1300 727 957
At Mirikai, we believe that with the right care and support, people can change their lives.
In Burleigh on the 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.
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.
Refer yourself to Mirikai >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, services and community and government organisations or they can fax referrals to 07 5576 2512.
Admission timeframes vary. Be assured, you will be supported by our Pre-Treatment Team until you can be admitted into our live-in service. Once your referral is received, your support begins.
How much does it cost?
We aim to provide accessible and affordable residential treatment. You are required to pay some money towards your stay, usually a portion of your Centrelink payment. The amount depends on the type of payment or benefit you receive. If self-funding (not receiving Centrelink benefits), you will be required to pay for your full six-week cycle treatment in advance, which is currently $2270 for everyone, regardless of age.
There is also an upfront admission fee of $690 for people 21 and under, and $740 for people 22 and over (this fee includes your first two weeks of treatment and a medication levy).
How long is the program?
The program is delivered over six-week cycles, with the flexibility to be extended up to three months, depending on your individual recovery.
You can receive support from the moment you contact us, until you are fully settled back into the community through our Post-Treatment program. You can also access our other community services before, during and after your stay.
More FAQs about Mirikai
The program supports people aged 18 to 35.
Before you enter Mirikai, you’ll work closely with our pre- and post- teams to support you in preparing for your stay. As Mirikai is part of Lives Lived Well, you can access Lives Lived Well services prior to coming to stay.
Evidence suggests that success is more likely if based on whether someone completes a program, rather than based on how long a person stays. Studies show that up to 65 per cent of residents don’t stay beyond three months in Australian residential programs.
Therefore, to give people a better chance of program completion, we offer a 6 to 12 week program that is supported by extensive before and after care services in the community. For those who need a longer residential experience, the 12 week period can be extended.
Mirikai is not a detoxification facility. People come to our program drug free (other than prescribed medications) and alcohol free. Many residents will have had to participate in a detox program provided by another service before they will be accepted into our program. If you need help to find a detox service, please reach out to our pre- and post- teams, who can help you.
We know entering residential treatment is a big step. From day one, we’ll aim to make you feel welcome and understood, as we get to know you and your needs. Shortly after you arrive, you’ll be introduced to a treatment facilitator who will work with you to tailor a range of supports to match your needs. You’ll also meet our registered nurses who will ask you questions about your medical background so we can best support you during your stay with us.
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 practices 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, Centrelink 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’ll meet regularly with your treatment facilitator to review and adapt your treatment over time.
Mirikai is an alcohol-free, drug-free and smoke-free program. Support will be provided to help you quit smoking in line with our no-smoking policy.
Completing a drug and alcohol residential program is an achievement but only one step on a longer journey. After you leave Mirikai, we’ll work with you towards achieving independent living in the community. This may require a short stay in our transitional accommodation.
You can also access free, ongoing counselling in the community. We can also help link you with other services that you may need, such as education, childcare and employment. Support doesn’t stop when you leave Mirikai, with transitional and community teams in place to provide ongoing aftercare.
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.
During your stay, you’ll have regular access to your mobile phone in dedicated sessions, 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 seven weeks on a Sunday.
Please note, due to privacy requirements, we cannot provide any information to family members calling to inquire about your treatment. You’ll need to provide consent if you wish us to provide family members with information.
Residents can access other treatment programs that we offer, such as parenting programs, support groups and counselling for couples or families.
Our program works closely with other organisations such as mental health services, dentists, sexual health services, hospitals, Centrelink and legal services to help meet each resident’s range of specific needs.
Our residents can also access the Lives Lived Well Specialist Centre – a general medical practice, which includes specialist health services. The centre is located on the same site as Mirikai.
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 psychological specialists, allowing us to offer a whole package of care.
Yes. Information collected by Lives Lived Well is confidential. Learn more about how we use this information and how we collect it here.
For further questions about Lives Lived Well or our programs, view our general FAQs page here or you can contact us on 1300 727 957.
Lives Lived Well thanks the Council of the City of Gold Coast for their support of our Gold Coast services.
