Perinatal Mental Health

Recognising and responding to women with perinatal mental health conditions requires enhanced knowledge and skills. By closely assessing for change and interpreting early signs of psychological decline, healthcare professionals are more likely to identify deterioration and accelerate care in a timely and appropriate manner.



The Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health aims to empower health care professionals with the knowledge and skills to develop their expertise in supporting women experiencing perinatal mental health issues and to work collaboratively with their family and the multidisciplinary team in promoting evidence based compassionate care that empowers women and aids their individualised recovery.



Recognising and responding to women with perinatal mental health conditions requires enhanced knowledge and skills. By closely assessing for change and interpreting early signs of psychological decline, healthcare professionals are more likely to identify deterioration and accelerate care in a timely and appropriate manner.



The Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health will allow healthcare providers to develop their knowledge and skills in the recognition, assessment, care/ referral and evaluation of women in this regard.

The content of the Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health will include:



Introduction to Perinatal Mental Health

Theoretical/Philosophical Foundations of PMH

Coping mechanisms

Living with Personality Disorders, Anxiety and Depression

Living with Pre-existing/New onset Conditions

Trauma and Recovery (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Trauma related to labour and birth; Tokophobia; Loss and Bereavement)

The impact of perinatal mental health across the lifespan

Communication skills

Structured Holistic Assessment

Therapeutic interventions and recovery principles

Applied Practice.

This programme is suitable for Nurses, Midwives and Health and Social Care professionals.



All applicants will normally hold a relevant level 8 qualification (or equivalent), be registered with their recognised professional body and be working within a practice setting that engages with women who may experience perinatal mental health conditions.



Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification may apply for entry to the programme in accordance with the procedures outlined in the DkIT Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.



Applicants may be interviewed



Due to the blended learning delivery within this course students should have access to a PC / Mac, a headset with a mic, and a broadband internet connection from home, so as to be able to fully participate in the course.



Basic IT skills essential.

Apply Directly to DkIT

Apply directly to DkIT using our online applications system. Please remember to upload the required documentation (copies of your existing qualification(s), your CV, any other support documents etc) with your online application to expedite your application. To avoid disappointment early registration is recommended.

1 semester, part-time, blended.



Course Delivery and Modules

This programme is delivered via live online lectures on Wednesdays from 08.30 to 16.00hrs for a total of 9 days over the semester (approx).



28th Jan

4th Feb

18th Feb

4th March

18th March

25th March

15th April

22nd April

29th April



One face-to-face teaching day in DkIT will be offered to students as an option during the programme. This option will be decided upon by the student group.



Students will also be required to undertake directed and independent study.



Please note this timetable is subject to change.

Start date 28 January 2026