Perinatal Mental Health Pathway
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a validated tool recommended for the routine screening of individuals for perinatal depression and/or anxiety. The EPDS is a ten item questionnaire that indicates if there is a need for further assessment and/or intervention. The EPDS is valid for use with adolescents and adults who are:
- Pregnant
- Mothers
- Fathers
- Adoptive parents
- Parents of toddlers
The EPDS is not intended to provide a diagnosis and should be completed with a health care professional.
When administering the EPDS with your clients, please use the EPDS without scoring. Refer back to the EPDS scoring sheet to calculate your client's overall EPDS score.
Assess Risk: Screen Using EPDS
After administering the EPDS, please select the box that corresponds to your patient’s score to view supports and resources
Green Pathway
Related Supports and Resources for Green Pathway.
Self-Care Strategies
Psychoeducation and Social Support
In-person groups
Online groups
Peer supports
Public Health Supports
Community Resources
In-person counselling
- Catholic Community Services of York Region
- Jewish Family and Child Services
- Family Services York Region
- Women's Centre of York Region
- Community Family Services of Ontario
- Costi Family and Mental Health Services
Telephone or Online counselling
- Family Services York Region
- Big White Wall online support
- Bounce Back ®: For Adults and Youth from CMHA
- Mood Disorders Association of Ontario online support
- Perinatal Mental Health Program at Mount Sinai
Other supports
Yellow Pathway
It is recommended that the health care provider repeats the EPDS with the client in two to four weeks.
Related Supports and Resources for yellow pathway.
Self-Care Strategies
Psychoeducation and Social Support
In-person groups
Online groups
Peer supports
Public Health Supports
Community Resources
In-person counselling
- Catholic Community Services of York Region
- Jewish Family and Child Services
- Family Services York Region
- Women's Centre of York Region
- Community Family Services of Ontario
- Costi Family and Mental Health Services
Telephone or Online counselling
- Family Services York Region
- Big White Wall online support
- Bounce Back ®: For Adults and Youth from CMHA
- Mood Disorders Association of Ontario online support
- Perinatal Mental Health Program at Mount Sinai
Other supports
Orange Pathway
It is recommended that a referral be made to a health care provider for diagnostic assessment.
Related Supports and Resources for Orange Pathway.
Self-Care Strategies
Psychoeducation and Social Support
In-person groups
Online groups
Peer supports
Public Health Supports
Community Resources
In-person counselling
- Catholic Community Services of York Region
- Jewish Family and Child Services
- Family Services York Region
- Women's Centre of York Region
- Community Family Services of Ontario
- Costi Family and Mental Health Services
Telephone or Online counselling
- Family Services York Region
- Big White Wall online support
- Bounce Back ®: For Adults and Youth from CMHA
- Mood Disorders Association of Ontario online support
- Perinatal Mental Health Program at Mount Sinai
Other supports
Find a Health Care Provider
Red Pathway
Regardless of score, undertake or arrange immediate assessment of suicide risk.
IF RISK IS PRESENT
- Follow agency protocol/policy regarding suicidal ideation
- Initiate crisis or emergency services, as required
- Call 911
- Call 1-855-310-COPE (2673)
- Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566
- Call 911
- Call 1-855-310-COPE (2673)
- Call Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566
- Create a Safety Plan
Life with a new baby is not always easy and the adjustment to parenthood can be challenging for new moms and their families. Anxiety, depression and other mood disorders during pregnancy and after the arrival of a baby are a reality for many expectant and new moms. You or your patient can contact Health Connection for free, confidential telephone support at 1-800-361-5653 or by email @email
York Region Public Health does not recommend one service over another. If you or someone you know needs support, the agencies listed within this pathway may be of help.
