Looking for our VicRoads Driver Behaviour Change Programs? Please click here.

This page is for people working with people adults and young people experiencing alcohol and other drug harms, family violence, mental health challenges and social disadvantage. You can also see our Getting Help and Information for family and friends pages.

This page provides information for:

  • Legal representatives and justice system workers (including lawyers, legal aid, Legal Officers, Parole and Probation Officers, Youth Justice Workers, Case Officers, Magistrates)
  • Medical professionals (including GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, people working with diverse communities)
  • People working in community services (including Alcohol and Other Drug Workers, Social Workers, Youth Workers, Family Workers, NDIS Workers)

Accessing Windana Youth services

Windana Youth Community House is a residential withdrawal program for young people up to 25 in Dandenong. This 6-bed facility hosts clients for a 7-10 day withdrawal/detox program. Participants receive medical oversight from an addiction medicine specialist, nursing and psychological support, case work support to help residents work towards their goals, education groups in harm reduction, relapse prevention and stress management and more. Client can self-refer through DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au. GPs and other workers can refer clients directly to this service at with a comprehensive AOD assessment and GP patient health summary (if available).

Click here for more info about the program.

Youth alcohol and other drug outreach supports young people aged 12-25 to address any drug or alcohol misuse issues. Our workers operate in an outreach capacity in the Cities of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Glen Eira, Bayside, and Kingston. Anyone can refer, with client consent at or call us on 03 9532 0811.

Click here for more info about the program.

ResetLife Youth is an intensive out-patient program for young people aged 11 to 25, operating from Moorabbin and Frankston. Young people attend 3 days per week of formal treatment for 16 weeks, followed by 36 weeks of continuing care involving social support activities. Anyone can refer, with participant consent at or on 03 9532 0811.

Click here for more info about the program.

SMART Recovery is a group support program helping participants change unhealthy behaviours around alcohol and other drugs, gambling, and other concerns. 60 to 90-minute groups held weekly for people 18 and over in Cranbourne, women 18 and over at Bentleigh and for young people 25 and under in Frankston and Moorabbin. No referral required.

Times, locations and more info available here.

Navigator supports school-aged young people 12-17 to reconnect with formal education. Navigator participants have attended school less than 30% of a previous term or have been severely disengaged from school for at least one term. Anyone can refer, with the young person’s parent/carer’s consent via the online form here: https://surveyapac.deloitte.com/jfe/form/SV_cBJldtHIUE7thpI. Referrers can visit the Department of Education website for up-to-date information on Navigator, including:

  • Process for school staff referring a young person to Navigator
  • Process for parents or carers who wish to refer their child or young person to Navigator
  • Process for other people who wish to refer a young person to Navigator

 

Click here for more info about the program.

PIVOT works with young people in the Cities of Greater Dandenong, Casey and Frankston aged 10 – 23, to increase protective factors, community connectedness and sustained engagement in school, training and employment. A voluntary program, participants are young people aged 10 – 23 who are in frequent contact with statutory services (Victoria Police, Youth Justice, Community Correctional Services and/or Child Protection). Referrals for PIVOT can only be made through Victoria Police, Youth Justice or Community Correctional Services.

Click here for more info about the program.

DETOURS is a group diversion program aiming to reduce unsafe and illegal driving and passenger behaviour. DETOURS is for young people aged 14 – 18 who have charges related to traffic/motor vehicle offending and are completing a Children’s Court Youth Diversion plan or have been identified as being at risk of engaging in such unsafe road user behaviour by Victoria Police. To find out more email or call 9532 3478.

Click here for more info about the program.

Accessing Windana's adult alcohol and other drug services

Adult residential detox (Drug Withdrawal House) is a residential withdrawal program for adults 18 and above in St Kilda. This 15-bed facility hosts clients for a 7-11 day withdrawal/detox program. Participants receive medical oversight from an addiction medicine specialist, nursing and psychological support, case work support to help residents work towards their goals, education groups in harm reduction, relapse prevention and stress management and more. Client can self-refer through DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au. GPs and other workers can refer clients directly to this service at with a comprehensive AOD assessment and GP patient health summary (if available).

Click here for more info about the program.

