The Centre for Treatment of Anxiety and Depression (CTAD) is a free government clinic providing outpatient psychological therapy for anxiety disorders and depression.

The clinic is a partnership between SA Health and the University of Adelaide and is one of the largest teaching clinics for psychologists and psychiatrists in Adelaide. 

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Services Offered

The Centre for Treatment of Anxiety and Depression (CTAD) specialises in providing a range of individual cognitive-behaviour therapy interventions, as well as group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for relapse prevention.

Treatment is provided by Provisional psychologists, who have completed 4 years of undergraduate university training in psychology, are still completing Masters-level university training in psychology, and are nationally registered to provide therapy under close supervision.

Cognitive behaviour therapy is the main form of treatment provided at the clinic. We use time-limited, scientifically-proven psychological therapies that focus on teaching skills to correct the effects that thinking patterns have on emotions and behaviour.

There are specific cognitive therapy programs that work best with different kinds of problems, such as:
-cognitive 
-exposure-response prevention
-behavioural activation
-cognitive processing
-metacognitive
-acceptance and commitment
-schema
-cognitive analytic.

Treatment is active, collaborative and interactive. Most forms of cognitive therapy focus more on the present than the past. However, if it becomes clear that present-focused therapy is not helping to meet a consumer’s goals, a clinician may suggest they try a form of therapy that incorporates an equal focus on past and present.

Therapy will be very strategic, teaching skills and having consumers take part in exercises to discover new perspectives and experiences. We will not rely on giving advice. We will work with consumers to come up with useful exercises. Consumers will be asked to complete tasks between sessions to develop their skills and sense of independence.

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an approach designed to prevent relapses of recurrent Major Depressive Disorder.

In our clinic, we have adapted the model to include similar strategies for Generalised Anxiety Disorder which has not fully responded to CBT or medication, as this condition is also maintained by ruminative thought processes.

This treatment is taught in a series of 2.5 hour classes over 8 weeks with around 12-14 participants. There is an important focus on the daily 40 minute meditation home practice using guided recordings.

MBCT teaches people how to live more in the present moment with full attention, friendly interest and in a non-judgemental accepting way. This helps people with recurrent depression observe their thoughts and feelings and disengage gently but deliberately from them. It also helps reduce harsh self-criticism, cultivating self- compassion as an alternative. In this way, difficulties experienced are seen more clearly and can be worked with skilfully.

Cognitive therapy strategies are woven in as part of this planned skilful approach to deal with the emergence of any negative mind states, overwhelming worry and depressive symptoms to prevent full-blown relapses.

Fees and Payment

All services are provided free of charge.

Services Offered To:
Adults

Payment:
Sliding Scale
Pro-bono