About Telehealth
Gidget Foundation Australia’s Start Talking program provides free specialist perinatal telehealth counselling services for expectant and new parents nationwide.
Services are provided by Gidget Clinicians, delivered via a video call service, similar to FaceTime or Skype.
Start Talking offers the same quality of care available through Gidget Foundation Australia’s face-to-face services at Gidget House, affording quality treatment for those with limited access. Support is also provided to people who have experienced a pregnancy or childbirth-related loss, such as stillbirth, miscarriage or termination within the last 12 months. Partners are also able to access our specialised services.
Our perinatal mental health specialists provide 10 counselling sessions free of charge within a calendar year. To access Start Talking, you will need a referral from a GP, including a mental health care plan.
Download our Frequently Asked Questions to find out more about the Start Talking program.
For more information or to book an appointment, please contact our caring team.
Further information
Cancellation Policy
We understand that unexpected events may occur from time to time, however Cancellation Fees do apply. See below for more details.
Testimonials
"I will always be grateful for the support provided by Gidget Foundation Australia. I live in Regional NSW and after the birth of my first child I felt I could not get the help I needed without traveling long distances.
However, with my second child I was referred to the Start Talking service, this was a game changer for me. I was able to video conference with a qualified professional who really understood my needs, who also had the back up of an even bigger network of professionals. I had regular video conferences in my own home and then later from Hope cottage.
I was able to get the continuity of care I’d been missing from past experiences. I really think Gidget’s Start Talking service helped me navigate the challenges I felt with motherhood much better the second time around."
Letitia Bassingthwaighte
Read Letitia's story
"If it wasn’t for the support I received from my ever so patient husband, and Gidget Foundation’s Start Talking service, I honestly don’t know where I’d be today."
Amy Harris
Read Amy's story
Telehealth Stories
The BEST: 6th March 2018, welcoming our beautiful baby girl, Charlotte Grace, into the world at Calvary Hospital, Wagga – a little sister and best friend for our 3-year-old daughter, Emily.
As a mother of two, registered nurse, midwife and founder of Birth Beat, it’s probably fair for people to assume that I had the whole pregnancy, birth and new mum thing completely sorted.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that unexpected events may occur from time to time, however, we ask that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, or if you are unable to attend your appointment for the full allotted duration. Your Gidget Foundation clinician will receive no payment if you do not attend a booked appointment.
We currently have a significant waiting list for Gidget Foundation services. If you miss your appointment, or do not cancel with at least 48 hours' notice, other clients will miss the opportunity to have an appointment.
If you cancel an appointment with less than 48 hours' notice, you will be charged a Late Cancellation Fee of $60. If you do not attend a booked appointment, or if you leave an appointment early, and do not notify us beforehand, you will be charged a No-Show Fee of $60. (If you are unable to get through to us on the phone, a voicemail message or email to contact@gidgethouse.org.au are acceptable means of cancelling an appointment). No further appointments will be booked for you until such time as the $60 fee is paid.
Need urgent help?
1300 726 306
Mon-Fri 9.00am to 7.30pm
Saturdays and PH 9:00am to 4:00pm
13 11 14
Helpline is open 24 hours/day
Our organisation is closed over the holiday period.
To manage increased demand for services during this time, we will not be accepting new referrals or enquiries until Monday, 13th January 2025. For support during this period, we suggest that you please reach out to your GP, trusted healthcare professional, family, and friends. We also have a range of information and resources, available for you to explore at any time.
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Start Talking
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