OFFICIAL BUSINESS

PRESS RELEASE July 2004: The Hills Clinic is a medical specialist practice, located at the corner of Cecil and Hume Ave Castle Hill, providing psychiatric and psychological services. The clinic offers a unique approach through its holistic management of mental health issues. The Hills Clinic will be officially opened by the Honorary Alan Cadman, on Friday, 19th November 2004.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concern over the increasing morbidity created by mental illnesses. It predicts that in the next decade, mental illness, such as Depression will be one of the five most significant health challenges in our community. In response to this, federal government initiatives, such as Beyond Blue have been established to increase public awareness and decrease stigma associated with identification and treatment for mental illnesses. "Mental health problems effect both adults and children, and conditions such as depression and anxiety are not only common, but can occur in people from all walks of life" reports Dr Ted Cassidy.
In the recent years we have seen an increased availability of medical services in the Hills area as a response to the local population growth. In contrast, there has been a relative shortage in the provision of psychiatric services.

"The Hills Clinic was opened as a response to the increasing demand for specialist psychiatric services in the hills area" said Dr Jason Pace, "In creating the clinic we wanted to bring together therapists with different disciplines to provide complimentary and comprehensive treatment programs". The Hills Clinic currently have three adult psychiatrists, two clinical psychologists as well as a child psychologist, medical councilor and a speech pathologist. This allows for the treatment of a wide spectrum of conditions, some of which include; school bullying, relationship and grief issues as well as conditions such as Attention Deficient Disorder (ADHD), Substance Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Major Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Staff at the Hills Clinic understand how difficult it maybe for someone seeking help for these conditions and go out of their way to provide a sense of ease through a safe, secure and comfortable environment. "The staff at the Hills Clinic have a smile that says it all; we care, we understand, we are concerned and we believe in you. They have the dedication, the professionalism and the compassion that helps make you feel whole" states Helen a client of the Hills Clinic (full name withheld for confidentiality reasons).

The Hills Clinic is located at 26 Hume Ave, Castle Hill (corner Cecil Ave), and is open for inquires on Monday to Friday, 9am to 6:00pm. For further information please contact The Hills Clinic on 9899 3618.