SPIMHP Tool Box

Guiding documents

• Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Model of Care- a framework (2016)
• Australian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Mental Health Care in the Perinatal Period (2017)
• NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines: Pregnancy Care (2019)
• Perinatal Mental Health referral pathway

Screening and Assessment

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

The EPDS is used to screen for the risk of perinatal depression and anxiety. It is very useful for determining the level of need for referral. If you haven't used the EPDS before, SPIMHP offers a half-day training session. See our training page for details.

Copies of the EPDS are available from SPIMHP – just contact us. There are also 36 translated versions available.

WA Health staff can access the EPDS in English and other languages (staff only access).

The Antenatal Risk Questionnaire (ANRQ)

Consistent with the National Guidelines on psychosocial screening, KEMH has introduced the ANRQ to be administered in conjunction with the EPDS.

While the EPDS screens for cross sectional symptoms of depression and anxiety the ANRQ measures for long term risk factors for perinatal mental health and screens for important mental health disorders in addition to depression and anxiety.

If you haven't used the ANRQ before, SPIMHP offers a half-day training session. See our training page for details.

Mothers with severe mental illness

The Perinatal Mental Health Service (PMHS) at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) is an integrated pregnancy, postnatal and mental health service for women with severe mental illness (SMI). This is a statewide service available to all women, not just thought planning to birth at KEMH.

KEMH Perinatal Mental Health Services for Women with Severe Mental Illness (PDF)

For more information, please see the following services:

• Childbirth and Mental Illness clinic (KEMH)
• Mother and Baby Unit (KEMH)
• Mother and Baby Unit (Fiona Stanley Hospital)
• Department of Psychological Medicine (KEMH)

WA Health Referral Pathway 

The Statewide Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Program (SPIMHP) have developed a customisable referral pathway for perinatal mental health. It is designed for use with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).

• Perinatal Mental Health Referral pathway.

Perinatal Mental Health Services

The Perinatal Mental Health Services based out of King Edward Memorial Hospital offers specialist support to women with a history of serious and complex mental health problems during the perinatal period. The services include a pre-conception clinic, and antenatal and postnatal support.

• Pre-conception consultation
• Telehealth Psychiatry Service
• Childbirth and Mental Illness clinic (KEMH)
• Mother and Baby Unit (KEMH)
• Department of Psychological Medicine (KEMH)

Women's Health Centres

Women's Health Services provide quality, holistic healthcare services to enable women to make informed decisions regarding their health and lifestyle. 

A list of Women’s Health Centres in WA.

Community Child Health Program

Community child health nurses support all families with young children. The program offers health and development assessments and screening, immunisation advice and support to families with young children.

• Community Child Health Program

Australian Psychological Society Referral Line

Information on how to access private practicing psychologists (costs may apply).

Telephone: 1800 333 497

Raphael Services (St John of God Health Care) WA

Crisis support

Mental Health Emergency Response Line
1300 555 788 (metro)
1800 676 822 (non metro)

Lifeline
13 11 14

Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800

Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467

Crisis care
(08) 9223 1111 or 1800 199 008

Rurallink: Mental health telephone link for people in rural communities

1800 552 002

Community Mental Health services

beyondblue
1300 22 4636

SANDS Australia (Miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death support)
1300 072 637

PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia
1300 726 306

SANE Australia
1800 18 7263

Grow Mental Wellness Programs
1800 558 268

Helping Minds
(08) 9427 7100

Australian Association for Infant Mental Health 

COPMI: Children of parents with mental illness

Black Dog Institute

Western Australian Association for Mental Health

Gidget Foundation

Family and Parenting Support

Ngala
(08) 9368 9368 or 1800 111 546

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Helpline
1800 882 436

Relationships Australia
1300 364 277

Meerilinga Parenting Services
(08) 9489 4022 or 1800 200 702

Playgroup WA
1800 171 882

Raising Children Network

RUAH Community Services
(08) 9485 3939

healthdirect
1800 022 222

Anglicare WA

Wanslea

Resources for fathers

MensLine Australia
1300 78 99 78

Dads WA (Ngala)
(08) 9368 9368

The Fathering Project

SMS4dads

How is dad going?

1300 726 306 (PANDA National Helpline)

Aboriginal resources

Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation
(08) 9218 9477

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service
(08) 9421 3888

Wungening Aboriginal Corporation
(08) 9221 1411

Aboriginal Legal Service
1800 019 900

Babbingur Mia Health Service (Rockingham)

Please note: The details provided on this page were correct at the time of publication and are subject to change at any time. Information provided about community resources is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace professional advice. All users should seek advice from a qualified professional for answers to their questions.

Resources produced by the Statewide Perinatal and infant Mental health Program. Please email spimhp@health.wa.gov.au to place an order.

• Finding Help before and after baby arrives (booklet, 2021)
  Being a Mum (pamphlet, 2015)
• Being a Dad (pamphlet, 2015)
• Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS): Translated into languages other than English. 36 translated versions of the EPDS have been developed for use with non-English speaking women. Free within WA. For health professionals only.
• Department of Health employees - download EPDS translations (WNHS intranet)
• Emotional health and wellbeing. A range of information on Emotional Health for new parents is available through the HealthyWA Website.
• Websites and apps supporting mental health for new mums and dads