This service does not offer emergency mental health assistance. If you need urgent help, please contact your local emergency number, Lifeline: 13 11 14 or 13 YARN: 13 92 76
Our approach to perinatal mental health support
St John of God Raphael Services provides no or low cost emotional and mental health support for parents during pregnancy and the early years of parenting in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia.
Conception, pregnancy and early parenting can bring joy, but they can also be emotionally challenging and overwhelming experiences. If you’re finding this time harder than expected, you’re not alone.
St John of God Raphael Services offers specialist perinatal mental health support, providing compassionate, evidence-based counselling and therapy tailored to your individual needs and family circumstances. We support families from conception through to a child’s fourth birthday.
Working in partnership with your GP and local health services, we focus on practical strategies that support emotional wellbeing, healthy bonding and strong relationships. Our care is grounded in respect, dignity and compassion, ensuring you feel supported and understood throughout your care journey.
Our Community Services Charter outlines your rights and responsibilities and explains what you can expect when engaging with St John of God Raphael Services.
Who we support
We support mums, dads, partners and families experiencing:
- Anxiety or depression during pregnancy
- Postnatal depression or anxiety
- Emotional distress following birth or birth trauma
- Pregnancy loss or challenging prenatal testing
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Relationship stress during early parenting
- Adjustment to parenthood and family life
Mental health treatment and services
- Individual counselling: One-on-one sessions with a specialist clinician, providing personalised perinatal mental health counselling and therapy.
- Group therapy: A supportive opportunity to connect with other parents experiencing similar feelings and challenges.
- Psychiatric support: Assessment and treatment for mental health conditions, including medication support where clinically appropriate.
- Support for dads: Holistic support during perinatal depression and anxiety, which affects men as well as women.
- Telehealth services: Counselling and therapy sessions available by phone or video where suitable.
Support for people caring for others
Caring for others can take a toll on your own wellbeing. It’s important to look after yourself and seek support if things start to feel overwhelming. Help is available, and you don’t have to manage it alone.
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Accessing mental health support
To access our services, you will need:
- A GP referral
- A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP)
Once these are in place, you can contact your nearest St John of God Mental Wellbeing Service to speak to our friendly caregivers, who can assist you in arranging your first appointment. In most cases, there is no out-of-pocket cost, with services funded through Medicare.
Referrals
GPs must complete a referral form and Mental Health Care Plan for focussed psychological strategies (item numbers 2700, 2701, 2715 or 2717) and submit them via email or fax (see contact details below).
Guides and templates are available to add this service to Medical Director, Best Practice or ZedMed and Information on making a referral via ReferralNet
Contact St John of God Raphael Services
Phone: 1800 292 292
Fax (referrals only): 1800 433 992
Email:
- Western Australia: [email protected]
- New South Wales: [email protected]
- Ballarat (Victoria): [email protected]
- Bendigo (Victoria): [email protected]
- Berwick (Victoria): [email protected]
- Geelong (Victoria): [email protected]
Our feedback form allows you to send compliments or complaints regarding St John of God Raphael Services.
Locations
New South Wales
Victoria
Western Australia
St John of God Raphael Services in WA are supported by funding from the Australian Government under the PHN Program and commissioned by WA Primary Health Alliance.
Blogs and news
Read articles written by our trusted clinicians and experts to learn more about mental health, wellbeing and the support we offer, along with the latest news from our services.
Frequently asked questions
Accreditation
This service is accredited against the QIC Health and Community Services Standards demonstrating our commitment to providing the best quality services for everyone we serve.
Learn more