Detox at home (Non-Residential Withdrawal Service), supporting clients through withdrawal/detox at their own homes. A 14-day program, clients receive daily visits from a Registered Nurse and medical oversight from their own GP, as well as support from their local pharmacy for daily medication. For clients 18 and above in the cities of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Glen Eira, Bayside, Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia. Client can self-refer through DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au. GPs and other workers can refer clients directly to this service at with a comprehensive AOD assessment and GP patient health summary (if available).

Click here for more info about the program.

Windana operate three residential rehabilitation centres (therapeutic communities) where clients live for three (Grampians), six (Barwon) or nine (Maryknoll) months. Highly structured supports include:

  • Case management and support services
  • Educational and therapeutic group sessions to support mental and physical health and recovery (including relapse prevention, stress management, non-violent communication)
  • Art and writing groups
  • Naturopathy (a complementary therapy involving herbal and nutritional supplements)
  • Nutrition program (Food as Medicine)
  • Community programs such as Landcare and optional team sport
  • Exercise and recreation
  • Medical and nursing management
  • Slow-stream pharmacotherapy reduction from Suboxone and Methadone is available.

Our therapeutic communities are for people 18 and over who have completed a withdrawal program. Referral through DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au

Click for more information about:

ResetLife Adult is an intensive out-patient program for adults 18 and over, operating from Cranbourne. Participants attend 3 days per week of formal treatment for 16 weeks, followed by 36 weeks of continuing care involving social support activities. Anyone can refer, with participant consent at or on 03 9532 0811.

Click here for more info about the program.

Alcohol and other drug counselling for adults, offering one-on-one support. Referrals via DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au. Forensic counselling is available via ACSO brokerage.

Click here for more info about the program.

Care and Recovery Coordination (CRC) is an alcohol and other drug case management program, supporting adults by coordinating all the services they need including health, legal, housing and more. Referrals via DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au. Forensic CRC is available via ACSO brokerage.

Click here for more info about the program.

GP Assist supports GPs to refer their patients to alcohol and other drug treatment. GPs complete a screening (or we can complete it for them) and send the result to us, and we provide brief interventions and bridging support while the client is waiting to access longer-term treatment. Referrals from GPs only at

Click here for more info about the program.

ADLOW (Alcohol and Drug Liaison Outreach Work) delivers short term alcohol and other drug interventions while participants are waiting to access longer-term community supports. The ADLOW program takes referrals from GPs and other health professionals through or call us on 03 9532 0811.

Click here for more info about the program.

The First Peoples’ Healing Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 to 55 and/or their immediate family, around concerns related to alcohol and other drug misuse. a wraparound service with a cultural lens this program acknowledges the social and emotional wellbeing of each participant and supports their connection to self, Mob and Country. Anyone can refer, with participant consent at or on 03 9532 0811.

Click here for more info about the program.

SMART Recovery is a group support program helping participants change unhealthy behaviours around alcohol and other drugs, gambling, and other concerns. 60 to 90-minute groups held weekly for people 18 and over in Cranbourne, women 18 and over at Bentleigh and for young people 25 and under in Frankston and Moorabbin. No referral required.

Times, locations and more info available here.

Peer Support Group takes place each Monday at our St Kilda site from 1:00 – 2:30 PM. Facilitated by a trained and experienced peer leader, people with lived experience of alcohol and other drug use meet to talk about the things that affect them, learn from others, find common ground and encourage their peers to make positive changes. No referral required but participants are requested to  please contact us on 03 9529 7955 or at before attending their first meeting.

Click here for more info about the program.

CHOICES is a three-hour group program for people involved with Community Correctional Services who have been assessed as low-risk offenders, aiming to challenge the link between substance misuse and criminal offending. Available via ACSO brokerage only.

Click here for more info about the program.

KickStart is an 8 or 15-week group program for men in the justice system assessed as medium-high risk offenders, aiming to challenge the link between substance misuse and criminal offending. Available via ACSO brokerage only.

Click here for more info about the program.

Accessing our education and employment programs

The JobsVic Mentors program (RealCareers) supports people who live in the City of Greater Dandenong who are long-term unemployed, or at risk of long-term unemployment, to find and keep employment. Anyone can refer, with client consent, via

Click here for more info about the program.

VicRoads accredited Behaviour Change Programs for people charged with a drink or drug driving offence. We deliver Drink Driver, Drug Driver and Intensive Drink and Drug Driver programs, a Pre-Interlock Removal program, and AOD Specialist reports. Anyone can book in online here.

