Specialised Mental Health Support for New Fathers
The transition to parenthood is a major life change. While it can be deeply rewarding, many new and expectant fathers experience stress, uncertainty, and emotional strain as they adjust to their new role. Around 1 in 10 Australian dads experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after the birth of a child, yet many do not seek help through traditional support services.
To address this gap, the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) has developed DadBooster, a world-first, evidence-based online treatment program designed specifically for fathers experiencing depression or anxiety in the perinatal period.
Learn more about why specialised perinatal mental health support matters and how evidence-based care can be adapted for parents during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Why DadBooster Was Developed
Depressed or anxious fathers are significantly less likely to access face-to-face mental health services, meaning symptoms often go unrecognised and untreated. Research shows that untreated paternal depression can affect not only fathers themselves, but also partners, infants, and family relationships.
DadBooster was developed to provide accessible, private, and effective support for fathers who may not otherwise engage with traditional care. DadBooster builds on the proven success of MumMoodBooster and has been evaluated in a randomised controlled trial demonstrating significant improvements in depression symptoms for fathers experiencing postnatal depression.
DadBooster was co-designed with Australian dads and dads-to-be, drawing directly on lived experience and research to ensure it meets the real needs of men during the transition to parenthood.
Free to access
Evidence Behind DadBooster
DadBooster is supported by research from the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI), including a randomised controlled trial published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
In the trial, 50 Australian fathers experiencing clinically diagnosed depression were randomly assigned to receive DadBooster or usual care. Fathers who used DadBooster experienced significantly greater improvements in depression symptoms compared with those receiving usual care.
After 12 weeks, fathers who completed DadBooster showed an average 72% reduction in depression symptoms, with average scores moving from the moderate range into the normal range. The program was also associated with improvements in stress, negative thinking, and confidence in the parenting role.
The study found that fathers engaged well with the program, with 80% completing four or more sessions.
Read the published DadBooster research study (Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2026)
Holt C, Ericksen J, Gemmill A, Rodrigues A, Milgrom J. Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Fathers With Postnatal Depression: Randomized Controlled Trial of DadBooster. Med Internet Res 2026;28:e94541 URL: https://www.jmir.org/2026/1/e94541 DOI: 10.2196/94541
What Is DadBooster?
DadBooster is a free, six-session online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program designed specifically for fathers experiencing low mood, stress, anxiety or depression during the transition to parenthood.
The program is structured like a series of sessions with a psychologist, but is delivered online so fathers can complete it privately, at their own pace, and in their own time.
DadBooster includes:
- Structured, evidence-based CBT strategies to improve mood and manage stress
- Practical tools to help fathers understand and respond to unhelpful thinking patterns
- Regular low-intensity SMS messages providing encouragement, reminders, and support
- Ongoing monitoring of symptoms to track progress over time
Partner Support
Fathers can choose to invite their partner to access a dedicated partner website, which provides:
- Information about paternal depression and anxiety
- Guidance on how to support a partner experiencing low mood
- Resources to support partners’ own emotional wellbeing
This optional component recognises that supporting the whole family is central to improving outcomes for parents and infants.
Who Can Use DadBooster?
DadBooster is designed for fathers in Australia who are experiencing depression, anxiety, low mood or significant stress during pregnancy or after the birth of a child.
- No referral is required
- The program can be started at any time
- Participation is completely voluntary
Time Commitment and Confidentiality
DadBooster consists of six sessions, which can be completed weekly or at a pace that suits the individual. Many fathers find that a small, regular time commitment can lead to meaningful improvements in mood and coping.
The program is confidential and secure. Progress is monitored to support engagement and outcomes, but personal information and responses remain private.
Quality and Accreditation
DadBooster is an accredited digital mental health program, meeting the requirements of the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards. This ensures the program delivers high-quality, evidence-based care and meets rigorous standards for safety, privacy, and clinical effectiveness.
Access DadBooster
DadBooster is free to access and supported by funding from the Australian Government.
Fathers can get started with DadBooster directly through the DadBooster website. Health professionals can also recommend DadBooster as an evidence-based online treatment option for fathers experiencing emotional difficulties during the transition to parenthood.
Learn how health professionals can integrate online CBT programs into perinatal care.
Get started with DadBooster:
www.dadbooster.com
For more information, practical tools, stories from other dads, and resources to support fathers and families, visit DadSpace, developed by the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) to support fathers across Australia.
DadSpace provides information, blogs, stories from other dads, and practical strategies to help fathers build confidence and navigate the transition to parenthood.
You can also download DadBooster resources, including the DadBooster brochure, flyer and supporting tip sheets, from the DadSpace Resources page.