Perinatal mental health teams

  • We provide assessment and treatment for pregnant and postnatal women who may be at risk of, or are experiencing, moderate to severe mental health problems.

  • How we can help

    How we can help

    If you are considering pregnancy, we offer expert advice if you have a diagnosed mental health problem, are taking medication for your mental health or have experienced a significant postnatal illness in the past. 

    Our team provides evidence-based treatments tailored to your individual needs, and those of your baby and family.  

    We can see you if you are receiving antenatal care at: 
  • How to get help

    How to get help

    You will be referred to our service by your GP or another healthcare professional. Your assessment may take place at one of the following locations: Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Torbay Hospital, North Devon District Hospital or Derriford. 

    We aim to see people within four weeks of referral. Urgent referrals will be prioritised and appointments offered within two days.

    We accept postnatal referrals for women living in Devon (excluding Plymouth). For those in Plymouth, a local perinatal service is available and can be contacted at 01752 268 011. 

    For urgent referrals outside of office hours, please contact the out-of-hours GP service.

Your assessment

Your assessment appointment will take around one to one and a half hours.  

We will ask you about your current thoughts and feelings, review your mental and physical health, as well as the current or potential impact these may have on your pregnancy or postnatal period. 

We will work with you to develop a care plan tailored to your needs. Our goal is to promote wellness during pregnancy and, where needed, to plan ahead for the postnatal period and reduce the risk of relapse. 

You are welcome to bring your partner, friend or family member to appointments. With consent, we may share relevant information with them to support your care.

Planning for pregnancy and the postnatal period

If you under the care of a recovery care co-ordinator and a consultant psychiatrist, we will involve them in your perinatal planning. These care plans are generally agreed early in pregnancy and help prepare for birth and the early postnatal period. 

With your agreement, the plan will be shared with your midwife, obstetrician, GP, health visitor and others involved in your care.

Further support and information

If you are planning a pregnancy and have a complex or severe mental health condition, or have previously experienced significant mental health difficulties after childbirth, we offer specialist support for women living in Devon (excluding Plymouth).

You can be referred to the service by your maternity team, GP, health visitor, mental health professional or social care team by contacting your local Perinatal Mental Health Service.

For dads and co-parents

Dads and co-parents play an important role in their partner's recovery. We know that it can also be a difficult time for them and for their own wellbeing.

Remember as a new parent it is important that you look after your own physical and emotional wellbeing. When a family member who is either pregnant or has had a baby experiences a perinatal mental illness the whole family is affected.

Becoming a parent is often a stressful time. Non-birthing partners often experience worries, pressures, and changes in relationships and quite a bit of sleep disturbances and changes in routine in the early weeks and months.

If your partner is involved with the perinatal service it will be important that you are part of their care with us.  We would welcome a conversation with you about your own wellbeing and signposting you to other forms of support for you and your family. You may also find using the perinatal pathway questionnaire helpful.

TALKWORKS can also offer support for new and expectant dads and co-parents who are experiencing low mood, worry, stress or sleep difficulties.

Information for GPs and professionals

Healthcare professionals can refer someone to our service by contacting the appropriate Perinatal Mental Health Service.

The Community Perinatal Service has duty clinicians available to give advice or talk through referrals. If you have questions or would like to discuss a referral, please contact the team and ask for the duty worker.

You can leave a message about a referral - please include your name and contact number - and someone from the team will call you back. Please do not leave messages about urgent referrals on the answerphone. 

If the referral is urgent and it's outside office hours, please contact 111. 

Completed referral forms should be emailed to dpt.perinatalreferrals@nhs.net. 

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