A model for the provision of integrated perinatal and infant mental health services in regional settings

This paper aims to describe current approaches in Victoria to the development of perinatal and infant mental health services in regional areas. The paper outlines the significance of perinatal mental disorder for maternal wellbeing and impact on infant development, and describes the model of care at the Agnes Unit. The Agnes Unit has been established as a residential therapeutic unit offering short-term treatment that focusses on promoting parental mental health, parenting sensitivity and the parent-infant relationship. A coordinated and integrated approach with focus on early intervention is needed to deliver perinatal and infant mental health services. Services need to focus on the infant and parent-infant relationship in addition to parental mental health