Overcoming the challenges of new motherhood is not easy. Mental health challenges are common in the first few weeks and months of the post-partum period. In Hong Kong, 40% to 80% of women will experience the ‘baby blues’ and 10% will experience post-partum depression (PPD). This is a guide to public and private providers of post-partum mental health care in Hong Kong.

 

Getting timely help for any post-partum mental health issues will go a long way to prevent any long-term impacts.

 

 

In the public system, you will be assessed for PPD using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) by your Maternal Health and Child Centre (MCHC) nurse. After initial counselling by the MCHC nurse, if you are assessed as requiring additional support you will be referred to a social worker, psychologist or psychiatrist trained in PPD.

 

You will be assessed for PPD using either the EPDS or the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale by your obstetrician (OB), general practitioner (GP) or midwife. In the private system, you can either get a referral from your OB or GP or you can self-refer to psychological services.

 

The following providers offer mental health services in English: