Our Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Consultation Service supports people who are planning pregnancy, are pregnant or a mother of a baby under 12 months, who have a severe mental health issue which is getting in the way of a warm and safe relationship with their baby.
About this service
We offer various mental health services, including:
- Support to better manage your severe worries about becoming or being a parent of a baby.
- Advice about other services which might be useful.
- Mental health assessments with a doctor.
- A group where you can get to know and think about how your baby is feeling.
Who we care for
Our service is available to you if you:
- are planning pregnancy
- are pregnant
- or a mother of a baby under 12 months, and the baby is in your care
and have a severe mental health issue which is getting in the way of a warm and safe relationship with your baby.
We offer these services for free to people who live in Canberra.
How to access this service
The best way to access our service is through your GP, your midwife or another support service that knows you. They have our referral form and can send or fax it through to us.
You can also refer yourself by phoning us on (02) 5124 3133 between 10am and 4 pm Monday to Friday.
It’s important to know that we are not a mental health crisis service and if you need urgent mental health support please contact Access Mental Health; the team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What to expect
Once we receive your referral and if we are the best support service for you at this time, one of our Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Clinicians will contact you by phone.
They will do an assessment and will discuss with you the best options to support you.
These might include coming in to see one of our doctors, working with you to better manage your feelings about pregnancy or the baby or a referral to another service.
It may take up to ten days for a clinician to contact you.
What to bring to your appointment
- Medicare card
- Any letters or correspondence from your GP
- Medicines you need to take while you are here
- List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
- Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
- Your child’s personal health record (Blue Book)
Where we’re located
The Cosmopolitan Centre, Level 2, 21 Bowes Street, Woden.
We have directions and transport information for this service.
Resources
PANDA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia
Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)
Information for referrers
Please see Community Health Pathways for detailed referral criteria and information.
Referral options:
- Phone: (02) 5124 3133
- Fax: (02) 5124 8809.
