Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Commons^™

Perinatal Mental Health Services: A Preliminary Needs Assessment From The Consumer Perspective, Amara Zee, Jennifer Cates, Scott Schaefle

Scott Schaefle

This study is a preliminary community needs assessment of the current status of services for Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMD) including mental health assessment, prevention, and treatment services available to women in Central Washington State. Due to the prevalence rates of PMD and the negative outcomes for women, children and families, it is important that women at risk for PMD be identified and treated. This study surveyed women who gave birth between one to two years ago about their experiences with health care professionals regarding assessment, prevention, and treatment services. Barriers to care were also considered in the assessment. Results indicate …