Mirikai rehabilitation

At Mirikai, we believe that with the right care and support, people can change their lives

At Burleigh on the sunny Gold Coast, Mirikai offers a residential alcohol and drug treatment program, which is part of a continuous package of care. While staying with us in a safe and drug-free environment, you will undertake an evidence-based live-in program, which provides strategies to help you:

  • reduce substance use
  • manage life challenges
  • develop goals
  • and prevent relapse, towards supporting lives free from the harms of drugs or alcohol.
How long is the program?

The live-in program is delivered over six-week cycles, with the flexibility to be extended up to twelve weeks depending on your individual recovery. As part of a package of treatment, you can access:

  • six weeks to three months live-in treatment
  • free before and after service support
  • transitional accommodation
  • free community-based counselling and support.
Who can stay?

The program supports people aged 18 to 35.

Get prepared

You can receive support from the moment you contact us, until you are fully settled back into the community. That’s because you can access Lives Lived Well services before, during and after your stay.

Before you enter Mirikai, you can see a Lives Lived Well counsellor in the community for free and get immediate support. We will also help you prepare to enter residential treatment.

On entering

We know entering residential treatment is a big step. From day one, we will aim to make you feel welcome and understood, as we get to know you and your needs. To begin with, you will be introduced to a treatment facilitator who will work with you to tailor a range of supports to match your needs.

Our program

At Mirikai we aim to walk alongside, listening with respect, curiosity and acceptance. We see it as our role to create a safe, supportive and structured environment that inspires genuine and lasting change.

Our treatment program aims to capture best practice and deliver quality care with qualified facilitators. Serving the community, we put our experience, connections and dedication into changing lives. We work closely with other services in the areas of mental, oral, sexual and general health, Centreline and legal support.

You will receive one-to-one counselling in which you can set goals, ask questions and guide your treatment. We bring empathy and collaboration to our approach, believing you are the ultimate decision-maker in your future. You will be encouraged to participate in community living and take on daily tasks and responsibilities. Here you can learn life skills, build confidence and gain insight into how you can relate to others… always in a supportive environment.

As you move through the program, you will meet regularly with your treatment facilitator to review and adapt your treatment over time.

Mirikai is a alcohol-free, drug-free and smoke-free program. Support will be provided to help you quit smoking in line with our no-smoking policy.

Ongoing aftercare

Completing a drug and alcohol residential program is an achievement but only one step on a longer journey. Following that we will support you to take the actions needed to make the changes you have identified to your goals in recovery. This may include a short stay in our transitional accommodation. You can also access free, ongoing counselling in the community. Support doesn’t stop when you leave Mirikai, with transitional and community teams in place to provide ongoing aftercare.

Our team

Our professional and qualified team is made up of psychologists, social workers, counsellors and an on-site nurse. We also have access to an on-site medical practice with GPs, psychological and psychiatric specialists, allowing us to offer a whole package of care.

How much does it cost?

We aim to provide accessible and affordable residential treatment. You will need to pay some money towards your stay, usually a portion of your Centrelink payment. The amount depends on the type of benefit or payment you receive. There is also an upfront admission fee (which includes your first two weeks of treatment and a medication levy).

If self-funding (not receiving Centrelink benefits), you will be required to pay for your full six-week cycle treatment in advance. 

Can my family stay in contact?

During your stay, you will have regular access to your mobile phone in a dedicated session, at which time you can call your family. You can also send and receive letters. Phone messages can be left at reception for you. Visitors are welcome on Saturdays between visiting hours 2:30pm to 4:30pm and day leave may be taken once every 7 weeks on a Sunday.

Please note, we cannot provide any information to family members calling to inquire about your treatment due to privacy obligations. If you wish us to provide them with information, we will need your consent to authorise this.

Location

Mirikai is located at 191 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads, on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Buses stop nearby. We can provide you with the latest bus timetables if required.

Admission and referrals

You don’t need a GP referral. You can self-refer through our website here. If you have limited access to the internet or would prefer to speak to us to request a referral, please phone the Contact Team on 1300 727 957.

We also accept online provider referrals from other health professionals, health services, and community and government organisations. They can also fax referrals to 07 5546 8223.

Admission times vary. Be assured, you will be supported by our Pre-Treatment Team until you can be admitted. Once your referral is received, your support begins.

More information

More information about Mirikai can be found here.

For further questions about Lives Lived Well or our programs, view our FAQs page here or you can contact us on 1300 727 957.

Want more information?

For inquiries about the program, give us a call on 1300 727 957 or send an email to [email protected]
You can also download our Mirikai brochure

Mirikai’s local Aboriginal meaning is “a place of peace”, and we acknowledge the traditional owners of its land, paying respects to local Elders, past and present…

Lives Lived Well thanks the Council of the City of Gold Coast for their support of our Gold Coast services.

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Lives Lived Well recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original inhabitants of the land now known as Australia and their continuing connection to land, air and sea. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands across which we work and live, and pay our respects to elders, past and present.

Lives Lived Well celebrates diversity and is committed to providing inclusive services and workplaces. Everyone has the right to live well, with dignity and respect. We offer support to all people without judgement or discrimination.

Four flags in a grid: the Australia flag, the Pride flag, the Aboriginal flag, the Torres Strait Island flag,