Getting Help

Postnatal Depression and Anxiety Treatment Programs

Getting Ahead of Postnatal Depression

Getting Ahead of Postnatal Depression (GAPND) is a twelve-session cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) group program designed specifically for postnatal women to improve maternal mood. The program consists of 9 weekly sessions for mothers (each session is approximately 1.5 hours) which are also complimented by 3 couples sessions that focus on the important role of fathers and the couple relationship.

During the 9 sessions women learn strategies to help manage their mood by developing key behavioral and cognitive skills.

A number of psychosocial risk factors and common problems experienced by postnatal women and their partners are also addressed during the sessions.

The GAPND program has been extensively evaluated and found to be highly effective in improving maternal mood.

To find out more email us at piri@austin.org.au

MumMoodBooster Online Programs

The MumMoodBooster programs are free, online treatments which may be suitable for pregnant women or new mothers and are:

• Struggling to cope
• Feeling flat, sad, or depressed

Mum2BMoodBooster (antenatal)

Mum2BMoodBooster is a free online program designed to help women recover from antenatal depression.  By joining you will:

• Have access to six online sessions that can be personalized to fit their situation.
• Gain access to an online library and optional partner support website
• Be asked to complete online questionnaires
• The internet treatment will be supplemented by a personal coach.

To join or find out more, visit the Mum2BMoodBooster website

MumMoodBooster (postnatal)

MumMoodBooster is an online treatment program for postnatal depression. As part of the treatment trial you will be randomly allocated to one of three treatment options: MumMoodBooster, face-to-face therapy, or standard care with your GP/ Maternal Child Health Nurse. If you are assigned to MumMoodBooster, you will complete 6 interactive online sessions that will teach you skills known to improve depression. You will also receive a weekly support call from a phone coach, access to an online library and to a web forum. If you have a current partner, they will be provided with a useful support website.

To join, or for more information, visit the MumMoodBooster website

If you would like to speak to someone regarding MumMoodBooster, please contact us on (03) 9496 4496 or piri@austin.org.au. If you have any questions about our research programs please contact our friendly staff, or see our FAQs About Research.

If you are health professional wishing to refer a client to one of our free treatment programs, please contact us on (03) 9496 4496 or piri@austin.org.au

Towards Parenthood

This book focuses on the main areas of change encountered by men and women as they make the transition into parenthood. Text and thought provoking exercises prepare the reader for the emotional, social and psychological changes that may arise as they become parents. The focus is on developing both coping skills and parenting skills.

Read more…

Bupa Parent and Baby Wellbeing Program

If you have Bupa private health insurance, you may be able to see one of our psychologists without any out of pocket expenses.

Bupa, in association with PIRI, have developed the Parent and Baby Wellbeing program. This national program provides a generous number of psychological therapy sessions for expecting and new parents. Those eligible for this service include members with BUPA hospital cover, who are expecting a child or have a child who is less than 2 years of age. All sessions are free of charge and can be provided in person, by phone or telehealth.

Read more…

PIRI is currently recruiting interested participants for current projects. Below are some common questions that people ask themselves when considering becoming involved in a research project.

What are the benefits to me?

Participating in research can be a great way to access information and treatment programs that are at the cutting edge of current knowledge. Research programs are generally offered free of charge and may help to add to your range of available options. Treatment options may include: participation in group therapy, individual or telephone counselling, or receiving tailored information and training.

What are the benefits to others?

Sometimes the research programs that we offer do not provide any direct benefits to the participant. In these cases, it is simply the knowledge that you are helping to contribute to the benefit of other people in the future that might motivate you to be involved.
No matter which research program you are looking at and what it involves you should take some time to consider the implications before signing up.

What will be involved?

Usually our research participants are asked to fill in questionnaires, attend treatment sessions or give medical data. Being compliant with what is being asked of you is an important aspect of being a research participant.
It is important to fully understand what will be asked of you before you say yes!

Where do I find more information ?

All research programs run by PIRI have a ‘Participant Information and Consent Form’. This form details what is involved, the possible risks of involvement, alternatives to involvement and your privacy and confidentiality as a research participant. Before agreeing to participate in a study you will need to read and sign the consent form.

Other good sources of information are the project brochure, information on the website or calling PIRI to speak to the research co-ordinator.

What does it mean to be ‘randomised’ to a group?

The goal of most research programs is to measure whether the treatment being investigated actually works. The most common way of measuring the effects of a research program is to compare a ‘control group’ and a ‘treatment group’. At PIRI, we will at the very minimum compare our research treatments against what is currently considered to be ‘best practice’ for the control group.

If you are involved in a program that includes randomisation, you will be randomly allocated to receive either the research treatment or the control treatment. Randomisation is extremely important to ensure that the results are measuring the treatment effects.

Which research study is right for me?

Choosing a research program may depend on several things: your availability, what the current projects are, the inclusion criteria and recruitment procedures, and what is involved in the study.

Please feel free to call us on (03) 9496 4496 and speak to one of our friendly staff.