We receive many queries each day about our facilities. We’ve outlined responses to our Frequently Asked Questions, and included testimonials from past Kedesh clients below.
How old do I have to be?
16 and over for our Illawarra Treatment Facility (Berkeley) and 18 and over for our Phoenix Treatment Facility (Manly).
Can I apply on behalf of my family member or friend?
We understand that addiction is hard for loved ones as well. However, the person seeking treatment must be the one to apply.
How long is the waiting list?
Depending on availability and vacancies in the program, the waiting list time can be anywhere from 4-10 weeks.
What happens once I am on the waiting list?
After the initial over the phone assessment we may need to collect some additional information from you or your health care provider about your medication, mental health or criminal history.
Once we have received all of the information required, we will invite you in for a face to face history taking assessment with a member of the team. After this assessment, we will let you know when a space becomes available.
Do you take people from interstate?
Yes.
Do I have to have a referral?
No. We accept self-referrals as well as referrals by healthcare practitioners.
Do I need to be detoxed?
Yes. Prior to admission you need to be detoxed from alcohol and other drugs. You can do this in two ways – through a formal detox program or at home with the assistance of your GP.
Do you take clients who are pregnant?
Yes. Clients who are up to 26 weeks pregnant with low-risk pregnancies.
Do you take clients on opiate maintenance (e.g. Methadone, Suboxone)?
Clients on suboxone including the weekly or monthly buvidal depot are welcome to apply. If taking oral suboxone, you must be eligible for weekly collection from a local pharmacy. We are unable to accept referrals for clients who are using methadone at this time.
Do you take clients straight from custody?
Clients must be released from custody before they can start the application process for any of our programs.
ABOUT THE TREATMENT
What does dual diagnosis mean?
Co-occurring substance use problems and mental illness. Clients seeking treatment for substance misuse do not need to be dual diagnosis to apply.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) aims to address negative patterns of thought about the self and the world in order to alter unwanted or unhelpful behaviour patterns. CBT looks at the interaction between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and empowers clients to ‘take the drivers seat’ in their lives.
How many residents are at the facility at one time?
Up to 16 residents at our Illawarra Treatment Facility (Berkeley) with an additional 2 beds available for assertive aftercare/re-access bed stays. We also have 2 spaces avilable for day program clients at each facility.
How long is the program?
Approximately 8 weeks. However, the length of the treatment may be varied depending upon individual recovery goals.
Can I smoke?
No, both the Illawarra and Phoenix treatment facilities are now completely smoke free. However, clients are able to smoke when on leave.
What happens after I complete the program?
Recovery is a journey that doesn’t end when you finish rehabilitation. Individuals work on an aftercare plan with their Counsellor and/or Case Manager to plan for ongoing treatment.
Is Kedesh a religious program?
No. Kedesh is not affiliated with any religion. Clients of any culture, religion, race, background, sexual orientation or gender identity are welcome.
Can I continue to take my regularly prescribed medications whilst in program?
Yes. We work closely with your health care provider in order to ensure that all clients physical and mental health needs are met whilst in program. There are some medications, such as medications of addiction, that clients are not able to take whilst in program. Please call our Community Access Centre on (02) 4222 1800 for more information.
Do you have a doctor onsite?
We do not have a doctor onsite. However, a GP comes on site on a weekly basis to see clients.
Can I bring my phone/laptop/mp3 player?
No electrical items can be brought to Kedesh. Clients are welcome to bring their mobile phones however these are kept in a locked box in the staff office. Clients are welcome to take their mobile phones with them on leave.
Can I make phone calls whilst at Kedesh?
Yes, there is a pay phone on site. Kedesh provides Nextra phone cards for clients to use.
Will I have my own room?
Rooms are shared between 2 people. Males and females do not share rooms.
FINANCE
How do I pay the fees?
If you are a residential client and receive Centrelink benefits we request that KRS become your Nominee. This means that while you are in treatment, your payments will be directed to KRS and reimbursed to you after your fees have been deducted. KRS will also apply for rental assistance on your behalf.
If you pay your fees privately, you will be asked to pay your fees three weeks in advance. We accept payment via direct deposit, cheque, money order or cash.
What if I have a department of housing property?
KRS will seek a rent reduction on your behalf through Department of Housing.
Are meals provided?
Yes, all meals are provided at Kedesh and are covered by your weekly fees.
LEAVE AND VISITORS
Do I get leave?
Yes, clients are able to have leave. Clients in the residential program are able to go on afternoon leave on the Friday following their first full week in program. Clients are able to have afternoon leave during the week and are able to apply for overnight weekend leave. The amount of leave clients are able to take generally increases with time spent in program. Leave plans are regularly discussed and reviewed with you. Some clients are also able to take extended leave (i.e more than a weekend) as part of their tailored treatment plan discussed with their counsellor/case manager.
Are visitors allowed?
Due to confidentiality, clients are not able to have visitors on premises. Clients are able to spend time with friends and family off the premises in their leave time.
What if I have external appointments whilst in program (e.g. Court, Psychiatrist)?
Clients can attend court and external appointments whilst in the program and special circumstances will be taken into consideration when applications for leave are received.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“On my way to Kedesh I had a feeling of grief, anxiety and curiosity. It was a moment where I could stop and breathe, and be relieved to know I can drop the pressures of my current life and know that in the forthcoming weeks I will be looked after. The best part of being at Kedesh has been having my basic needs met and being in an environment where I can be comfortable in sharing my experiences, trust in being myself and be encouraged in a group dynamic. Since being at Kedesh, I have been learning to be content with my life, and find a path that allows me to be myself, acknowledge my faults and failures and honour my strengths and qualities”.
“The best part of being at Kedesh is the amazing CBT sessions, especially the one on one sessions which have been amazingly powerful. Since being at Kedesh I have learned that my life is very much a work in progress and thoughts, behaviour and actions are all related and can be changed at any time. Reflection on thought before actions is certainly part of my work in progress”.
“My first day at Kedesh was great. I felt comfortable at intake and enthusiastic to get started with treatment. The staff were all compassionate and helpful. I felt safe and relieved. the program of CBT has helped me in ways that are so deep. I am now able to identify feelings and be mindful of ways to cope with day to day situations. The staff have all been very supportive and taken time to make my stay at Kedesh comfortable. I felt so at home, heard and respected. I’ve learned that when times get tough I can make it through another day in a healthy way, the CBT way”.
“The first day at Kedesh, I was hyperventilating with anxiety and trepidation. I really wasn’t sure it was going to be the right fit for me, or even work. The best part of being at Kedesh was the reassurance from staff and clients that I was safe, the counselling and groups, and watching other clients develop, change and grow. At Kedesh I knew I always had three meals and a bed (I had been homeless before coming to Kedesh). Since being at Kedesh I have developed some internal understanding of how I tick and recognised in a safe way how my addiction/alcoholism was triggered from both outside myself and within myself. I’ve come out with a tool box that I practiced using whilst inside Kedesh and when outside on leave. I also feel a growing sense of self worth- that I am worth caring about! I thoroughly encourage Kedesh to anyone who is struggling. It was so much more than I realised and hoped it would be”.
