Day programs

Our mental health day programs provide structured, group-based treatment for people who want time-optimised skills-based therapy - either without an inpatient admission or seeking further support following a hospital stay.

Processing program (Brisbane only)

Designed to support individuals in exploring the underlying contributors to their mental health concerns, with a focus on trauma-informed care.

Embody

Explore the mind-body connection through psychoeducation and guided movement-based activities.

Anxiety and mood disorders

Designed to support individuals managing symptoms of anxiety and depression within a therapeutic environment.

Dual diagnosis

Structured support for individuals experiencing both mental health and substance use challenges, delivered through integrated care.

Art therapy

Use creative expression in a safe, facilitated group setting to explore thoughts, emotions, and personal insights.

When mental health challenges begin affecting work, relationships or daily life, structured therapeutic support can make a meaningful difference.

Avive’s mental health day programs provide evidence-based treatment delivered within a private mental health hospital environment. Participants attend during the day and return home afterwards while building practical skills, strengthening emotional stability and reconnecting with everyday life.

Closed or open group programs are available depending on therapeutic intent.

Day program overview

Specialty
Program
Suitable for
Brisbane
Mount Eliza
Military and Emergency Services
PTSD
✓ Available
—
Military and Emergency Services
Operational stress, reintegration challenges, anxiety, low mood
✓ Available
—
Depression
Major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, low mood
✓ Available
✓ Available
Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)
Addiction to, or problematic alcohol and/or drug use
Coming soon
✓ Available
Emotional Dysregulation
Interpersonal instability, impulsivity, distress intolerance, mood reactivity
✓ Available
✓ Available
Trauma
Identity disturbance, relational trauma, attachment disruptions, chronic interpersonal difficulties
✓ Available
—
All Mental Health
Anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, individuals struggling with verbal processing
✓ Available
✓ Available

Brisbane

Avive Clinic Brisbane day program schedule

Program
Duration
Attendance
Military-Related Trauma Recovery Program
6 + 6 weeks (2 phases)
4 days weekly (initial 6 weeks); 1 day weekly (subsequent 6 weeks); 3 and 9 months (1 day review)
Military Service Mood and Anxiety Program
8 weeks
Half day weekly
Depression 180°
8 weeks
1 day weekly
STRIDE Substance Addictions Program (coming soon)
8 weeks
1 day weekly
THRIVE (Psychodynamic Program)
8 weeks
1 day weekly
DBT Lite
8 weeks
1 day weekly
Therapeutic Art Program
8 weeks
Half day weekly

Mount Eliza

Avive Clinic Mornington Peninsula day program schedule

Program
Duration
Attendance
Depression 180°
8 weeks
5.5 hours, once weekly
STRIDE Substance Addictions Program
8 weeks
5.5 hours, once weekly
DBT Lite
8 weeks
5.5 hours, once weekly
Therapeutic Art Program
8 weeks
3 hours, once weekly

Avive’s day programs explored 

Depression 180°

A structured turning point toward recovery.

Depression can gradually narrow a person’s world and affect motivation, relationships, sleep, work and daily functioning. Depression 180° helps participants understand depressive patterns while building practical strategies that support recovery, emotional regulation and renewed engagement with daily life.

Participants focus on rebuilding routine, reconnecting with motivation and strengthening coping strategies that support wellbeing.

Grounded in evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), the program focuses on:

  • understanding mood and depressive cycles
  • challenging unhelpful thinking patterns
  • rebuilding motivation and self-efficacy
  • reconnecting with values, routines and meaning

STRIDE substance addictions program

Structured support for alcohol and other drug challenges.

Transform the pattern. Reclaim the person.

STRIDE supports individuals experiencing addiction or problematic use of alcohol or other substances. Participants explore triggers and behavioural patterns while developing strategies for emotional regulation, relapse prevention and long-term recovery.

The program focuses not only on reducing substance use – but on strengthening the psychological foundations needed for sustainable change.

Drawing on CBT, DBT and attachment-based principles, the program supports participants to:

  • understand the emotional and behavioural drivers of substance use
  • build skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance
  • address maladaptive thinking patterns
  • strengthen relational safety and reconnection to self and others

The program aligns with contemporary best practice in addictions care and is delivered within a supportive, structured group environment.

DBT lite

Simple. Practical. Immediately usable.

DBT Lite is a skills-focused program designed to help participants introduce meaningful change quickly.

The program covers core DBT skill domains, including:

  • mindfulness
  • distress tolerance
  • emotion regulation
  • interpersonal effectiveness

Skills are taught in a clear, practical way, with emphasis on real-world application between sessions.

THRIVE psychodynamic program

(Trust, Healing, Resilience, Integration, Validation and Empowerment)

Insight is only the beginning. THRIVE helps participants live what they’ve learned.

THRIVE is a group-based psychodynamic program designed for individuals seeking deeper emotional processing and lasting integration.

Within a safely contained therapeutic environment, participants are supported to:

  • explore identity and relational patterns
  • process complex emotional states
  • observe in-room dynamics that mirror real-world relationships
  • repair boundaries and strengthen interpersonal insight
  • translate insight into values-aligned, future-focused action

Assessment is required prior to acceptance into the program.

Therapeutic art program

Creativity that calms, connects and heals.

The therapeutic art program offers a lower-stimulus environment where participants can explore creativity as a pathway to emotional expression and regulation.

Each session introduces a new art activity using accessible materials and techniques, with a focus on:

  • mindfulness and self-regulation
  • emotional expression beyond words
  • experimentation and process rather than perfection

Suitable for beginners and those with prior creative experience.

Military service mood and anxiety program

Practical skills for a stronger tomorrow.

This program supports veterans experiencing anxiety, low mood and stress.

Blending CBT, DBT and positive psychology approaches, participants learn:

  • practical strategies to manage anxiety and mood
  • emotional regulation and coping skills
  • techniques to strengthen resilience and daily functioning

Delivered within a trauma-informed environment that honours military experience and identity.

Costs and coverage

  • Outpatient psychiatric appointment – initial consultation fees apply
  • Private health insurance – excess payable if due
  • DVA Gold and White Card holders
  • WorkCover
  • Self-funded

Our team can assist patients and referrers to confirm coverage, costs and eligibility prior to commencement.

Referrals and enquiries. A GP referral is required.

 
 
Process
  1. Once referral is received, Avive arranges outpatient psychiatric appointment within approximately 2 weeks
  2. Avive psychiatrist assesses suitability and our admission team will contact the patient to book them
  3. Psychiatrist reviews patient during program
 
We welcome enquiries from psychiatrists, other health professionals, service partners and community, however a GP referral is required prior to program entry.
 
Be seen by a psychiatrist sooner
By referring to our inpatient and day programs patients, receive faster access to a psychiatrist for assessment. 

Contact us

Avive Clinic Brisbane Day Programs 

P 07 3110 2405

E  [email protected]

A 16 Bryden Street, Windsor QLD 4030

Avive Clinic Mornington Peninsula Day Programs 

P 03 7023 9844

E  [email protected]

A 1 St Johns Lane, Mount Eliza VIC 3930

I need help for

myself

I need help for

someone I care about

I need help for

my patient or client