Screening and assessment tools

The National Guideline for Mental Health Care in the Perinatal Period was commissioned by the Commonwealth Government of Australia and developed by an Expert Working Group with representatives from professional bodies in primary, maternity, postnatal and mental health care.

Download a digital copy of the Guideline or purchase a hard copy

The Antenatal Risk Questionnaire is a mental health risk assessment tool to assess psychosocial risk. There are multiple versions of the Antenatal Risk Questionnaire that can be used dependent on your client’s needs. 

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale can be used to identify possible symptoms of depression in the postnatal period.

Women who appear to have suicidal thoughts should be asked about suicidal thinking and self-harm behaviour. Use the guides and templates below to assess for risk and develop treatment and safety plans.

Assessing mother-infant interaction should be an integral part of the care of women in the postnatal period, including psychosocial risk factors, infant factors, relationship factors, maternal factors, protective factors and risk to the infant. Use our mental health risk assessment factsheet below to guide you through this process.