The New York State Office of Mental Health has resources available to promote stronger perinatal mental health and make timely, high-quality, appropriate, and compassionate care available to anyone in need. The attached ‘Perinatal Mental Health: What Psychiatrists Need to Know’ document offers valuable information to psychiatric providers about this topic and links to resources that can help birthing people. Additional high-quality resources are available for families and providers to support perinatal mental health, including:

• New York State Medicaid Doula Services Benefit gives more New Yorkers access to this care during pregnancy and up to 12 months after. Doulas reduce the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety, while also improving health outcomes. If you or someone you know could benefit from one, learn more and connect with a doula.

• Postpartum Resource Center of New York provides free and confidential resources, such as free virtual support groups —including ones for specific populations like Black birthing persons, dads, and Spanish speakers — peer support programs, a dedicated helpline, and a statewide resource directory.

• Project TEACH: Primary care, pediatric, obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), midwives, and non-prescribing allied maternal health professionals are often the first point of contact — uniquely positioned to identify, treat, reduce stigma, and connect pregnant and postpartum patients to timely, effective mental health care. Project TEACH can connect providers and frontline workers with expert guidance, training, and resources to better support perinatal patients in New York State. From screening and treatment to information and referrals, help is just a call or click away. Call 855-227-7272 to get connected or request a service today.

• HealthySteps program sites help support families. HealthySteps is an evidence-based program serving young children — from birth to age 3 — and their families that is built into pediatrician offices. These sites provide universal screening for maternal depression and social determinants of health, connecting families to the supports they may need. Providers can learn more about HealthySteps and find a directory of participating practices online. 

• The Collaborative Care Model integrates behavioral health providers into the primary care team to improve access to care. Identifying mental health challenges early leads to better outcomes for mothers, caregivers, and their entire family. More than 400 primary and OB/GYN practices in New York State use this model, treating mental health concerns in the same place as physical health concerns.

And remember, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a 24-hour service available to New Yorkers in immediate need of supportive counseling. OMH is developing specialized maternal mental health training for 988 staff to strengthen crisis counseling for pregnant individuals and new parents.

In closing, lives can be saved by identifying and responding to mental health concerns — and ensuring that pregnant and postpartum New Yorkers know where to turn for help.