Helen Mayo House - Inpatient Program

Women may be admitted to the Inpatient Program if they have significant mental health problems following the birth of a baby such as severe depression, anxiety or a psychotic illness such as a bipolar mood disorder. The average length of stay is about 2 weeks.

Women need to be referred either by a doctor or another hospital unit.

A multidisciplinary team includes psychiatric staff, nurses, clinical psychologists, a social worker and an occupational therapist.

Nursing and medical assessments are carried out at the time of admission and treatment programs are tailored according to need. Most patients will require medication or other physical treatments for their illnesses.

Most patients will see a social worker who will often also meet other family members and will assess the extent to which family and community support is available. If appropriate, clinical psychologists may be provide cognitive therapy or other programs around the parent and child.

As women begin to improve, they usually take part in a group program which is run in the ward and discharge planning takes place to enable a smooth transition back home.

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