Supporting maternal mental health through telehealth
Telehealth is helping bring maternal mental health care to the communities that need it most.
One in five women experience a mental health condition during or after pregnancy. Many live in areas with few or no maternal mental health providers. These areas are often called “maternal mental health deserts”. Telehealth is helping expand access in areas of greatest need.
These areas are often called “maternal mental health deserts”. Telehealth is helping expand access in areas of greatest need.
In Missouri, this need is especially urgent. Many communities face shortages of mental health providers. Mental health conditions are also a cause of many pregnancy-related deaths in the state. The Maternal Health Access Project (MHAP) was born out of this need. The project, funded through the Health Resource and Services Administration’s Screening and Treatment for Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (MMHSUD) program, uses telehealth to train and support people who work with pregnant and postpartum women.
MHAP offers education, referrals, and free consultations. Over 700 health care workers have registered in the program, including physicians, nurses, midwives, doulas, and community health workers. In addition to program participants, many other health professionals have taken advantage of the quarterly webinars. They help participants understand how to recognize and respond to mental health concerns.
People who register in the MHAP program can also connect with a perinatal psychiatrist. They can speak by phone to get real-time guidance. This support helps providers and others feel more confident in how they care for patients. MHAP is helping more people recognize mental health needs and connect patients to care – wherever they are.
MHAP is helping more people recognize mental health needs and connect patients to care – wherever they are.
Looking ahead, the program will expand outreach and increase awareness. The team also hopes to offer more direct support, including three-way conversations between patients, providers, and specialists.