Homepage - Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health

Every Mother, Every Time

It’s time for a U.S. healthcare system that detects and treats maternal mental health disorders

We identify barriers, find solutions and catalyze lasting systems change
Our Work
Less than 20%

of women are screened for maternal mental health disorders

and less than 9% of those with a positive screen recieve adequate treatment.
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96% of birthing-age, American women

live in maternal mental health professional shortage areas

this not only leaves mothers with no treatment options, but is also commonly noted by health insurance plans as the reason for their insufficient provider networks
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pol·i·cy

A rule or plan of action, adopted and followed by a group, organization, or government

We are a policy think tank and field catalyst. We inform and facilitate systems change so mothers, children and families have the best opportunity to thrive.

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key players

We directly serve, cross-sector leaders & change agents in the U.S.

Policy Makers

·Law Makers
·Regulators Addressing
·Health Policy

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Providers

·Obstetricians/Midwives
·Hospital/Health Systems

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Payors

·Insurers
·Health Plans
·Employers
·Medicaid Agencies

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Affecting all mothers

Maternal Mental Health Disorders are the most common complications of pregnancy

They impact, on average:

up to

1 in 5

Of the expecting and postpartum mothers in the U.S., mothers of color suffer at higher rates.

Over 150 counties

fall into high risk and large resource gap areas

Identifying the most vulnerable mothers without access to care

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The Latest news

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Blog

Oct 4, 2024

Addressing the Need to “Carve In” Mental Health Care at the Kennedy Forum’s Alignment for Progress Event

On September 24th and 25th, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health…

Blog

Oct 3, 2024

HRSA Invests in Community Health Centers to Improve Access to Behavioral Healthcare

In September 2024, the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced…

Blog

Sep 27, 2024

First Lady Announces $500 Million Commitment to Women’s Health Research

This week, our Executive Director Joy Burkhard, had the honor of attending…

Blog

Sep 19, 2024

White House Briefing: 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act

On September 13th, the White House celebrated the 30th anniversary of the…

Blog

Oct 4, 2024
Addressing the Need to “Carve In” Mental Health Care at the Kennedy Forum’s Alignment for Progress Event
On September 24th and 25th, the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health attended the Kennedy Forum’s Alignment for Progress Conference at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. We joined hundreds of leaders in the mental health and substance use disorder (MH/SUD) community. …

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Blog

Oct 3, 2024
HRSA Invests in Community Health Centers to Improve Access to Behavioral Healthcare
In September 2024, the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced an effort to expand access to mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment for more than 10 million people across the country, by investing $240 million in 400+ community health centers (CHCs). …

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Blog

Sep 27, 2024
First Lady Announces $500 Million Commitment to Women’s Health Research
This week, our Executive Director Joy Burkhard, had the honor of attending the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, where a promising announcement was made by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. In a step forward for women’s health, the U.S. Department of Defense committed to investing $500 million annually in women’s health research, focusing on conditions that uniquely, disproportionately, or differently affect women. The initiative will address critical issues such as ovarian cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and musculoskeletal injuries. …

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Blog

Sep 19, 2024
White House Briefing: 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act
On September 13th, the White House celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) ), a piece of landmark bipartisan legislation. The topic of discussion was the ongoing efforts to address gender-based violence, and new action taken by the administration was highlighted….

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