1. A model for the provision of integrated perinatal and infant mental health services in regional settings.
- Author
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Lee, Vivian Wing Woon and Newman, Louise Kathryn
- Subjects
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MENTAL health services , *PARENT-infant relationships , *PSYCHIATRY -- Methodology , *MANAGEMENT , *MENTAL illness treatment , *CHILD health services , *MATERNAL health services , *MILIEU therapy , *PREGNANCY complications , *RURAL health services , *MENTAL health services administration , *EARLY medical intervention ,PERINATAL care - Abstract
Objective: This paper aims to describe current approaches in Victoria to the development of perinatal and infant mental health services in regional areas.Method: 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.Results: 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.Conclusions: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2018
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