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How to make a good perinatal mental health referral

A high-quality referral helps ensure timely access to the right support for parents, babies and families. Referrals should provide a clear picture of the patient's current circumstances, mental health needs and the reasons specialist support is being requested.

What to include in your referral

1. Patient information

Include:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Contact details
  • Relevant demographic information

2. Current mental state

Provide details of:

  • Current symptoms and concerns
  • Mood and emotional wellbeing
  • Changes since pregnancy or childbirth
  • Impact on day-to-day functioning

3. Past psychiatric history

Outline any:

  • Previous mental health diagnoses
  • Treatments or interventions received
  • Hospital admissions
  • Past episodes and treatment outcomes

4. Pregnancy and birth information

Where applicable, include:

  • Details of the current pregnancy
  • Previous pregnancies
  • Birth and delivery information

5. Risk factors

Highlight any identified risks, such as:

  • Current or previous mental health difficulties
  • Family history of mental illness
  • Previous traumatic experiences, including birth trauma or baby loss
  • Significant social or environmental stressors

6. Reason for referral

Clearly explain why specialist perinatal mental health support is needed, including:

  • Specific concerns relating to the parent's wellbeing
  • Any concerns about the baby's wellbeing
  • Information about the parent-infant relationship or relationship with the unborn baby

7. Urgency

Indicate whether the referral is urgent or non-urgent. Urgent referrals require immediate attention.

8. Referrer information

Include:

  • Name
  • Role
  • Organisation
  • Contact details

9. Consent

Confirm that the patient has consented to the referral and understands why the referral is being made.

Important considerations

  • Collaborative working: Referrals should be a collaborative process, involving the patient, their GP, midwife, or health visitor and other involved services.
  • Access to information: Referrers should have access to clear referral pathways and contact information for the local perinatal mental health team.
  • Timely communication: Provide enough information to support prompt triage and ensure clear communication regarding next steps.
  • Patient involvement: Patients should be actively involved in decision-making and understand the support options available to them.

Good referrals lead to better outcomes for families and improved access to care.