Accessing Windana's family services

The Family Program helps parents engaged with AOD treatment to strengthening parenting capacity and family functioning. We offer single session consults as well as the six-week Tuning into Kids program which builds parents and carers skills in recognising, understanding and managing their own and their children’s emotions. Client can self-refer through DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au. GPs and other workers can refer clients directly to this service at with a comprehensive AOD assessment and GP patient health summary (if available).

Click here for more info about the program.

The Family Reunification Program supports parents who are required to complete alcohol and other drug treatment as part of a Family Reunification or Interim Accommodation court order. in the Bayside (cities of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Glen Eira, Bayside and Kingston) and Frankston-Mornington Peninsula regions. We work towards parent’s alcohol and other drug goals as well as address any other complexities including family violence, mental health and more. Bayside clients can self-refer via through Bayside Integrated Services on 1800 229 263. Frankston clients can self-refer via Peninsula Health Intake on 1300 665 781. Child Protection can refer directly to

Click here for more info about the program.

Engaging Families helps families in Cardinia who experience family violence and substance misuse or mental health issues to access counselling services, case management, and parenting supports. Anyone can refer via Windermere here or on 1300 946 337

Click here for more info about the program.

U-Turn is a 15-week group program that works with men to change their attitudes and behaviours around family violence, while also addressing alcohol and other drug use. We also support affected family members of U-Turn participants. More information and referrals via or on 03 9532 0811.

Click here for more info about the program.

Information for workers

Clients with criminal convictions/on bail (forensic clients)

We accept forensic referrals and consider the factors (including nature of a crime, and type of service requested) that determine if Windana can offer a safe and appropriate environment for a particular client.

For our residential rehabilitation programs, we are generally unable to accept new residents who have court dates in the next two months.

Providing information to courts

We may provide Courts with information when it is requested in line with the relevant Act or Acts.

Justice and sentencing schemes

We may be able to sponsor people involved with the Work and Development Permit Scheme or Spent Convictions Scheme.

Lawyer collaboration

In our residential rehabilitation programs, a resident’s main worker can work with legal representatives towards positive outcomes for the resident’s legal matters.

Where can my client get more information about Windana?
Your client can find out more by visiting the Getting help page of our website or by calling us on 03 9523 7955 Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 4:30pm.

Your client can also contact DirectLine or their catchment Intake and Assessment service for information about Windana and other public alcohol and other drug services in Victoria.

Do clients need to pay for treatment?
Some of our services are free for the client, while others have a nominal daily amenities fee or require ongoing client co-payment (usually paid as a portion of the client’s Centrelink benefit.) Check an individual service page for details of fees.

Is Windana a public service?
We are a not-for-profit, for-purpose organisation that forms part of Victoria’s public alcohol and other drug treatment system.

What are the wait times for Windana?
Wait times vary by service and change often. Please call Reception on 03 9529 7955 for the most up-to-date waiting time.

What is the difference between withdrawal (detox) and rehabilitation programs?
Withdrawal programs support clients to withdraw from alcohol and/or other drugs in a safe environment, usually over a period of two weeks or less. Rehabilitation programs involve a longer process of creating lasting behavioural change, addressing dependence on substances and building supportive links in the community for ongoing stability.

Is Windana suitable for people with Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and alcohol/drug issues)?
We are an inclusive organisation and welcome people with diverse mental health experiences and conditions. Mental health supports are embedded across Windana and staff work collaboratively with community mental health services. Before a client is admitted to Windana, a comprehensive assessment process determines whether we are the right service for their unique needs – including mental health.

What supports are available once a program is completed?
Across our services, we aim to connect clients to supports for their ongoing journey after a particular program ends. This depends on an individual’s needs and goals but can include housing, medical, family, employment and other alcohol/drug services in their local communities.

Residents who have been through a residential rehabilitation program also have access to the Aftercare program and Peer Support groups.

Last Updated on August 5, 2024

My client or patient needs support.

This page is for people working with people adults and young people experiencing alcohol and other drug harms, family violence, mental health challenges and social disadvantage. You can also see our Getting Help and Information for family and friends pages.

