Dr. Chantal Esnault

Dr. Chantal Esnault

Consultant Psychiatrist
MBBS (Hons), MPM, FRANZCP, Cert. Cons. Liaison Psych.
Chantal offers both face to face and telehealth appointments
Professional Background/Experience:
  • Over 10 years experience as a Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist.
  • Medical degree completed at Monash University, Melbourne
  • Specialist training in general psychiatry completed at Alfred Health
  • Master of psychological medicine completed at Monash University, Melbourne.
  • Fellowship in psychiatry completed at the Royal Women’s Hospital to pursue interest in women’s mental health, in particular in perinatal mental health. 
  • Additional sub-speciality certificate in consultation and liaison psychiatry.
  • Previous position as Consultant Psychiatrist in the consultation and liaison unit at Monash Medical Centre.
  • Previous positions as Consultant Psychiatrist at Masada Private Hospital in the Mother Baby Unit and the Albert Road Clinic Mother Baby Unit. 
Professional Interests:
  • Special interest in perinatal mental health and working collaboratively with women, men and their families to assess and manage a range of emotional and mental health difficulties arising during the preconception, pregnancy and postnatal period.
  • Special interest in consultation and liaison psychiatry, particularly in women’s mental health, Type 1 Diabetes, Gestational Diabetes, and the interaction between physical and psychological health.
Areas of particular interest and expertise:
  • Adjusting to pregnancy and parenting.
  • Depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders in pregnancy and the postnatal period.
  • Psychotropic medication during pregnancy and breast feeding.
  • Grief and emotional difficulties related to issues such as infertility, perinatal loss (miscarriages, stillbirths) and complex pregnancies.
  • Parent infant attachment / bonding issues.
  • Relationship issues
  • Emotional issues related to diabetes in pregnancy and the postnatal period
Treatments offered include:
  • Individual psychotherapy (‘talking therapy’) such as cognitive behaviour therapy, interpersonal therapy, supportive therapy, mindfulness and psychodynamic therapy.
  • Grief couples therapy in the perinatal period.
  • Mental health issues related to Type 1 Diabetes and Diabetes in pregnancy and the postnatal period. 
  • Medication review and management during pre-conception, pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Personal Interests outside of work:
  • Caring for her young children and spending time with family and friends.