Black-and-white close-up of a mother gently holding her sleeping newborn, gazing at the baby as she supports the baby’s head with one hand.

Our Mission

The Perinatal Mental Health Coalition works to improve the well-being of families in Santa Cruz County by:

  • Raising awareness of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
  • Expanding access to support and resources for women and birthing parents.
  • Supporting provider education, maternal mental health screening, and referral pathways.
  • Strengthening community-based wellness and support networks.

About the Coalition

The coalition is a collaborative group of professionals from perinatal services, maternal and child health, behavioral health, and community organizations, along with local community members committed to supporting families during pregnancy and postpartum.

You Are Not Alone

Whether you are a new mother, birthing parent, or supporting someone you care about, help is available.

Postpartum depression and anxiety affect about 1 in 7 mothers. Recovery is possible, and you do not have to face this alone.

Get Help Now

 

If you are concerned about hurting yourself or your baby, this is a medical emergency.

  • Call or text 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
  • Or go to your nearest emergency room.

National Crisis Text Line

  • Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.

Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine

  • The PSI HelpLine is a toll-free telephone number anyone can call to get basic information, support, and resources.
  • HelpLine messages are returned every day of the week. Calls and texts will be returned within business hours, 8 a.m.–11 p.m. EST.
  • Call (800) 944-4773 (4PPD), #1 en Español or #2 for English.
  • Text “Help” (English) to (800) 944-4773.
  • In An Emergency | Postpartum Support International (PSI)
  • Text en Español: 971-203-7773.
  • En Español | Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Chat with an Expert – Free live weekly chats.

El Camino Health Mother-Baby Program

Maternal Outreach Mood Services | El Camino Health

  • Inpatient and outpatient care for mothers experiencing severe perinatal mood or anxiety disorders.
  • Visit their website for details and referrals.

Local Santa Cruz Mental Health Resources

  • Santa Cruz County Mobile Crisis Response Team
    • Call 1-800-952-2335.
    • Available 24/7/365 for all Santa Cruz County residents experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
  • Hope Forward | Esperanza Adelante Youth Crisis Center
  • Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Walk-In Crisis Support

    Walk-in crisis services are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., at:

    • 1400 Emeline Ave., Bldg. K, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
    • 1430 Freedom Blvd., Ste. F, Watsonville, CA 95076
  • Behavioral Health Resources Guide: Local resources for community members who may be experiencing mental health crises or challenges.
  • Guía de Recursos de Salud Mental: Recursos locales para miembros de la comunidad que puedan estar experimentando crisis o desafíos de salud mental.
  • Substance Use Disease Services | Local Resources

Support for Families and Partners

 

Supporting a Mother or Birthing Parent

  • Listen and provide space to express feelings.
  • Ask how you can help and offer specific support, such as “Could I bring you a meal?”
  • Encourage additional support through Postpartum Support International.

Support for Dads and Partners

Studies show that when partners struggle with depression or anxiety, mothers are more likely to experience postpartum mental health challenges. Supporting partners is not just personal health; it is essential family care.

  • Partners’ mental health has a direct impact on the mother’s well-being. Supporting yourself helps your partner recover.
  • It is normal for partners to experience low moods, anxiety, or stress postpartum.
  • Identify your support system and accept offers of help for the family.
  • Communicate openly with your partner to navigate this transition together.
  • Access partner-specific resources such as Help for Dads | Postpartum Support International (PSI), using the HelpLine numbers in the Get Help Now tab.

Find Local Support

Santa Cruz County offers community-based support and wellness groups for pregnant and postpartum families:

  • Perinatal wellness groups.
  • Behavioral health support.
  • Family education and peer support.

For Professionals

 

Resources to support screening, early detection, and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Why Screen?

  • Disorders often go undiagnosed and untreated.
  • Recommended: first prenatal visit, each trimester, and routinely postpartum. Learn more: Screening Recommendations | Postpartum Support International (PSI).
  • Screening Tools
    • Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screening Scale (EPDS): Available in English and Spanish.
    • Perinatal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9): Downloadable in English and Spanish.
    • Perinatal OCD Screening Tools: International OCD Foundation.

Consultations

  • Postpartum Support International Perinatal Psychiatric Consult Line: Book a consultation through the Perinatal Psychiatric Consultation Program | Postpartum Support International (PSI).

Training & Certification

  • Perinatal Mental Health 101 Webinar
  • International OCD Foundation, Seleni Institute, Trauma Talk.
  • Certification: Postpartum Support International, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health.

Professional Organizations

  • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a perinatal mental health resource page for professionals that includes AAP recommendations, guidance on physician education and training, integrating screening into practice, and additional tools.
  • Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) promotes the health of women and newborns through journals, publications, research resources, and education and advocacy opportunities.
  • International Marce Society for Perinatal Mental Health supports researchers or professionals interested in prenatal and postpartum mental health.
  • North American Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics & Gynecology

Multi-Language Resources

  • MedLine Plus Postpartum Depression Resources: Offers trusted health information in 15 different languages.
  • Here to Help, British Columbia Partners for Mental Health and Addiction: A Canadian resource available in 12 different languages.

Foundations & Policy

  • Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health.