New and expectant parents in North Queensland will soon have access to free mental health care with a Perinatal Mental Health Centre to be established in Townsville.
Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Emma McBride MP, made the announcement in Townsville today.
The Townsville Perinatal Mental Health Centre is funded by the Albanese Labor Government and will be operated by the Gidget Foundation.
The centre will offer 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 Albanese Labor Government is providing $13 million to establish and operate 8 new centres opening over the next 4 years.
Bringing the total number of centres nationwide to 20, making sure new expectant mums and dads have a place to turn if they experience depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges.
In Queensland, Perinatal Mental Health Centres have already been opened in South Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.
The new centre is expected to provide mental health support to approximately 780 parents each year.
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 Townsville Perinatal Mental Health Centre will give parents in North Queensland a welcoming place to access free mental health support and care.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Green:
"Becoming a parent can be one of the most joyful and overwhelming times in your life, and as a mum, I know how vital it is to have support you can trust.
"This new Perinatal Mental Health Centre in Townsville means parents in North Queensland will have a safe, welcoming place to turn when they need help.
"The Albanese Labor Government is making sure no parent has to face perinatal mental health challenges on their own."
