Photo by Vanessa S. 2010

Since 1981, Cyrenian House has offered a residential program for individuals wanting to address their drug and alcohol dependency issues. 

Cyrenian adopted the Therapeutic Community Model in January 1999 and has been an active participant in the TC Sector ever since.

The organisation has strong records of excellence in service delivery, including direct experience in delivering services to Aboriginal individuals and families impacted by substance use.

Photo by Vanessa S. 2010

The Cyrenian House Therapeutic Community is:

• Located at the Rick Hamersley Centre; 30 mins north of Perth on 32 acres of natural bushland; and
• A four stage program based on the Therapeutic Community (TC) model. Residents are expected to complete the first 2 stages of the program (16 weeks) in order to graduate. To get the maximum benefits of recovery from drug and alcohol dependency issues, we encourage residents to complete the following 3rd and 4th stages of the program (stay up to a year).

The program contains various components including:

• education groups
• counselling
• therapeutic group work
• art activities - to promote creative and holistic developments
• recreation activities
• community responsibilities

Mixed Gender Program

Photo by Vanessa S. 2010

The Mixed Gender Program is open to adults 18 years of age and over.  The program caters for up to 40 people with an equal balance of male and female residents.  Six priority beds are held for suitably assessed Aboriginal people with drug/alcohol dependency issues.

The Therapeutic Community provides a safe environment for an exploration of new lifestyle choices. Unique opportunities exist here for participants to explore and identify issues in depth with the development of practical strategies designed to support the individual in the long term.

Saranna Women & Children's Program

The Saranna Women and Children’s Program allows mothers with young dependent children in their care to access a residential service within a therapeutic community setting.  Accommodation facilities include 14 self-contained 2 and 3 bedroom houses. The Saranna Women and Children’s Program is unique and the only AOD residential program in Western Australia for indigenous and non-indigenous women and children impacted by alcohol and drug use.

The service addresses the current inequality of service access for women with young dependents and facilitates family re-unification and strengthening.  Women and their children form an integral part of the Therapeutic Community living in self contained cottages whilst engaging in a daily program of recovery.

The Saranna Program can accommodate mothers with babies, pre-primary or primary school aged children.

Saranna Outreach

Also operating from the TC is the Saranna Outreach Program.  This is an outreach service that offers a continuum of care to women pre and post admission to the Saranna Program. 

Assessment and referral

After you have attended the Therapeutic Community Information Group, which is held at 318 Fitzgerald Street Perth, an appointment can be made for an assessment (see assessments under FAQ). After the initial assessment interview and acceptance, individuals may attend an organised visit to the TC. Applicants must show a genuine commitment by attending support groups and/or counselling while they are waiting to engage in residential treatment.

Assessments are available by appointment for applicants residing in the country.

View the Assessment Process (PDF)

Photo by Vanessa S. 2010