Perinatal psychiatry services

While nearly 80% of all new moms experience a mild form of depression and anxiety, commonly referred to as the "baby blues,” approximately 20% experience a perinatal mood, anxiety or mental health disorder. In the past, many women remained silent about their struggles; now, more women are asking for the help they need. The Northwell Health Perinatal Program is here to help these women—so they can be happier, healthier and ready to raise the new addition(s) to their families.

Our program offers both outpatient and inpatient treatment, with individual and group psychotherapies and medication treatment provided by our specialized ambulatory team. Our 22-bed inpatient Women’s Unit, which opened in 2016, is the first in the State of New York and one of only a few in the U.S. to specialize in treating women with perinatal psychiatric illness.

The Women’s Unit was designed to be a respite for women who require inpatient care. It offers a therapeutic healing environment and flexible visiting with family and baby with sensitivity to the issues unique to pregnant and postpartum mothers. This is achieved through individualized medication and psychotherapy treatment plans, as well as group therapy and holistic healing activities such as yoga, mindfulness and dance/movement.

The treatment offered at the Northwell Health Perinatal Program may benefit a wide range of new or expectant mothers, including:

• Women with existing psychiatric disorders and treatment who are:
  • Planning pregnancy
  • Seeking one-time medication consultation
  • Looking for treatment to maintain stability during pregnancy
• Women struggling with unexpected pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage
• Moms facing the challenges associated with children born with complex medical issues
• Moms who deliver healthy babies and subsequently develop postpartum depression
• Women who develop psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy
• Pregnant or postpartum women with complicated medical or social issues who are experiencing emotional distress
• Pregnant or postpartum teens

Read more about our ambulatory (outpatient) services by clicking on this brochure.

Read more about our inpatient services by clicking on this brochure.

Our team is composed of multidisciplinary groups of behavioral healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, social workers and psychologists with an extensive background in behavioral health, reproductive mental health, and related women’s health issues. All team members work collaboratively to provide integrated treatment and coordinated care for all patients.

As an academic site for teaching and training future care providers, we incorporate state-of-the-art treatment and access to the latest advanced care. Members of the team are required to complete certification training by Postpartum Support International, a nationally recognized gold standard of training for the diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. To provide the best possible patient care, providers collaborate with each patient's obstetrician and support system—whether that is family, other treatment providers, friends or loved ones—who may be important to the overall health and well-being of the mother and baby.

Together with each patient, we develop an individualized treatment plan which takes into consideration each individual’s unique needs and preferences, considering medical, social, cultural, and spiritual factors. In addition, due to being fully integrated with the greater health system, the teams are able to access a diverse array of services, as appropriate for each patient. The team’s overall goal is working together for optimal wellness for healthy mothers, healthy babies and healthy families.

Treatment & interventions may include:

• Initial telephone assessment
• Standardized rating scales
• Comprehensive evaluation for medication and therapy
• Short- or long-term individual therapy
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Supportive psychotherapy
• Group therapy
• Marital therapy/couples therapy
• Medication management
• Parent-child bonding coaching