New and expectant parents in Melbourne’s North West and South East will soon have access to free mental health care with Perinatal Mental Health Centres to be established in the Hume and Casey LGAs.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, made the announcement today.
The new Perinatal Mental Health Centres are fully funded by the Australian Government and will be operated by Gidget Foundation Australia.
The centres will offer free psychological support for new and expectant parents throughout the perinatal period.
Parents with a GP referral and mental health care plan will be provided free in-person or digital tele-health services with a psychologist.
The Australian Government is investing $39.2 million to establish a network of 20 Perinatal Mental Health Centres across the country, making sure all new mums and dads can access support if they experience depression or anxiety.
Each year, almost 100,000 Australians are estimated to experience mental health challenges during the perinatal period.
Both new centres are expected to provide mental health support to approximately 800 parents each year.
Gidget Foundation Australia operates Perinatal Mental Health Centres, also known as Gidget Houses, in Fitzroy, Clayton, Point Cook, Parkville and Wendouree, which are funded through Medicare.
