Blog article

How Esus Centre supports recovery from eating disorders

By HBF
4 minutes
23 April 2025
Woman gazing at the sky
Recovery from an eating disorder can be complex – and no two paths look the same. That’s why having the right support system matters.

Enter Esus Centre: a first-of-its-kind facility in Western Australia offering integrated, day-based treatment for eating disorders. With individual and group therapies delivered under one roof, the centre is designed to provide practical, ongoing care – without the need for a hospital stay. Plus, if you’re an eligible HBF member, you may be able to claim for services provided by Esus Centre as part of your hospital cover.1

We spoke with Dr Vash Singh, psychiatrist and Founder of Esus Centre, to find out how the centre is reshaping eating disorder treatment in WA and beyond.

Why was Esus created?

Dr Singh’s background includes running a highly successful inpatient program – but she saw first-hand the limitations of hospital-based care.

“We came to believe that the best way to reduce the impact of eating disorders long-term was to intervene earlier and more holistically,” she says. “That meant moving away from siloed services and offering a model that supports people to stay connected to their lives – their families, their communities – while they recover.”

In fact, it was this vision that led her, alongside Clinical Psychologist Kerry Mairs and specialist ED GP Dr Susan Cann, to found the Esus Centre in 2023.

“We built Esus to close the gaps we were seeing in care,” says Dr Singh. “The response so far has shown that this kind of integrated, coordinated approach really works.”

The Esus Centre difference

Unlike traditional inpatient hospital programs, the Esus Centre delivers care through structured day programs and outpatient consulting, helping individuals apply what they learn in real life – not just behind hospital walls.

“At Esus, we’ve created a model of care that’s collaborative, evidence-based and recovery-focused,” says Dr Singh. “Instead of patients being shuffled between services, we’ve brought everything together in one place — so they see the same familiar faces day to day, from their GP to their psychologist to the chef who prepares their meals.

"There are no overnight stays. Patients return home each evening to continue practising what they’ve learned in a real-world environment – often with the support of a family member or carer.”

The Esus approach to treatment

According to Dr Singh, one of the most powerful aspects of the Esus model is its wrap-around approach to care.

“Full recovery is absolutely possible,” she says. “But it requires more than just one element of treatment. It’s about supporting people across all parts of their recovery – physically, psychologically, nutritionally, and socially – at a level that’s right for them.”

This includes intensive day programs for when someone needs extra support, as well as lower-intensity group therapies and outpatient consulting as they regain confidence and independence.

“It was important to us to build a service that allowed for flexibility,” adds Dr Singh. “We want people to be able to move between different levels of care without having to start over somewhere new.”

What programs are offered at Esus Centre?

Esus Centre provides both high and low intensity support, depending on your needs and where you’re at in your recovery journey.

Some of the programs include:

Each program includes nutritional support through high-quality, chef-prepared meals, delivered in a home-style kitchen to mirror real-world environments.

How do I access treatment through Esus Centre?

To get started:

  1. Check your cover: You’ll need HBF Hospital cover that includes Hospital psychiatric services.
  2. Get a GP referral: Your GP can refer you to Esus Centre or you can see one at the Centre for a referral. A psychiatrist will then assess your needs and suitability for one of the programs.

Out-of-pocket costs may apply depending on your cover and treatment type. If you’re unsure, call HBF on 133 423 to find out more.

“Every person deserves the chance to recover,” says Dr Singh. “And with the right support, at the right time, that recovery can be full and lasting.”

Sources:

1 Esus Centre programs are fully covered for eligible HBF members who hold Hospital cover that includes cover for Hospital psychiatric services and meet the program eligibility requirements. Waiting periods and other terms and conditions may apply.


This article contains general information only and does not take into account the health, personal situation or needs of any person. In conjunction with your GP or treating health care professional, please consider whether the information is suitable for you and your personal circumstances.

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