New and expectant parents in the Northern Territory now have access to free mental health support with the opening of a new Perinatal Mental Health Centre in Berry Springs.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, opened the new centre in Berry Springs today.
The Berry Springs Perinatal Mental Health Centre is funded by the Australian Government and operated by the Gidget Foundation.
The centre offers 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 providing $39.2 million for the establishment and operation of 20 new Perinatal Mental Health Centres across the country.
These centres make sure new and expectant mums, dads and carers have a place to turn if they experience depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges.
The new centre in Berry Springs is expected to provide mental health support to more than 700 parents each year.
The Gidget Foundation operates Perinatal Mental Health Centres, also known as Gidget Houses, across Australia, which are funded through Medicare.
For more information, visit the Gidget Foundation website.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride:
“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering more mental health services in the heart of communities, backed by Medicare.
“1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience anxiety or depression when they are expecting or have just become new parents and accessing support can be difficult.
“The new Berry Springs Perinatal Mental Health Centre is our first to open in the Northern Territory, offering locals a welcoming place to access free mental health support and care.”
Quotes attributable to Minister McCarthy:
“The new Berry Springs Perinatal Mental Health Centre means free mental health support is available for new and expectant mums and dads in the NT.
“Becoming a parent is an exciting time but it can also be challenging, that's why the Albanese Government is investing in these centres across the country.
“Help is available and getting that support early means better outcomes for parents, babies and families.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy Scrymgour:
“The Northern Territory is a wonderful place to raise a family but becoming a parent can be one of the most stressful and uncertain times in a person life.
“Our government wants to make sure parents have the right support when they begin their family journey and the new Perinatal Mental Health Centre in Berry Springs will give parents a supportive place to come to if they experience mental health challenges.”