This page provides information for:

  • Legal representatives and justice system workers (including lawyers, legal aid, Legal Officers, Parole and Probation Officers, Youth Justice Workers, Case Officers, Magistrates)
  • Medical professionals (including GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, people working with diverse communities)
  • People working in community services (including Alcohol and Other Drug Workers, Social Workers, Youth Workers, Family Workers, NDIS Workers)

Accessing Windana Youth services.

Windana Youth Community House (Detox for young people)

Windana Youth Community House is a residential withdrawal program for young people up to 25 in Dandenong. This 6-bed facility hosts clients for a 7-10 day withdrawal/detox program. Participants receive medical oversight from an addiction medicine specialist, nursing and psychological support, case work support to help residents work towards their goals, education groups in harm reduction, relapse prevention and stress management and more. Client can self-refer through DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au. GPs and other workers can refer clients directly to this service at with a comprehensive AOD assessment and GP patient health summary (if available).

Click here for more info about the program.

Youth alcohol and other drug outreach

Youth alcohol and other drug outreach supports young people aged 12-25 to address any drug or alcohol misuse issues. Our workers operate in an outreach capacity in the Cities of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Glen Eira, Bayside, and Kingston. Anyone can refer, with client consent at or call us on 03 9532 0811.

Click here for more info about the program.

ResetLife Youth

ResetLife Youth is an intensive out-patient program for young people aged 11 to 25, operating from Moorabbin and Frankston. Young people attend 3 days per week of formal treatment for 16 weeks, followed by 36 weeks of continuing care involving social support activities. Anyone can refer, with participant consent at or on 03 9532 0811.

Click here for more info about the program.

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is a group support program helping participants change unhealthy behaviours around alcohol and other drugs, gambling, and other concerns. 60 to 90-minute groups held weekly for people 18 and over in Cranbourne, women 18 and over at Bentleigh and for young people 25 and under in Frankston and Moorabbin. No referral required.

Times, locations and more info available here.

Navigator

Navigator supports school-aged young people 12-17 to reconnect with formal education. Navigator participants have attended school less than 30% of a previous term or have been severely disengaged from school for at least one term. Anyone can refer, with the young person’s parent/carer’s consent via the online form here: https://surveyapac.deloitte.com/jfe/form/SV_cBJldtHIUE7thpI. Referrers can visit the Department of Education website for up-to-date information on Navigator, including:

  • Process for school staff referring a young person to Navigator
  • Process for parents or carers who wish to refer their child or young person to Navigator
  • Process for other people who wish to refer a young person to Navigator

 

Click here for more info about the program.

PIVOT youth crime prevention program

PIVOT works with young people in the Cities of Greater Dandenong, Casey and Frankston aged 10 – 23, to increase protective factors, community connectedness and sustained engagement in school, training and employment. A voluntary program, participants are young people aged 10 – 23 who are in frequent contact with statutory services (Victoria Police, Youth Justice, Community Correctional Services and/or Child Protection). Referrals for PIVOT can only be made through Victoria Police, Youth Justice or Community Correctional Services.

Click here for more info about the program.

DETOURS

DETOURS is a group diversion program aiming to reduce unsafe and illegal driving and passenger behaviour. DETOURS is for young people aged 14 – 18 who have charges related to traffic/motor vehicle offending and are completing a Children’s Court Youth Diversion plan or have been identified as being at risk of engaging in such unsafe road user behaviour by Victoria Police. To find out more email or call 9532 3478.

Click here for more info about the program.

Accessing Windana's adult alcohol and other drug services.

Adult residential detox

Adult residential detox (Drug Withdrawal House) is a residential withdrawal program for adults 18 and above in St Kilda. This 15-bed facility hosts clients for a 7-11 day withdrawal/detox program. Participants receive medical oversight from an addiction medicine specialist, nursing and psychological support, case work support to help residents work towards their goals, education groups in harm reduction, relapse prevention and stress management and more. Client can self-refer through DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au. GPs and other workers can refer clients directly to this service at with a comprehensive AOD assessment and GP patient health summary (if available).

Click here for more info about the program.

Detox at home

Detox at home (Non-Residential Withdrawal Service), supporting clients through withdrawal/detox at their own homes. A 14-day program, clients receive daily visits from a Registered Nurse and medical oversight from their own GP, as well as support from their local pharmacy for daily medication. For clients 18 and above in the cities of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Glen Eira, Bayside, Kingston, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula, Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia. Client can self-refer through DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au. GPs and other workers can refer clients directly to this service at with a comprehensive AOD assessment and GP patient health summary (if available).

