Mental Health Services

The Mental Health Clinical Program (MHCP) at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) provides specialist care for adults experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions.

Inpatient mental health services at the RAH consists of specialist acute mental health unit, which includes:

• Acute Care (AC)
• Consultation Liaison Service
• Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Short Stay Unit (SSU).

Our facilities are designed to support recovery in a safe, therapeutic environment, including private, enclosed courtyards for calming outdoor access, while also maximising the natural light and visibility.

We support individuals aged 18 to 65 years, with severe or complex mental health needs.

The Acute Mental Health inpatient unit is located at 2G, Level 2, at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. 

The unit is adjacent to the emergency department, a level below the main entrance, and accessed separately. 

Mental health services at the RAH consist of a multidisciplinary team comprising medical specialists, nurses, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, and lived experience workforce.

Admissions to the RAH mental health unit are coordinated through specialist mental health pathways. GPs cannot refer patients to be admitted directly to the unit. 

Whilst you can present to the Emergency Department, this is not the preferred way to access mental health care. 

The most effective way to seek support, including in crisis or urgent situations is to contact the SA Mental Health Triage Service. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by experienced mental health clinicians who can:

• coordinate urgent mental health assessments
• offer advice and support
• refer you to the most appropriate service, including community or acute teams.