
A daily therapy program and access to the hospital school are provided to patients.
The CAU recognises that young people generally do best in their own homes and communities. Care is therefore focused on assessment, stabilisation and short‑term treatment, with the aim of minimising disruption to family life, education and community connections wherever possible.
Who we care for
We care for any young person from 12 years old up until their 18th birthday, who requires an inpatient level of mental health care.
This includes adolescents experiencing acute mental health difficulties that cannot be safely managed in the community and where inpatient assessment and treatment is required.
What to expect
Admissions to the CAU are coordinated through The Canberra Hospital Emergency Department.
When a young person presents to the Emergency Department with a mental health concern, they will be assessed by:
- the CAMHS Hospital Liaison Team between 7:30am and 9:30pm, or
- the Mental Health Consultation Liaison Team between 9:30pm and 7:30am.
The mental health teams may discuss or request a doctor to see the young person too.
If admission to the CAU is considered appropriate, the assessing team will discuss this with the young person and their carers and provide further information about the admission process.
Admissions from other hospital wards or inpatient units may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis, in consultation with the CAU Consultant Psychiatrist.
Direct referrals from the community are not accepted.
On admission to the CAU, you will be welcomed by nursing staff who will show you around the unit and help you settle into your room.
You will receive a welcome pack which includes information about your stay, your rights, and items that are not allowed on the ward.
During your admission, you will:
- be supported by a multidisciplinary mental health team, including medical, nursing and allied health staff
- meet with your Consultant Psychiatrist and treating team
- have access to a daily therapy program
- have access to the hospital school, where appropriate
Parents, carers and other significant supports can be involved in care planning, family meetings and multidisciplinary team discussions.
For safety reasons, personal electronic devices are not permitted on the ward. These can be securely stored in lockers provided by the unit.
What to bring
- Medicare Card or ACT Services Card
- Any letters or correspondence from your GP
- Medicines you need to take while you are here
Where we're located
We are located within a paediatric medical and surgical unit at the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, on The Canberra Hospital campus.
We have directions to the Emergency Department and Canberra Hospital.