New and expectant WA parents will get free, personalised mental health support with a new perinatal mental health centre to be established in Wanneroo, Western Australia.
The new Wanneroo centre will be the second in WA after Harrisdale opened this past Monday.
The Australian Government-funded centres will offer local families support during the vital perinatal period from pregnancy through to baby's first birthday.
This is a time when up to one in five women and one in 10 men experience anxiety and/or depression.
The centre will help meet local demand for mental health care and provide psychological services with no out-of-pocket costs.
Parents will need a referral from a GP and a mental health care plan.
Providing early intervention and support will reduce the effect of perinatal mental illness on families and set them up for a healthier, stable future.
The government has provided more than $26 million to establish a network of centres around the country, which together will help more than 2,800 parents each year.
The centres will be operated by Gidget Foundation Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that supports the emotional wellbeing of expecting and new parents.
The Wanneroo centre will be established and operational by 2026.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"It's common to be overwhelmed and tired during pregnancy and as a new parent, but many Australians are faced with far greater challenges.
"Becoming a parent is a profound change, for many parents understandably it can be overwhelming.
"These perinatal mental health centres will provide families needing that extra support for free."
Quotes attributable to Tracey Roberts, Member for Pearce:
"Families make up more than half of the Wanneroo community and the Albanese Government is committed to supporting their health and wellbeing.
"We want to support them to build the happy and healthy lives every parent and child deserves."
