Perinatal & Infant Mental Health Service (PIMHS)

What we do?

We work in partnership with mothers and families with diagnosed mental health problems during the perinatal period to optimise mental, social and physical health. We have a holistic approach to care delivery to assist women and families affected by severe and complex mental illness.

What to expect?

We provide a full range of specialist perinatal services including assessment, supportive counselling, medication management and advice on maintaining a healthy balanced lifestyle during the perinatal period. Our service consists of a range specialist including Perinatal Consultant Psychiatrist, clinical nurse consultant and perinatal mental health nurse specialists.

We offer:

• Consultation-liaison for adult mental health teams in all settings including community, and mental health inpatient settings
• Joint assessments and home visits with other services to ensure a holistic care
• Short term care to support challenges of pregnancy and early parenting with emphasis on the promotion of mother and infant attachment
• Liaison and coordination or care across services
• Pre-conception planning for patients of ESMHS

Eligibility criteria for the service include:

• Be pregnant or have a child aged between 0 and 2 years old
• Have a history or current symptoms of mental illness such as psychosis, bipolar, major depression, severe anxiety
• Reside in the Prince of Wales Hospital catchment area, and
• Be age 18 or older* (clients of the Eastern Sydney Mental Health Service - Youth or EPP services will be considered from age 16)

For any mental distress, please call the NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511. If life is at risk please call Triple Zero (000) to receive immediate help.