Perinatal Mental Health & Postnatal Depression
At Foundation Psychology Melbourne, we understand that the perinatal period — from pregnancy through the first year after birth — can be one of the most emotionally challenging times in a person’s life. Postnatal depression and other perinatal mental health conditions are more common than many people realise, and effective, evidence-based support is available.
Our psychologist Hannah Rayner has a special interest in perinatal mental health and provides compassionate, tailored support for individuals and families navigating this significant life transition. Dr Zac Elizabeth Buchanan also provides pregnancy support counselling and is eligible to provide Medicare-rebated services (item 81000) with a referral from a GP.
What Is Perinatal Mental Health?
Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of individuals during pregnancy (the antenatal period) and in the first year after giving birth (the postnatal period). Mental health difficulties during this time can affect mothers, fathers, partners, and entire families.
Perinatal mental health conditions include:
- Postnatal depression (PND) — persistent low mood, sadness, or hopelessness following the birth of a baby
- Antenatal depression and anxiety — depression or anxiety experienced during pregnancy
- Postnatal anxiety — excessive worry, panic attacks, or fear related to the baby or parenting
- Birth trauma — psychological distress following a difficult or traumatic birth experience
- Perinatal OCD — intrusive thoughts about harm coming to the baby, or compulsive checking behaviours
- Postnatal PTSD — post-traumatic stress disorder triggered by a traumatic birth or pregnancy complication
- Adjustment difficulties — difficulty coping with the major life changes that come with becoming a parent
Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Depression
Postnatal depression affects approximately 1 in 7 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers and partners in Australia. It is not a sign of weakness or failure — it is a medical condition that responds well to psychological treatment.
Common signs and symptoms of postnatal depression include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or tearfulness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or hopeless
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Feeling anxious or on edge much of the time
- Changes in appetite or sleep beyond those caused by your baby’s routine
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of harming yourself or feeling that your baby or family would be better off without you
- Intrusive or frightening thoughts about your baby
If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please seek immediate help from your GP, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or present to your nearest emergency department.
How We Can Help: Treatment for Postnatal Depression in Melbourne
Foundation Psychology Melbourne offers individual psychological therapy for postnatal depression and perinatal mental health concerns. Our approach is evidence-based, compassionate, and tailored to your unique circumstances. Hannah Rayner, our perinatal mental health specialist, draws on a range of effective therapeutic approaches.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most well-researched treatments for postnatal depression and anxiety. CBT helps you identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and develop practical coping skills to manage the emotional demands of parenthood.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports new parents in accepting difficult thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them, and in reconnecting with what matters most to them as parents and individuals.
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy can be particularly helpful for individuals whose postnatal difficulties are connected to deeper patterns from childhood or past relationships. It helps you understand and heal longstanding emotional wounds that may be activated by becoming a parent.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Interpersonal Therapy focuses on improving communication and relationships — particularly relevant during the postnatal period when relationship strain, role transitions, and social isolation are common contributors to low mood.
Pregnancy Support Counselling
In addition to mental health treatment, Foundation Psychology also offers non-directive pregnancy support counselling, available to women who are currently pregnant or who have been pregnant in the preceding 12 months.
Dr Zac Elizabeth Buchanan is eligible to provide Medicare-rebated pregnancy support counselling services (item 81000) with a referral from a GP.
What is non-directive pregnancy support counselling?
This is a form of counselling based on the understanding that, in many situations, people can resolve their own concerns without being provided with a solution by the psychologist. The service involves the counsellor undertaking a safe, confidential process that helps the patient explore concerns they have about a pregnancy. This includes providing unbiased, evidence-based information about all options and services available to the patient, where requested.
The service can address all pregnancy-related issues for which non-directive counselling is appropriate. An eligible woman’s partner may attend counselling sessions.
There are important differences between pregnancy support counselling and mental health psychological services under Medicare:
- The pregnancy support counselling referral is not specifically for a mental health disorder, but can be for parenting, health or relationship concerns.
- The pregnancy support counselling rebate only covers 3 sessions, although you may continue working with the psychologist as a private patient, or be referred again under another appropriate initiative. Speak to your GP about the suitability of other Medicare services.
Pregnancy support counselling may also help clients identify issues for which they may need help from professionals other than a psychologist — for example, medical, social services, legal or financial professionals to address concerns about pregnancy care, living arrangements, childcare, or finances.
Who Do We Support?
We provide support to:
- Mothers experiencing postnatal depression or anxiety
- Fathers and partners experiencing postnatal depression
- Individuals experiencing depression or anxiety during pregnancy
- Those recovering from a traumatic birth or pregnancy loss
- Parents struggling to bond with their baby
- Individuals with a history of mental health difficulties preparing for parenthood
- Those experiencing relationship difficulties related to the transition to parenthood
- Women currently pregnant or within 12 months of giving birth seeking non-directive pregnancy support
Getting a Referral
You can access psychological support for postnatal depression and perinatal mental health through a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, which provides Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. Learn more about getting a Mental Health Care Plan.
For pregnancy support counselling, ask your GP about a referral for item 81000 (non-directive pregnancy support counselling).
You are also welcome to self-refer without a GP referral — speak to us about our fees and private billing options on our fees and rebates page.
About Hannah Rayner — Perinatal Mental Health Psychologist
Hannah Rayner is a Clinical Psychologist (BSci Psych, GDipPsych, MPsych Clinical, MAPS) at Foundation Psychology Melbourne with a special interest in perinatal mental health, including postnatal depression, antenatal anxiety, and the emotional challenges of the transition to parenthood. Hannah brings a warm, sensitive, and non-judgmental approach to her work, creating a safe space for parents to explore their experiences and build resilience.
Hannah works with both mothers and fathers, and draws on evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, and Schema Therapy.
Take the First Step
You don’t have to navigate postnatal depression or perinatal mental health difficulties alone. Foundation Psychology Melbourne offers compassionate, evidence-based support to help you and your family thrive.
Book an appointment today, or contact us to find out more about how we can help.