Maternal mental health conditions are among the most prevalent complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period. There is also a significant economic burden associated with maternal mental health, costing $14 billion annually.
However, there are efforts to improve care for mothers struggling with maternal mental health challenges, including the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) for Moms. It helps providers address mental health issues of pregnant and postpartum patients. The program was discussed last week during a panel at the Behavioral Health Tech conference in Phoenix, in which experts shared how they successfully expanded the program across the country.
MCPAP for Moms was founded in 2014 by Nancy Byatt, a tenured professor at UMass Chan Medical School. On the panel, Byatt shared that she knows first hand the need for better maternal mental health support.
Because of this experience, Byatt went on to become a perinatal psychiatrist. Her patients often shared that they didn’t realize they were depressed until much later. Additionally, many had seen multiple healthcare professionals who never asked about their mental health or discussed depression with them.
According to Byatt, MCPAP for Moms has three core components. It provides training for obstetricians on how to talk about maternal mental health, screen for it and address it. For those who screen positive for maternal mental health conditions, MCPAP for Moms can offer consultation. Lastly, the program gives resources and referrals to help patients navigate the healthcare system. In total, the program costs $14 per woman per year, Byatt added.
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