Click here for more info about the program.

Residential rehabilitation

Windana operate three residential rehabilitation centres (therapeutic communities) where clients live for three (Grampians), six (Barwon) or nine (Maryknoll) months. Highly structured supports include:

  • Case management and support services
  • Educational and therapeutic group sessions to support mental and physical health and recovery (including relapse prevention, stress management, non-violent communication)
  • Art and writing groups
  • Naturopathy (a complementary therapy involving herbal and nutritional supplements)
  • Nutrition program (Food as Medicine)
  • Community programs such as Landcare and optional team sport
  • Exercise and recreation
  • Medical and nursing management
  • Slow-stream pharmacotherapy reduction from Suboxone and Methadone is available.

Our therapeutic communities are for people 18 and over who have completed a withdrawal program. Referral through DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au

Click for more information about:

ResetLife Adult

ResetLife Adult is an intensive out-patient program for adults 18 and over, operating from Cranbourne. Participants attend 3 days per week of formal treatment for 16 weeks, followed by 36 weeks of continuing care involving social support activities. Anyone can refer, with participant consent at or on 03 9532 0811.

Click here for more info about the program.

Alcohol and other drug counselling

Alcohol and other drug counselling for adults, offering one-on-one support. Referrals via DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au. Forensic counselling is available via ACSO brokerage.

Click here for more info about the program.

Care and Recovery Coordination

Care and Recovery Coordination (CRC) is an alcohol and other drug case management program, supporting adults by coordinating all the services they need including health, legal, housing and more. Referrals via DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au. Forensic CRC is available via ACSO brokerage.

Click here for more info about the program.

GP Assist

GP Assist supports GPs to refer their patients to alcohol and other drug treatment. GPs complete a screening (or we can complete it for them) and send the result to us, and we provide brief interventions and bridging support while the client is waiting to access longer-term treatment. Referrals from GPs only at

Click here for more info about the program.

Alcohol and Drug Liaison Outreach Work (ADLOW)

ADLOW (Alcohol and Drug Liaison Outreach Work) delivers short term alcohol and other drug interventions while participants are waiting to access longer-term community supports. The ADLOW program takes referrals from GPs and other health professionals through or call us on 03 9532 0811.

Click here for more info about the program.

First Peoples' Healing Program

The First Peoples’ Healing Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 to 55 and/or their immediate family, around concerns related to alcohol and other drug misuse. a wraparound service with a cultural lens this program acknowledges the social and emotional wellbeing of each participant and supports their connection to self, Mob and Country. Anyone can refer, with participant consent at or on 03 9532 0811.

Click here for more info about the program.

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is a group support program helping participants change unhealthy behaviours around alcohol and other drugs, gambling, and other concerns. 60 to 90-minute groups held weekly for people 18 and over in Cranbourne, women 18 and over at Bentleigh and for young people 25 and under in Frankston and Moorabbin. No referral required.

Times, locations and more info available here.

Peer Support Group

Peer Support Group takes place each Monday at our St Kilda site from 1:00 – 2:30 PM. Facilitated by a trained and experienced peer leader, people with lived experience of alcohol and other drug use meet to talk about the things that affect them, learn from others, find common ground and encourage their peers to make positive changes. No referral required but participants are requested to  please contact us on 03 9529 7955 or at before attending their first meeting.

Click here for more info about the program.

CHOICES (forensic program)

CHOICES is a three-hour group program for people involved with Community Correctional Services who have been assessed as low-risk offenders, aiming to challenge the link between substance misuse and criminal offending. Available via ACSO brokerage only.

Click here for more info about the program.

KickStart (forensic program)

KickStart is an 8 or 15-week group program for men in the justice system assessed as medium-high risk offenders, aiming to challenge the link between substance misuse and criminal offending. Available via ACSO brokerage only.

Click here for more info about the program.

Accessing our education and employment programs.

JobsVic Mentors (RealCareers)

The JobsVic Mentors program (RealCareers) supports people who live in the City of Greater Dandenong who are long-term unemployed, or at risk of long-term unemployment, to find and keep employment. Anyone can refer, with client consent, via

Click here for more info about the program.

