Perinatal Psychology

Deciding to see a psychologist during the perinatal period (pregnancy through the first year after birth) can be especially important because mental health challenges like anxiety and depression are common but treatable. A perinatal psychologist brings specialized knowledge in maternal and infant mental health, helping parents manage the emotional changes of pregnancy and early parenthood. They use evidence-based therapies to support both parents and improve parent-child relationships, addressing unique concerns such as sleep deprivation, relationship changes, and adapting to new roles. For more information about seeing a perinatal trained psychologist or mental health professional please see our blog post here

Telehealth allows you to access healthcare remotely via phone or video conferencing tools like Zoom. It’s a convenient way to receive psychological services, especially during times when in-person visits aren’t possible. For new parents, telehealth offers flexibility, allowing you to get support from home without the need for childcare or travel. At Mums Matter Psychology, we use Zoom for telehealth appointments, and the process is easy. You'll receive a link before your session to join the virtual meeting. If you’re an existing client, you’ll continue with your current psychologist, and if you’re a new client, you’ll need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. Telehealth ensures that even during times of social distancing, you can still access the mental health support you need for issues like parenting challenges, pregnancy, or birth trauma. For more information about telehealth please see our blog post here.

All appointments are scheduled for 50 minutes. You will be called in at your scheduled appointment time or with a very minimal wait time if attending face-to-face. You will be phoned or admitted to your Zoom meeting room by your clinician if you are attending via Telehealth.

Each person attending therapy will have different needs. Your clinician will: offer a safe, trusting relationship provide a treatment plan that is created with your input adjust the treatment to your mental health condition and circumstances keep what you say in an appointment confidential offer a positive and non-judgemental approach with a view to your recovery. You will agree the frequency of your appointments with your psychologist after an assessment phase and adjust this as necessary during your treatment. At the most frequent you would have weekly appointments.

As above, each person attending therapy will have different needs. You will agree the number of sessions you require with your clinician after an assessment phase and adjust this as necessary during your treatment.

We now have Google Translate available for instant translation during sessions, ensuring accessible support for clients who do not speak English.

In your first session, the clinician will ask you some questions to understand your current situation and what assistance and treatment may be beneficial for you. This might include topics like: What is currently bothering you – mood, sleep, eating patterns, behaviours, thoughts, relationships Your medical and mental health history Current medications Substance use Who your family and friends are and their relationship with you especially with your partner and child/dren if you have them Your living situation ​ Your clinician may also ask you to complete some psychological scales to assess your mental health. You will develop a treatment plan together and subsequent sessions will be spent working together on your goals.

As a private practice with clinicians who have additional training in perinatal mental health, we are conscious of our scope of practice and capacity. We want you to receive the treatment that is best suited to your needs so you can see the best outcomes and improve your mental health. As such, we recommend seeking treatment with alternative services if any of the following apply to you: You have a current or enduring psychotic illness or eating disorder You have long-standing suicidal or homicidal ideation or suicide attempts without a current psychiatrist currently providing you care You have current involvement with child protection and Family and Community Services without case management support You have current excessive alcohol or other drug use without Drug & Alcohol service support ​ In these circumstances, we are unable to provide the special knowledge for treatment and follow-up care that will be best for your recovery.

You are welcome to bring your baby or children with you to the session. Our use of Maternal and Child Health centers means there are always toys available for their entertainment. Some mothers however do like to take this time as a reflective focused time so choose to arrange childcare during the session. Older children may also listen to things that you may not want them to be aware of. Please consider this when deciding who to bring along to your session.

Please see our fees page for full information about costs for appointments. If you have a mental health care plan from your GP, then we are able to bulk-bill under Medicare for up to 20 sessions in total to ensure treatment is accessible to everyone.

You are able to read through our psychology consent form prior to your session which outlines other important factors like confidentiality, communication and cancellation fees. Click here to read the form in advance of your session. ​ We abide by the Australian Psychological Society Charter for Clients which you can read here. Our full Privacy Policy can be read here.