Educational Resources for Providers, Patients, and Families
An environment with ample displays of, and access to, mental health-related information can help to reduce stigma and empower women and their families to seek help, while letting women know that they are not alone. Place posters, pamphlets, and other materials throughout your offices.
All new prenatal patients and their families, or other members of the patient’s support system should be proactively provided with education so that they are aware of signs and symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Having these conversations early in the pregnancy and again in the early postpartum period can decrease stigma, normalize screening and detection, and encourage women to discuss any mental health concerns.
Provider, Patient, and Family Resources
Provider Resources
ACOG
- Committee Opinion Number 757, Screening for Perinatal Depression
- Practice Bulletin Number 92, Use of Psychiatric Medications During Pregnancy and Lactation
- “Addressing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Strategies for Women’s Health Care Providers” webinar introduces viewers to the care pathway for obstetrician-gynecologists and other women’s health care providers to follow to care for women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
- Coding for Perinatal Depression Screening
- "Addressing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Strategies for Women’s Health Care Providers” webinar introduces viewers to the care pathway for obstetrician-gynecologists and other women’s health care providers to follow to care for women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Women’s Preventive Services Initiative
State Perinatal Psychiatry Access Programs: if you are in CA, FL, LA, MA, MI, NC, RI, VT, WA, or WI, visit the program’s website for contact information. Clinicians can call with questions regarding the diagnosis and management of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Some programs also provide mental health resources and referrals.
Postpartum Support International’s Perinatal Psychiatric Consult Line: available to all clinicians throughout the U.S. Call 1-877-499-4773 or visit the website to schedule a 1:1 consultation by phone with a perinatal psychiatry expert.
Patient Resources
ACOG
Mental health information that includes depression, anxiety, and finding support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): download the PDF for free:
- Postpartum Depression
- Depression (Printed pamphlet available, charges apply)
Lifeline4Moms
National Institutes of Health: Moms’ Mental Health Matters
Order free copies or download the PDF of materials, including posters, tear pads, and postcards. All materials are FREE and available in English and Spanish.
Postpartum Support International
Patient Resources (discussion tool, posters, DVD, brochures)
Download and print materials for free or order copies (charges apply). All materials are available in English and Spanish.
Helpline: 800-944-4773
Text 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish)
Contact this non-emergency helpline for support, information, or referrals to postpartum mental health providers. The helpline is open 7 days per week. Leave a confidential message at any time, and a volunteer will return your call or text as soon as possible. PSI also offers online support group meetings to connect with other pregnant and postpartum women. You also can join PSI’s weekly Chat with an Expert.