Improving access to free counselling for new parents in Perth

4 Mar 2020

4 March 2020 

St John of God Raphael Services  began operating in Merriwa and Joondalup late last year, bringing Western Australia’s total number of sites to six and 18 nationally.

Since opening, the Merriwa and Joondalup Raphael Services satellites have seen 50 clients.

Manager Raphael Services WA, Donna Kristianopulos, said the expansion of the Service into Perth’s northern suburbs was extremely well received by the local community and was helping bring specialist mental health care to areas of need.

“It is important that our services are accessible to mums and dads across Perth,” Donna said.

“The opening of these satellite locations means our clients won’t have to travel long distances to access quality care.”

Raphael Services client, Marie said having access to a service that’s close to home was important, especially for new parents going through a period of significant adjustment and trying to work around their child’s sleep and feeding schedule.

“Having Raphael Services closer to home makes it much easier to get to my appointments and makes it a lot less stressful,” she said.

“It means I can work around my baby’s naps and don’t have to put the baby in the car for long periods of time, which takes a big stress off as that can be really challenging.”

St John of God Raphael Services offers free early-intervention counselling, therapy and support for parents from conception to the baby’s fourth birthday.

“Mental health can cost so much money, so I’m grateful to have the opportunity to get help at no cost, close to home, with a professional team who specialise in perinatal anxiety and depression,” Marie said.

Did you know?

Last year, St John of God Raphael Services provided more than 23,000 individual counselling sessions to more than 2,000 parents. 

For more information and to book an appointment, visit the St John of God Raphael Services page or phone 1800 292 292.