They also have success stories on their website: Personal Stories – Welcome to Maternal OCD

The Galway Perinatal Mental Health Team is a specialist multidisciplinary service supporting women and families experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy and the first year following birth.

Based at University Hospital Galway (UHG) and part of Saolta University Health Care Group and Galway Mental Health Services, our team provides specialist assessment, advice and intervention tailored to the needs of women during the perinatal period.

Our multidisciplinary team includes psychiatry, clinical psychology, nursing, midwifery, social work and occupational therapy, allowing us to provide holistic, collaborative care and to work closely with maternity, primary care, community mental health and other relevant services.

We support a range of perinatal mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties and more complex or severe mental illness. We also provide guidance and support to professionals involved in the care of women during pregnancy and after birth.

Our aim is to promote the mental health and wellbeing of mothers and families, supporting recovery and helping women to feel confident and connected during this important stage of life.

Registration is now open for our upcoming Buggy Buddies programmes. You can register for either or both programmes

Starting Sept 7th – Doughiska (6 week term)

When: Mondays at 11.30am

Dates: Sep 7, 14, 21, 28, Oct 5, 12,

Where: ARD Family Resource Centre, Doughiska, H91DKF7

Format: Outdoor classes

Starting October 30th – Ballybane (6 week term)

When: Fridays at 10am

Dates: Oct 30, Nov 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec 4

Where: Ballybane Community Resource Centre (Sports Hall), H91VP6D

Format: Mix of indoor & outdoor classes

Cost: €20 for the full 6 week term

Payment: Cash only on Week 1 (we’re unable to accept card or digital payments — thank you for understanding.)

🔗Register here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/sEMLYQbvHu

Note: Pre registration is required for all programmes, but we kindly ask that you only register if you plan to attend, so we can make sure places are available for everyone who would like to join the classes.

Maternity OPD, 31 Newcastle Rd, Galway, H91 C92Y

Tuam Primary Care Centre, Sean Purcell Road, Tuam, Galway, H54 DT61

Knocknacarra Medical Centre, Clybaun Rd, Knocknacarra, Galway, H91 TKF3

Moycullen Primary Care Centre, Unnamed Road, Killarainy, Co. Galway

Lá Nua Day Hospital Mental Health Centre, Ballybane Neighbourhood Village, BALLYBANE DAY HOSPITAL, Castlepark Rd, Ballybane, Co. Galway, H91 VE03

Athenry Primary Care Centre (1st floor), Raheen, Athenry, Co. Galway, H65 KH93

Merlin Park - Education Centre, Merlin Park Hospital, Merlin Park Hospital, Galway (Doorway next to bus stop) Shuttle bus

SilverCloud is free through the HSE and provides guided online CBT. You can ask your GP about a referral for this too.

Vita House in Roscommon also offers counselling on a free/low-cost/sliding-scale basis, including free sessions for people who can’t afford to pay, and you can self-refer. Their number is 090 662 5898.

Boyle Counselling & Psychotherapy also operates on a sliding-scale basis, so it may be worth contacting them to ask if they have any free or very low-cost places (071 966 3000).

Finally, Turn2Me offers free online talk therapy for adults: https://turn2me.org/

Our aim is to help women make decisions regarding use of medicines in pregnancy that are best for both mother and baby.

The area access code is Hibernia. Once you sign up and use this access code you can access the pathway/courses available.

There are a range of counselling and psychotherapy services available across Galway city and county, including lower-cost services and private practitioners.

The options listed here are intended to help you explore the support that may suit your needs, circumstances and budget. Fees, waiting times, eligibility criteria and appointment availability can change, so please contact services directly to confirm the current arrangements.

Where relevant, check whether the therapist is accredited by a recognised professional body, such as the IACP, IAHIP, ICP or PSI, and ask about their experience in the area you would like support with.

You do not need to wait until things feel overwhelming to seek support, and you do not need to have everything figured out before making an enquiry.