DadBooster Program
A Free Online Treatment Program for Dads
Becoming a dad is a big change. Along with the excitement, many men feel stressed, uncertain, or overwhelmed as they adjust to parenthood. You’re not alone, around 1 in 10 new or expectant dads in Australia experience depression or anxiety during this time.
The transition can be tough: balancing work and family, finding your role as a parent, and navigating changes in your relationship. It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions, joy, pride, worry, and sometimes sadness.
To support dads through this, the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) has developed DadBooster, a world-first online treatment program designed especially for fathers. Building on the success and evidence base of our MumMoodBooster program, DadBooster builds on the same cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles and has been evaluated in a randomised controlled trial demonstrating significant improvements in depression symptoms for fathers experiencing postnatal depression.
“I knew I’d lose sleep, but I didn’t expect to feel this exhausted!”
“I feel such an overwhelming mixture of pride, wonder and protectiveness towards my baby. It has made me want to make the world a better place for her.”
“I miss the leisure and closeness my partner and I shared before- it’s hard including a third person in your relationship. It’s a bit sad not to be ‘number one’ in my partner’s eyes anymore.”
What is DadBooster?
DadBooster is a six-session online program that gives you practical strategies to improve mood, manage stress and build confidence as a dad. The program is flexible, you set the pace and complete it privately, just like a series of sessions with a psychologist, but online and in your own time.
To keep you motivated, DadBooster provides regular supportive text messages and checks in on your progress. There’s also an optional partner website with information and resources to help your partner understand what you’re going through and support their own emotional health.
We are proud to offer DadBooster, an accredited digital mental health program that meets the rigorous standards set by the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based support for families.
DadBooster FAQs
Support for partners and family
We recognise that partners, family members, and other close support people play an important role in supporting dads during the transition to parenthood, particularly when a father is experiencing depression or emotional distress.
DadBooster includes dedicated partner support information designed to help partners and family members better understand what dads may be going through, support recovery, care for themselves, and navigate the challenges of early parenthood together.
Partners and family members can also play an important role by encouraging dads who may be struggling after the birth of a baby to consider DadBooster as a free, confidential treatment option.
Pregnancy and early parenthood can affect the whole family. While DadBooster provides support specifically for fathers, partners may also experience depression, anxiety or emotional difficulties during pregnancy or after birth.
MumMoodBooster and Mum2BMoodBooster are free online CBT-based programs developed specifically to support mothers experiencing depression, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed during pregnancy or after having a baby.
We are proud to offer DadBooster, an accredited digital mental health program that meets the rigorous standards set by the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based support for families.