We work alongside Community Alcohol and Drug (CADS) services, NGO addiction services and other approved referrers throughout the South Island to provide a clear pathway into residential addiction treatment. Our team supports referrers through every stage of the referral and admission process.
Waitlist - Our current wait time is approx 4 months
Occasionaly beds become available at short notice. It is preferable that preparation work is on going leading up to admission date, to ensure tangata whai ora have the best start when arriving at St Marks.
We expect people to come here illicit drug and alcohol free, and, unless coming direct from detox, we test on admission; people that arrive here having consumed illicit drugs or alcohol will be denied admission for the safety of staff and other residents.
Who can refer
St Marks Referral process:
Qualified counsellors/key workers employed in the Addiction Field and working within a South Island Community AOD service (CADS) or NGO addiction service funded by local DHB
Tāngata whai ora wishing to fund their own treatment privately (you will still need an assessment).
We can no longer accept any clients that fall into the home detention category at St Marks, however electronic monitoring with a curfew of 9pm 6am is accepted or community detention with these hours imposed, so clients can fully participate in the program.
Who cannot refer directly to St Marks:
Tāngata whai ora (self-referrals) unless intending to fund their own treatment
General Practitioners
Department of Corrections unless through a regional coordinator or South Island AOD service (we do have a contract for a bed with Corrections)
North Island Services
Lawyers
St Marks - Te Whare Oranga
Please note, we do take private, self funding referrals.
The following criteria help determine whether St Marks is the right programme at this stage of a person's recovery.
Clinical suitability
Moderate to severe addiction according to DSM-5 and/or ASSIST
Need to be 18 years of age or over
Have completed some preparation work, in way of AOD programmes, group therapy or counselling activities.
Committed to making change.
Complex Mental health disorders to be stabilised prior to entry.
Complex physical health disorders to be stabilised prior to entry.
No arson or sexual offences against children (other offences against children will be considered on a case by case basis)
Admission Requirements
If on any outstanding charges or sentence, a curfew applies between 6:30am and 9:00pm. (we do not allow for EM bail).
All court dates need to be adjourned until after treatment.
Minimum of level 3 literacy
For community clients, be willing to undertake detox or respite prior to entry.
An exit plan is required before admission.
Ready to refer someone?
Our team is here to support referrers throughout the process. If you're considering a referral, we're happy to discuss suitability, answer questions and guide you through the next steps.
