This one-hour course, plus additional readings, defines perinatal mental health for medical providers serving women and birthing people of childbearing age and young children. Instructors including Gabrielle Kaufman, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, NCC, PMH-C, Diana Lynn Barnes, PsyD, LMFT, Emily Dossett, MD, MTS, and Chevonne Ford, MSW, review prevalence rates, signs and symptoms, impact, differential diagnoses, and screening tools including the PHQ9 and EPDS. The course models sensitive communication during screening by including demonstrations of screenings taking place in both clinical and outpatient settings. Suicide screening questions and risk assessment, warm referrals and treatment plans are also discussed.

Objectives:

(1) Name 2 reasons why screening for PMADs is important;
(2) Name 2 tools for screening and describe their essential differences;
(3) Effectively utilize at least one screening tool for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders;
(4) Describe advantages and challenges in the screening process.

Audience:
This course is for healthcare professionals working with families in the perinatal period. This includes mental health professionals, nurses, physicians and midwives, doulas and birth workers, lactation consultants, health educators and more.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

CE:
This course meets the qualifications for 2 hours of continuing education for LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs, LEPs, and psychologists as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and California Board of Psychology. Community Partners FBO Maternal Mental Health NOW is the sponsor of continuing education for this learning module and is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Community Partners FBO Maternal Mental Health NOW as the sponsor maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CME: CMEs are not available for this course.

Please follow-up with your licensing board directly to confirm if these credits will apply in your state.