New and expecting parents in Perth can now access free mental health care and support through a federally-funded Perinatal Mental Health Centre now open at Stockland in Harrisdale.
WA’s first Gidget House will help meet demand for perinatal mental health care and provide psychological services for new and expecting parents, with no out-of-pocket costs.
Parents will need a referral from a GP, including a mental health care plan.
“We know that up to one in five women and one in 10 men will experience anxiety and/or depression in the perinatal period up to 12 months after their child is born,” Assistant Health Minister Emma McBride said.
“This fantastic new service in Harrisdale will provide the care and support that local parents and families need.”
Almost 100,000 Australians are estimated to be affected by perinatal depression and anxiety each year. Perinatal mental ill-health can cause significant harm to children as well, with lifelong impacts on their emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development.
The federal government has provided $26.2 million over four years to establish a network of 12 perinatal mental health services across the country, which are expected to help more than 2,800 parents each year.
All Perinatal Mental Health Centres are operated by Gidget Foundation Australia.
The centre is located on corner of Nicholson Road and Yellowwood Avenue, Harrisdale.
“I know that new and expecting parents face many challenges that impact their mental health and that accessing support can be hard,” Member for Burt Matt Keogh said.
“The Albanese Government’s support for this centre in Harrisdale means young families in our fast-growing community can now get support close to home, free of charge.”
