What you get by completing this session

  • 35 mins of CPD

    A 25 minute video lecture with presentation slides, you can stop and start anytime you like. Test your learing quiz is included.

  • Certificate of Completion

    Receive a certificate once you complete the session. Download this from your student dashboard or in your course completion email

  • Easy CPD Documentation

    Fill out the CPD Documentation activity at the end of the session, receive a PDF summary of your CPD activity and reflection right to your email inbox to save or print out!

What you'll learn in this expert session

This presentation will cover best practice in perinatal mental health. In line with the Australian Guidelines (2017), this presentation will equip health practitioners with the knowledge of recommended screening tools to assess psychosocial risk and the presence of common symptoms of anxiety and depression. Evidence-based treatments will also be covered – including the role of psychological treatments and the safe use of medications in pregnancy and in breast-feeding mothers.


Learning Objectives:

  • Identify those women at highest risk of anxiety, depression and mental health problems during and after pregnancy, and educate them about their personal risk and when to seek help
  • Investigate mother-infant bonding and identify any risk of harm to either mother or baby
  • Examine and medically evaluate, and/or refer for management, pregnant or postpartum women who have mental health issues

About the Expert

Dr Nicole Highet

Dr Nicole Highet is the Founder and Executive Director of the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE). Nicole has a background in clinical psychology, marketing, campaign development, and advocacy. Following over 13 years at Beyond Blue as Deputy CEO, Nicole founded COPE in 2013 in response to the growth and success of Australia’s National Perinatal Depression Initiative (NPDI). COPE’s work includes National guideline development and world-leading innovative approaches to e-health promotion and stigma reduction, psychoeducation, e-screening platforms, online training, and e-referral pathways via the e-COPE Directory.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    How to complete this course

    • Instructions

  • 2

    Perinatal Depression and Anxiety

    • Summary and learning objectives

    • Video lecture (25 mins)

    • Quiz: test your learning (10 mins)

  • 3

    Document your CPD here

    • CPD Documentation and Reflection Activity Tool

  • 4

    Feedback

    • Please let us know your thoughts