In a pivotal move to prioritize the mental health of families, Queensland Health has allocated a substantial $20 million investment in perinatal healthcare. The primary objective is to enhance access to community-based mental health treatment and well-being support for both new parents and infants.
As a crucial component of this initiative, the state is set to welcome 20 new mental health clinicians with specialized expertise in perinatal and infant mental health. These clinicians will play a vital role in delivering prompt assessment, support, treatment, and consultation services to families throughout the perinatal period.
Highlighting the significance of supporting new parents during this transformative and potentially stressful phase, Shannon Fentiman, the Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services, and Minister for Women, underscored the commitment to facilitating a positive experience for new families.
“While having a baby is an incredibly joyous time for new parents, it can also be very stressful. One of the best gifts we can give new parents is support, and providing access to early care for parents and infants during the perinatal period to protect their mental health and well-being is invaluable,” stated Minister Fentiman.
The $20 million investment encompasses funding for Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) to implement a free Intensive Care Coordination service for Queensland families. This service will complement PANDA’s existing free Helpline, ensuring families have continuous access to counseling, consultation, and support when facing complex mental health conditions.
Expressing gratitude for the funding provided by the Queensland Government, Julie Borninkhof, CEO of PANDA, stated, “The funding provided to PANDA by the Queensland Government means we can provide more intensive specialized care for more vulnerable families and those experiencing more complex mental health conditions.”
Moreover, Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness is set to receive funding over a five-year period to facilitate peer-led support groups for women and their families dealing with perinatal mental health issues. Recognizing the profound impact of welcoming a new family member, Peach Tree aims not only to provide targeted mental health support but also to foster social connections and a sense of belonging through their Parent Wellbeing Centres.
This investment announcement coincides with Perinatal Mental Health Week, a campaign designed to raise awareness about mental health during the perinatal period. Research indicates that approximately 15 to 22 percent of women experience anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy or after giving birth.
The $20 million funding forms part of the broader Queensland Government’s commitment of over $89 million towards perinatal and infant mental health support under the Better Care Together initiative. This initiative outlines Queensland’s plan for state-funded mental health, alcohol, and other drug services until 2027.
