Dr Nicole Highet is the Founder and Executive Director of the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) and Chair of the 2023 National Perinatal Mental Health Guideline Expert Committee.

Nicole founded COPE in 2013 to build a more sustainable, inclusive and measureable approach to perinatal mental health in Australia.  COPE has a dedicated focus on reducing the challenges faced by hopeful, expectant and new parents and supporting professionals in the identification, referral and treatment of perinatal mental health conditions.

Since its inception, COPE has developed innovative solutions to delivering best practice in perinatal mental health.  This includes engaging and interactive approaches to psychoeducation, digital screening, online training and e-referral pathways to care.  All information is underpinned by the 2023 Australian National Guidelines.

Nicole will present on the latest information and updates pertaining to perinatal mental health in Australia.  This includes reviewing the latest data to explore the current clinical needs of perinatal women derived through large scale screening programs and considering the implications for supporting women and their families in the perinatal period.