CRD Perinatal Counselling Program Supporting Parents When They Need It Most

The CRD Perinatal Counselling Program provides specialized mental health care to new and expecting parents across the Capital Regional District who lack the resources to access private services. Through timely, evidence-based counselling, we help families navigate the challenges of the perinatal period—from pregnancy through the first nine months after birth.

Why It Matters

Approximately 3000 people deliver babies on the South Island every year.

The perinatal period is a crucial time when family bonds are formed, with lifelong implications for the health and wellness of each family member.  But for the 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men who experience a perinatal depression or anxiety, it is important to get help.  Perinatal counselling is a common and effective treatment, but too often, it is cost prohibitive.

Who We Serve:

We deliver perinatal counselling and therapy sessions to parents in the Capital Regional District who are eligible and referred by a doctor, midwife or other primary care provider.  We provide services to individuals and couples in our local practice offices unless an online session is preferred.  When a family cannot access these services, we ensure they receive the mental health care they deserve at no cost to them.

Our Services

• Perinatal Mental Health Counselling: Professional treatment for depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders during pregnancy and postpartum
• Grief and Loss Counselling: Supportive counselling for families experiencing stillbirth, infant loss, or late-term miscarriage

How It Works

Patients are referred by local healthcare providers and connected with one of our perinatal counsellors. Our intake process ensures parents receive prompt, personalized care when they need it most, with most first appointments scheduled within 1-2 weeks.  Services are delivered by local mental health counsellors with specialized perinatal training and experience to treat and support mothers and their partners when needed. 

Program Impact

Since 2020, we have delivered perinatal counselling to a thousand families across the CRD's 13 municipalities. Our team of registered clinical counsellors provides approximately 700 counselling hours annually to parents who would otherwise go without essential mental health support.

Operations

The Program is operated by the McGee Therapy Clinic in collaboration with local independent professionals with program and funding administration provided by the South Island Primary Care Society.

Funding Status

Critical Need: The program's current funding ends June 2025. We are actively seeking sustainable funding to continue this essential service for our community.