Social isolation, extended wait lists and living in regional communities can sometimes make it difficult to access more traditional perinatal support services.

The good news is, support is now readily available through a suite of free and effective online programs, designed to connect parents quickly with the level of support they need; from advice and support in the transition to parenthood, to effective online treatment programs for perinatal depression and anxiety.

The Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) provides a unique contribution to early intervention. For 21 years, PIRI has been combining basic research and clinical expertise to address anxiety, depression and other difficulties facing parents and infants.

PIRI is a leading body, recognised internationally, for its leading-edge research into perinatal depression and anxiety and translating research to practice. Programs developed by PIRI are evidence-based, having been evaluated in Australian trials.

PIRI has steadily built on its vision to expand the reach of the suite of evaluated programs which are available at every step of a comprehensive stepped-care mental health model. The aim is to provide Australian parents with flexible access and move between different levels of evidence-based support as their needs change.

PIRI aims to act on the compelling evidence on the importance of investing in the early years of a child’s life. The links between what happens to children when they are young, and their future wellbeing are strong. Improving an infant’s dysfunctional or stressful environment is now understood to have the potential to improve both brain and emotional development. By giving our children a better start, we all stand to benefit.

Exciting results from our first controlled evaluation of the MumMoodBooster postnatal depression program have recently been published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research. These results indicate that MumMoodBooster is an effective and engaging treatment option that will reach more women, particularly those who live in regional communities, or are unable to attend face-to-face sessions at a clinic.

PIRI is committed to investing in the earliest years to build a brighter future.

PIRI’s free online programs include:

MumMoodBooster Online Treatment Program

Mum2BMoodBooster Online Treatment Program

DadBooster Online Treatment Program

Free digital resources for perinatal depression and anxiety are also available via websites for men and women, MumSpace and DadSpace.