Postnatal depression treatment

How to get started

Find the right Psychologist

Most of our psychologists work in the Melbourne CBD Clinic, and the rest in different locations across Melbourne. You can find out all about our psychologists – when, where and what issues they work with – on our online booking page or you can call our reception on 1300 161 639.

Personal Matching

We recommend that your first step is an online Personal Matching appointment. Research shows that the key to successful outcomes is the relationship between client and psychologist. At Psychology Melbourne, we don't leave that to chance. We offer a personal matching session with one of our trained Matching Psychologists who will expertly choose the right psychologist for you and your issues.

Fees & rebates

GP Referral

All our psychologists are registered with Medicare, allowing clients with a referral and a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from their GP to receive a substantial rebate.

Note that you do not require a referral from a GP unless you intend to claim a Medicare rebate.

Find out more about MHCP Medicare rebate.

Information for referring GPs

Opening hours

Reception is open:
Mon–Thu 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am - 6 pm
Saturday 9 am - 3 pm
closed public holidays

After hours appointments may also be available.

Find out more about our counselling hours and appointments.

Phone & video counselling

If you are can't get to the clinic, you can use our secure phone and video counselling services. This allows you to get expert, effective psychological help from your home, but also from work or your hotel room when you’re interstate or overseas.

FAQs

See answers to frequently asked questions about our clinics, treatment, EAP, fees and rebates.

medicare rebate

"Life is not what it's supposed to be. It's what it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference."

—Virginia Satir

Immediate appointments available
Psychologists Online across Australia for counselling, testing and groups - Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Canberra

What is post-natal depression?

While a new baby is almost universally regarded as an occasion for joy, one in seven mothers suffers a feeling of sadness and hopelessness. They may feel anxious or guilty, have difficulty sleeping and lose interest in food. They may feel incompetent and emotionally numb.

The onset of post-natal depression (PND) can occur days, weeks or months after the baby is born. It is quite different from the “baby blues”, or antenatal depression, which around 10 per cent of new mothers experience due to hormonal changes up to a few days after the birth of a child.

As many as one in 16 young Australian mothers are believed to suffer from PND. They might feel completely unprepared for the demands of motherhood, and overwhelmed by the expectations of society. They may experience a loss of their sense of identity and feel they have been set adrift in a world that is unconnected with their previous lives and careers.

Post-natal depression causes a young mother to withdraw from most people around her, including her child and her partner. This can put the woman’s relationship with her partner under stress, increasing the emotional tension in an already difficult situation.

There is no clear cause of PND, but factors that may contribute include hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, and emotional changes that occur when adjusting to a new role as a mother. The latest research suggests that women who have unintended pregnancies are four times more likely to have post-natal depression.

What are some of the signs of post-natal depression?

Strategies to help manage PND

Treatment for PND

Post-natal depression and Men

It is also possible for fathers to experience post-natal depression. It is often for similar reasons to women; change in role, anxiety regarding being a parent, worry about their relationship or sex life following the baby being born, and feeling a lack of bond with the baby.

When to seek professional assistance

Post-natal depression won’t disappear without treatment. If any of these signs and symptoms sound familiar, it’s best to seek help as soon as possible. Psychological treatment is regarded as the best approach for mild to moderate cases of PND.

There is still some stigma surrounding post-natal depression, but it is very important to seek help. Speaking about post-natal depression helps to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about the illness. Psychology Melbourne has a number of sensitive, caring, and experienced psychologists who can help mothers experiencing PND.

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OUR LOCATIONS

MELBOURNE CBD
(main practice)
2/50 Queen Street
VICTORIA
accessible
Phone 1300 161 639 for all locations
Reception Hours:
Mon - Thurs 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 6 pm,  Sat 9 am - 2:30 pm
SYDNEY
NEW SOUTH WALES
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