Overview

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are among the most common mental health conditions encountered by women of reproductive age and are considered the number one complication of childbirth. Up to 1 in 5 moms will experience a PMAD. These include postpartum depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD, psychosis, and rage. When left untreated PMADs can have profound adverse effects on women and their children including loss of interpersonal and financial resources, exacerbation of medical conditions, smoking and other substance use, suicide, and infanticide.

Our Approach

We believe a robust system of care that includes evidence-based screening done in a variety of health care settings, accessible and appropriate treatment, and an effective and responsive referral network is key to addressing maternal mental health.

“After suffering from Postpartum OCD, I know how important it is to help moms during the perinatal phase. Every mom deserves to be happy and enjoy their baby, This initiative can help WV achieve that.”

– Caroline Crislip

40 %

of maternal deaths between 2017-23 where overdose or suicide contributed.
54

of the 55 counties in WV are considered a mental health professional shortage area, according to HRSA
24

of the 55 counties in WV are considered maternity care deserts

The West Virginia Perinatal Partnership, in collaboration with the WV Bureau for Behavioral Health, Department of Human Services is implementing the West Virginia Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (WV MMHSUD) Project, a 5-year initiative funded by the US Health Resources and Services Administration. Initiatives to accomplish this goal include:

 

AIM Perinatal Mental Health Conditions Safety Bundle

In 2024 the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership launched the implementation of the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) Perinatal Mental Health Conditions bundle in every delivery hospital in the state.
 
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Maternal Mental Health Advisory Council

The WV Maternal Mental Health Advisory Council (MMHAC) is a statewide representative body comprised of a multidisciplinary team of health care providers and affiliated professionals. Goals of the MMHAC include:

  • Guide the Partnership and our state partners in performing a comprehensive analysis/needs assessment of West Virginia’s maternal mental health data, gaps, and barriers;
  • Make policy recommendations regarding care of pregnant and postpartum women and their infants;
  • Identify best practices and develop programs to address gaps in care for maternal mental health services;
  • Collaborate with the Partnership’s Substance Use During Pregnancy Advisory Council (SUPAC), an established statewide multi-disciplinary group that has been active since 2006; and
  • Develop a collaborative and coordinated approach to best meet the needs of this high-risk population.


 
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Perinatal Behavioral Health Needs Assessment Report

The West Virginia Perinatal Partnership (WVPP) collaborated with Marshall University’s Center of Excellence for Recovery to conduct a needs assessment on perinatal behavioral health in West Virginia. This initiative was supported through a grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to the WV Department of Human Services, Bureau for Behavioral Health (WV DoHS, BBH).

Click here to read the report
Download the Report

Postpartum Support International Training

The purpose of Postpartum Support International is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum. Approximately 15% of all women will experience postpartum depression following the birth of a child. Up to 10% will experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy. When the mental health of the mother is compromised, it affects the entire family.

  • 195 Providers and Affiliated Professionals completed training in Components of Care and/or Advanced Psychotherapy/Psychopharmacology from Postpartum Support International
  • Added 27 providers certified in Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C)
Components of Care and/or Advanced Psychotherapy/Psychopharmacology Courses Scholarship

Application Link

PMH-C Exam Scholarship

Application Link

West Virginia Perinatal Psychiatric Access Program (WV PPAP)

The West Virginia Perinatal Psychiatric Access Program (WV PPAP) is a new program that will support frontline healthcare providers by building their capacity to treat perinatal psychiatric disorders during pre-conception, pregnancy, and postpartum. A major feature of WV PPAP is the availability of a consultation line for OB-Gyns and other primary care providers.
 
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