Six Seasons Recovery Under Investigation by Two WA Government Agencies After Former Clients Raise Serious Concerns

Two Western Australian government agencies are now investigating Six Seasons Recovery, a health and addiction retreat near Margaret River in the state's South West, after multiple former clients came forward with serious complaints about the facility's standard of care and business practices. WA Mental Health Minister Meredith Hammat has described the allegations as "extremely concerning".

Former Client Paid $62,000 and Left Without Adequate Care

Among those to share their experiences is a woman named Michelle, who paid $62,000 upfront for a three-week stay at the retreat, which is operated by failed builder Danny Coyne. Her time at the facility ended abruptly after she fell in her room and was unable to attract the attention of staff for two hours.

"There was a little steel bin beside the bed so I grabbed that and just started smacking it on the floor," Michelle said, describing how she tried to raise the alarm.

Following her departure from Six Seasons Recovery, Michelle required emergency department treatment and spent several weeks in a mental health treatment facility. She said she was left carrying significant guilt over the amount of money her parents had spent in an attempt to support her recovery.

"I ended up at emergency department followed by an actual mental treatment facility for a couple of weeks," she said.

Michelle is one of more than three former residents to have spoken about their experiences. Former staff members of the retreat have also been interviewed as part of the ongoing scrutiny of the facility.

WA Government and Medical Bodies Express Alarm Over Six Seasons Recovery

The investigation into Six Seasons Recovery is now being carried out by two separate agencies. The Health and Disability Services Complaints Office is examining the clinical concerns raised by former clients, while Consumer Protection is expected to scrutinise the facility's high-pressure sales tactics and its no-refund policy.

Minister Hammat confirmed the government's position, stating: "We will make sure that the appropriate independent body undertakes an investigation into those services."

The Australian Medical Association WA has also weighed in, expressing serious concern about the nature of services being offered at Six Seasons and what it describes as a lack of adequate clinical and professional staffing to properly care for vulnerable patients.

AMA WA president Dr Kyle Hoath urged people seeking help for health and addiction issues to pursue more transparent pathways. "I'd be sticking to my GP and getting pointed in the right direction rather than grasping for straws on the internet and finding these facilities that may or may not have any kind of accreditation or clinical backing behind what they deliver," he said.

Coyne Denies Claims, Remains Overseas

Danny Coyne, who runs Six Seasons Recovery, has not responded to the most recent questions put to him. He is currently overseas and has indicated he will not return for several weeks. In previous statements, Coyne has rejected the allegations outright, describing them as false and factually incorrect. He has maintained that all staff at the facility hold relevant qualifications recognised by their governing bodies.

The retreat's practices — including the large sums charged upfront and its refusal to issue refunds — have drawn particular attention from authorities and health professionals alike.

What Vulnerable Patients and Families Should Know

Health professionals are urging anyone seeking addiction or mental health treatment to verify the clinical credentials and accreditation of any private facility before committing financially. The AMA WA's warning highlights a broader concern about unregulated or insufficiently overseen retreat-style services targeting people at their most vulnerable.

Both investigations remain ongoing, and further findings are expected as authorities examine the full scope of Six Seasons Recovery's operations.

If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For information about depression, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or speak with your GP or a trusted health professional.