Perinatal psychiatry for the whole family
Supporting mothers, fathers and partners through the transition to parenthood.
Dr Bharat Visa · MBBS (Hons), BMedSc, MPsych, MPH&TM, FRANZCP
I'm Dr Bharat Visa, a consultant perinatal psychiatrist caring for women and families from preconception to the early years — with a particular focus on fathers, whose mental health in this period is too often overlooked.
A special focus · Fathers
Becoming a dad changes everything. Your mental health matters too.
Fathers and non-birthing partners can experience depression, anxiety, irritability and a quiet sense of losing themselves in the months around birth — yet few services are designed with them in mind. Much of my work is with men navigating this shift: as individuals, as partners and as parents.
Paternal depression & anxiety
Assessment and treatment for low mood, worry, anger and burnout before and after birth.
Identity & adjustment
Making sense of new roles, work pressures, sleep loss and the kind of father you want to be.
After a difficult birth
Support for partners who witnessed a traumatic birth or a frightening hospital stay.
Bonding with your baby
Building confidence and connection with your infant, drawing on Circle of Security and infant mental health approaches.
For mothers & families
Care for women at every stage — and for families together.
Women and mothers remain at the heart of my practice. Appointments are individual; with your consent, a partner or support person is welcome to join part of a session, and babies are always welcome.
Planning a pregnancy
Preconception consultations for women with existing mental health conditions, including medication planning.
During pregnancy
Antenatal depression, anxiety, OCD and other conditions, coordinated with your maternity care.
After birth
Postnatal depression and anxiety, adjustment difficulties and recovery after a difficult birth.
Medication advice
Clear, balanced guidance on psychiatric medication in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Complex presentations
Bipolar disorder, psychosis and trauma in the perinatal period, including relapse-prevention planning.
The parent–infant relationship
Support for bonding and early attachment, informed by Circle of Security and infant mental health training.
About & approach
Warm, collaborative and grounded in evidence.
The perinatal period brings joy alongside real uncertainty — for every parent. I aim to offer care that feels unhurried, respectful and genuinely collaborative, whoever walks through the door.
I see patients privately at the WARM Health Collective (Women's & Reproductive Mental Health Collective) in Collingwood, a multidisciplinary practice dedicated to mental health across pregnancy, early parenthood and reproductive life. Working within the team means care is coordinated and you have access to a wider network of support.
I also hold consultant psychiatrist positions at St Vincent's Health and Eastern Health in Perinatal and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. I completed my psychiatry training at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Royal Women's Hospital and the Werribee Mother Baby Unit.
Experience in a psychological trauma recovery service informs my care for parents after a difficult or traumatic birth, and training in Circle of Security, Newborn Behavioural Observation and mentalization-based approaches keeps the baby — and the parent–infant relationship — in mind. A Master of Public Health and an internship with the World Health Organization's mental health team in Geneva shaped my interest in accessible, family-centred care.
I teach medical students and psychiatry trainees, and work closely with GPs, obstetricians, midwives, maternal and child health nurses and psychologists.
The consulting room
A calm, light-filled space to talk.
Soft linen, natural light and plenty of room for prams and babies. Appointments are held in Collingwood, with telehealth available.
Qualifications & experience
Training and professional background.
Qualifications
Perinatal & infant mental health training
Publications & presentations
Teaching & supervision
Accredited RANZCP supervisor · Honorary university position, lecturing medical students · Former President, Victorian Association of Psychiatry Trainees
Referrals & appointments
Getting started is straightforward.
Get a referral
Ask your GP or obstetrician/gynaecologist for a referral. This is also needed to claim a Medicare rebate. Mothers, fathers and partners can each be referred.
Send the referral
Referrals can be emailed to referrals@warmhealthcollective.com.au, or call WARM on 03 8658 0234. Please include stage of pregnancy or baby's age and current medications.
First appointment
Our team will arrange a time, in person in Collingwood or via telehealth.
For information about fees, please contact the WARM Health Collective admin team. Medicare rebates are available for eligible patients with a valid referral. Babies are always welcome in appointments.
Contact WARM Health CollectiveContact
I'd be glad to hear from you or your referring clinician.
Appointments, referrals and enquiries are managed by the WARM Health Collective team. To enquire about an appointment, please obtain a referral from your GP or obstetrician/gynaecologist.
Level 5, 116 Rokeby Street
Collingwood VIC 3066
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