No cost therapeutic counselling for new and expecting mothers
Having a new baby can be thrilling and rewarding, but at times it can be difficult and stressful.
Many changes can happen to a woman when she is pregnant and after she gives birth. These changes can leave new mothers feeling sad, anxious or overwhelmed. For many women, these feelings go away, but when they persist or get worse, it is important to seek help.
Perinatal depression affects one in ten women during pregnancy, and one in six women in the first year after the birth.
Our Perinatal Wellbeing program provides no cost counselling services for new and expecting mothers who are experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns.
Our Clinicians will work with you to develop new strategies to manage those symptoms, so you can begin to make changes in your life and improve your wellbeing.
Appointments last for 50 minutes to an hour. You will see the same clinician each time.
Clinicians will assess your needs and then use proven techniques to help you manage your symptoms.
Our friendly Clinicians will provide you safe, confidential and
judgement-free treatment.
Mental health services are free at Sonder.
If you are a new or expecting mother and experience the following signs and symptoms, seeking help is recommended.
To be eligible for Perinatal Wellbeing, you must:
The Perinatal Wellbeing staff are Mental Health Clinicians, including Psychologists, Mental Health Accredited Social Workers and Mental Health Nurses who are highly skilled in counselling new and expecting mothers.
To get started with Perinatal Wellbeing, you’ll need to visit your GP and request a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
To find out how to get a Mental Health Treatment Plan, check out our webpage Getting a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
Alternatively, you can be referred by a Maternal or Child Health Nurse, Midwife or Obstetrician via our Community Referral Form.
Please be informed that starting from July 1, 2023, Sonder will discontinue the provision of Perinatal Wellbeing services in the northern metropolitan region.
As a result, we will not be accepting new referrals for clients residing in the northern region.
We kindly advise referrers and community members to reach out to Adelaide PHN’s Mental Health Enquiry Phone Line at 1300 898 213 for detailed information regarding alternative service options.
Information for GPs
To refer a patient to this service, please download the Mental Health Treatment Plan, complete and fax to the Central Referral Unit on 1300 580 249
Mental Health Treatment PlanWe support people living with mental health concerns to improve their wellbeing, live independently and pursue a life with meaning, hope and purpose.
We do this through:
If you, or someone you are with, are hurt or need immediate support, please call 000.
Mental Health EmergenciesNo cost therapeutic counselling for people with mild to moderate mental health concerns.
No cost counselling for children with emotional, behavioural or mental health concerns.
Available 5 pm - 9 pm, Monday - Friday
This service is supported by funding from the Adelaide Primary Health Network through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.
