Background: Perinatal mental illness is prevalent in Australia. Accessible and affordable specialist perinatal mental health services are important in ensuring optimal maternal and infant outcomes, but remain scarce in some areas.

Aim: This paper describes the development and evaluation of a community model for perinatal mental health based on the practice principles of: nurse-led; partnership approach; individualised evidenced based treatments and accessible, flexible service delivery.

Methods: Data collected prospectively as part of routine care for two years was analysed. Data included Edinburgh Depression Scale, Parent Coping Scale and Health of the Nation Outcome scale scores, rates of attendance, diagnostic codes, nurse practitioner prescribing and the appointment locations.

Findings: There was a significant reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms and for women parenting infants, an increase in their perception of coping with parenting. There were comparatively high rates of attendance once women attended once. Diagnostic codes indicated the service saw the target group with the majority of diagnoses consisting of adjustment disorders, depression and anxiety. The nurse practitioner role enhanced continuity of care for women requiring antidepressant treatment.

Discussion: The perinatal nurse-led community model of service has been shown to provide effective specialist perinatal mental health assessment and brief intervention and treatment services.

Conclusion: The model offers the potential for replication in other areas where service gaps for perinatal women and families persist and resources remain scarce.