New and expecting parents in southern Brisbane can access free mental health care services, with the new Australian Government-funded perinatal mental health centre at Greenslopes Private Hospital.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride, officially opened the new service today.
The centre 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.
The Albanese Labor 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.
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.
All Perinatal Mental Health Centres are operated by Gidget Foundation Australia.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“We know that up to one in 5 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.
“It’s a priority for the Albanese Labor Government to ensure that potential, expectant and new parents in South Brisbane have access to free and specialist care through organisations like Gidget Foundation Australia.
“This fantastic new service in Greenslopes will provide the care and support that local parents and families need.”