This manual provides simple instructions on how to integrate the management of perinatal depression into the work of a community health worker. The Thinking Healthy approach is based on some general principles that must be observed for the successful integration and delivery of the intervention. These principles should be emphasised throughout training and supervision, and include: moving away from the purely medical care model; community-based approaches; focusing on mother and infant well-being rather than maternal depression; optimal development of the infant which can provide the pivot around which families can be engaged; empowering mothers; encouraging family participation; and working in an integrated and holistic way.