About Perinatal Mental Health Centres
Perinatal Mental Health Centres are a safe, welcoming space where new and expectant parents can get free, specialised mental health support during the perinatal period.
Support is available for:
- people who are planning or trying to start a family
- new and expectant parents
- parents with a baby up to 12 months old
- people who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss
- people who have experienced a traumatic birth
- people undergoing assisted reproduction.
Perinatal Mental Health Centres are funded by the Australian Government and are operated by Gidget Foundation Australia.
Perinatal Mental Health Centres are not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, call 000 or access crisis support services.
How Perinatal Mental Health Centres can help
Perinatal Mental Health Centres offer free, individual psychological support tailored to your needs.
Support is delivered by experienced clinicians and can be either in person at a local Perinatal Mental Health Centre or through telehealth.
This makes it easier to get support in a way that works for you, no matter where you live.
Perinatal Mental Health Centres offer access to a range of clinicians, including:
- clinical psychologists
- registered psychologists
- mental health accredited social workers
- occupational therapists.
How to access a Perinatal Mental Health Centre
To get free support through a Perinatal Mental Health Centre, you need a referral letter from a GP and a mental health care plan as part of the Better Access initiative.
How to refer to a Perinatal Mental Health Centre
If you are a GP who wants to refer a patient to a Perinatal Mental Health Centre, you can find the GP referral form and more information on the Gidget Foundation Australia website.
Find a Perinatal Mental Health Centre
Find your nearest Perinatal Mental Health Centre using our interactive map.