Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative
Up to 80 percent of women experience mild changes in their mood during pregnancy and in the first few weeks after having a baby. However, as many as 1 in 5 moms and 1 in 10 dads will suffer from a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD). PMADs are more serious than the typical "baby blues."
The County of Santa Clara Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative works with local providers, organizations, and agencies to provide all women with PMAD screening, referral, and treatment services during pregnancy and the first year after giving birth.
The PMAD most people know is postpartum depression. But perinatal mood disorders include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar mood disorders, and postpartum psychosis.
If not treated, these serious illnesses can have severe long-term effects on the mental health of the parent as well as the emotional development of the baby and the well-being of the whole family. Successful treatment options can help, including therapy, support groups, and medications.
Women and birthing parents of every culture, age, income level, and race can develop perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. However, the risk is higher for people of color, people with lower incomes, cultural or language barriers, and those with past mental health issues. Symptoms can appear at any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months after the baby is born.
County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health can support individuals and families in crisis, considering suicide, or struggling with mental illness, substance use, or both. Call the Behavioral Health Services Call Center at 1 (800) 704-0900. Peer navigators are available to offer personalized assistance.
If you or someone you know has a mental health emergency, call the 24/7 toll-free Santa Clara County Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 (those with phone area codes other than 408, 650, and 669 can call 1 (800) 704-0900) or 911 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer.
For in-person support:
Email the Perinatal Services Coordinator, Meng Fang, at [email protected].
Resources
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free and confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get real-time support, information, and resources. Call or text 1(833)TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Counselors will provide support in speak English or Spanish, with interpreter services in 60 languages.
Postpartum Support International has coordinators in all 50 states and in 40 countries around the world. They offer a toll-free helpline 1(800) 944-4773, online support groups, free weekly chats with an expert, as well as educational and training materials.
The Blue Dot Project raises awareness of maternal mental health disorders and uses the blue dot as a symbol of unity and support for people with maternal mental health issues. The project also fights the stigma and shame people may feel about these disorders.
Crisis Text Line is a free and confidential text crisis line that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text “HOME” to 741-741 to chat with a trained mental health crisis counselor
Helping After Neonatal Death (HAND) is a local non-profit organization offers support for grieving parents. Phone: (650)367-6993.
- Literature request or hospital outreach. Phone: (888) 908-4263
- StarVista is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to provide Crisis Support at (650) 579-0350
Family Tree Wellness is a local organization that offers free support groups for moms and dads. Phone: (408) 345-5572.
Blossom Birth & Family is a local organization that offers support groups for a fee. Phone: (650) 321-2326.
Next Door Solutions offers a free crisis line (408) 279-2962 that provides services to prevent and help stop domestic violence in Santa Clara County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Program
East Valley Public Health Department
1993-B McKee Rd.
San Jose, CA 95116
Perinatal Services Coordinator: (408) 937-2262
MCAH Mainline: (408) 937-2250
Toll Free Number: (800) 310-2332