Free, personalised mental health support for new and expectant parents will soon be available in South Australia, with the establishment of new perinatal mental health centres in Elizabeth and Murray Bridge.
The centres, funded by the Albanese Government, will offer vital mental health services to families during the crucial perinatal period—covering pregnancy through to a baby’s first birthday.
Up to one in five women and one in ten men experience anxiety and/or depression during this time, making early intervention essential. The new centres will address local demand for mental health care, providing psychological services at no cost to parents.
To access support, parents will require a referral from their GP and a mental health care plan.
By offering early intervention, these centres aim to reduce the impact of perinatal mental health issues, helping families establish a healthier and more stable future.
The federal government has committed more than $26 million to establish a national network of these centres, which are expected to support over 2,800 parents annually.
The Gidget Foundation Australia, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the emotional wellbeing of new and expecting parents, will operate the Elizabeth and Murray Bridge centres. Both facilities are scheduled to be operational by 2026.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler emphasised the importance of the new centres, saying, “It’s common to feel overwhelmed during pregnancy or as a new parent, but many Australians face even greater challenges. Becoming a parent is a profound change, and for many, it can be overwhelming. These perinatal mental health centres will offer families the extra support they need at no cost.”
Matt Burnell, Member for Spence, added, “Families in the northern suburbs of South Australia are facing significant challenges, and the Elizabeth Perinatal Mental Health Centre will provide essential support free of charge. This is especially important in areas like ours, where support services can be scarce. These centres will offer timely help for parents during one of the most critical periods in their lives.”
Arabella Gibson, CEO of Gidget Foundation, noted the rising need for services, stating, “Perinatal depression and anxiety affect around 100,000 Australian parents every year. With a 30% increase in demand for our services in 2024, the establishment of Gidget Houses in South Australia will provide much-needed, specialised support for local families. We’re delighted to bring our expert face-to-face counselling to South Australian parents, ensuring they can access the help they need when it matters most.”
The new mental health centres are expected to have a significant impact on supporting parents during the transition to parenthood, offering much-needed resources at a critical time.
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