In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

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We offer appointments for parents and families experiencing emotional, social and psychological difficulties that may have an impact on the health and wellbeing of the children and family.

About this service

Our counsellors are available to help you with:

  • adjusting to being a parent
  • connecting with your baby and toddler
  • bonding, attachment and positive parenting practices
  • emotional wellbeing for expectant parents
  • managing antenatal and postnatal anxiety, distress and depression
  • experiences of grief and loss
  • coping with a difficult or traumatic birth experience
  • the impact of past experiences, childhood trauma or family violence on wellbeing or parenting confidence
  • family or relationship challenges in the early parenting years
  • feeling isolated from family, friends or the community
  • coping with having a baby with developmental delays, disabilities or additional needs
  • connecting with other support services.

We can offer:

  • Up to eight sessions of individual counselling and therapeutic interventions with a parent or caregiver. We can offer additional sessions in some situations.
  • In the counselling sessions we provide support and advice to better manage and overcome challenges that may arise in the early stages of family life.
  • Group programs, subject to demand.

Please note we are not an emergency or crisis service.

Who we care for

We care for:

  • all parents and caregivers in the ACT with children aged up to 5 years old, and
  • all pregnant people and their partners in the ACT.

This service is free to Medicare and Asylum Seeker card holders.

How to access this service

You can self-refer by calling Central Health Intake on (02) 5124 9977.

Your GP or other health professional may also arrange for you to access this service.

What to expect

We will contact you within two weeks of receiving your referral to offer you an initial appointment.

What to bring to your appointment

  • Medicare card

Where we’re located

Face to face appointments are available at:

Home visits can be arranged in exceptional circumstances.

Telehealth and phone counselling may be available by request.

Information for referrers

Health Professionals can complete a Patient Information and Referral Form and email to Central Health Intake at:

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In the case of a life threatening emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

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Contact us

Switchboard Canberra Hospital
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

Switchboard North Canberra Hospital
(02) 6201 6111

International callers
+61 (2) 6201 6111

Switchboard other hospitals and services
(02) 5124 0000

International callers
+61 (2) 5124 0000

The switchboard handles all calls to, from and within the hospital 24 hours/seven days a week