VicRoads accredited Driver Behaviour Change Programs

VicRoads accredited Behaviour Change Programs for people charged with a drink or drug driving offence. We deliver Drink Driver, Drug Driver and Intensive Drink and Drug Driver programs, a Pre-Interlock Removal program, and AOD Specialist reports. Anyone can book in online here.

Accessing Windana's family services.

Family Program

The Family Program helps parents engaged with AOD treatment to strengthening parenting capacity and family functioning. We offer single session consults as well as the six-week Tuning into Kids program which builds parents and carers skills in recognising, understanding and managing their own and their children’s emotions. Client can self-refer through DirectLine on 1800 888 236 (available 24/7) or visit www.directline.org.au. GPs and other workers can refer clients directly to this service at with a comprehensive AOD assessment and GP patient health summary (if available).

Click here for more info about the program.

The Family Reunification Program supports parents who are required to complete alcohol and other drug treatment as part of a Family Reunification or Interim Accommodation court order. in the Bayside (cities of Port Phillip, Stonnington, Glen Eira, Bayside and Kingston) and Frankston-Mornington Peninsula regions. We work towards parent’s alcohol and other drug goals as well as address any other complexities including family violence, mental health and more. Bayside clients can self-refer via through Bayside Integrated Services on 1800 229 263. Frankston clients can self-refer via Peninsula Health Intake on 1300 665 781. Child Protection can refer directly to

Click here for more info about the program.

Engaging Families

Engaging Families helps families in Cardinia who experience family violence and substance misuse or mental health issues to access counselling services, case management, and parenting supports. Anyone can refer via Windermere here or on 1300 946 337

Click here for more info about the program.

U-Turn Men's Behaviour Change Program

U-Turn is a 15-week group program that works with men to change their attitudes and behaviours around family violence, while also addressing alcohol and other drug use. We also support affected family members of U-Turn participants. More information and referrals via or on 03 9532 0811.

Click here for more info about the program.

Information for workers.

Working with the legal and justice systems

Clients with criminal convictions/on bail (forensic clients)

We accept forensic referrals and consider the factors (including nature of a crime, and type of service requested) that determine if Windana can offer a safe and appropriate environment for a particular client.

For our residential rehabilitation programs, we are generally unable to accept new residents who have court dates in the next two months.

Providing information to courts

We may provide Courts with information when it is requested in line with the relevant Act or Acts.

Justice and sentencing schemes

We may be able to sponsor people involved with the Work and Development Permit Scheme or Spent Convictions Scheme.

Lawyer collaboration

In our residential rehabilitation programs, a resident’s main worker can work with legal representatives towards positive outcomes for the resident’s legal matters.

Frequently asked questions

Where can my client get more information about Windana?
Your client can find out more by visiting the Getting help page of our website or by calling us on 03 9523 7955 Monday to Friday, between 9.00am and 4:30pm.

Your client can also contact DirectLine or their catchment Intake and Assessment service for information about Windana and other public alcohol and other drug services in Victoria.

Do clients need to pay for treatment?
Some of our services are free for the client, while others have a nominal daily amenities fee or require ongoing client co-payment (usually paid as a portion of the client’s Centrelink benefit.) Check an individual service page for details of fees.

Is Windana a public service?
We are a not-for-profit, for-purpose organisation that forms part of Victoria’s public alcohol and other drug treatment system.

What are the wait times for Windana?
Wait times vary by service and change often. Please call Reception on 03 9529 7955 for the most up-to-date waiting time.

What is the difference between withdrawal (detox) and rehabilitation programs?
Withdrawal programs support clients to withdraw from alcohol and/or other drugs in a safe environment, usually over a period of two weeks or less. Rehabilitation programs involve a longer process of creating lasting behavioural change, addressing dependence on substances and building supportive links in the community for ongoing stability.

Is Windana suitable for people with Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and alcohol/drug issues)?
We are an inclusive organisation and welcome people with diverse mental health experiences and conditions. Mental health supports are embedded across Windana and staff work collaboratively with community mental health services. Before a client is admitted to Windana, a comprehensive assessment process determines whether we are the right service for their unique needs – including mental health.

What supports are available once a program is completed?
Across our services, we aim to connect clients to supports for their ongoing journey after a particular program ends. This depends on an individual’s needs and goals but can include housing, medical, family, employment and other alcohol/drug services in their local communities.

Residents who have been through a residential rehabilitation program also have access to the Aftercare program and Peer Support groups.

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