Women's Mental Health

Reproductive milestones such as becoming pregnant, having a baby or breastfeeding are often joyous. But they can also come with mental health challenges that you may feel hesitant to share. The same can be said about people navigating infertility, menopause, gender identity and sexuality.

If you need help, turn to UMass Memorial Health. We make it easier to access women’s mental health services. Assessments with personalized treatment recommendations are available in clinics throughout the region. If you are not eligible for care in our clinic and are experiencing a mental health issue related to pregnancy or newborns, we have a partnership with a statewide program that can get you the help you need.

Confidential Mental Health Services

Getting help for mental health concerns typically requires sharing intimate details about your life. We create a safe, comforting environment that makes it easier to have these discussions. Together, we get to the source of what you are experiencing, so you receive the care you need.

You can feel confident knowing that we protect the information you share with us. UMass Memorial follows all state and federal laws surrounding health information privacy. In limited circumstances, we may share details about your needs with additional providers who can help you. 

Inclusive Care

UMass Memorial delivers confidential, compassionate care to all patients. Our supportive, nonjudgmental environment makes it easier to have honest conversations about the health issues that matter to you. We take extra steps to learn about your preferences, enabling us to tailor your care experience.

Who Are Our Women’s Mental Health Services For?

Our mental health services for women may be right for you if you are dealing with issues related to:

Pregnancy and Childbirth

• Preconception and pregnancy counseling
• Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy
• Mental health conditions in pregnancy and postpartum
• Breastfeeding difficulties

Other Concerns

• Breast cancer
• Gynecologic cancer
• Infertility treatment
• Pelvic pain
• Perimenopause 
• Premenstrual syndromes
• Sexuality

Women’s Mental Health Issues We Care For

If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health issue, come talk to us. We connect you with services that address conditions such as: 

• Addiction
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder 
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Perinatal Mental Health Clinic

If you have an existing mental health issue or we identify the signs of one during a clinic visit, we may discuss your case with a perinatal psychiatrist. This expert specializes in mental health issues related to conceiving, pregnancy, postpartum and lactation. Together, we determine how best to address your concerns.

A member of your care team discusses your options with you. Then, we help you access the services you need.

Our Women’s Mental Health Clinic provides up to six months of: 

• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Medications

Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP) for Moms

If you are not eligible for pregnancy-related women’s mental health services at UMass Memorial, MCPAP for Moms may help. UMass Memorial Medical Center is the regional hub for this program, which is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.

You may be eligible for MCPAP for moms if you:

• Are planning a pregnancy
• Are currently pregnant
• Are breast or chest feeding (human milk feeding)
• Had a living baby, pregnancy loss or stillbirth in the last year

How to Access Mental Health Services Through MCPAP for Moms

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a mental health issue, let your health care provider know. It doesn’t need to be an OB-GYN. You can also talk to your midwife, primary care provider or baby’s pediatrician.

They can help connect you with MCPAP for Moms, which puts you in touch with additional resources. You may benefit from: 

• Phone conversation or one-time visit with a mental health specialist to talk about treatment options
• List of mental health resources 
• Assistance finding appointments for therapy, medication or support groups

Additional MCPAP for Moms Services

You also have access to:  

• Phone and online resources
• Resources for people who are pregnant, just had a baby or experienced pregnancy loss
• Support groups for moms
• Tip sheets for talking with healthcare providers about your mental health concerns
• Information for fathers and partners

Get more information about Lifeline for Moms.

Women’s Mental Health Research

We lead and participate in prominent studies exploring the unique challenges facing women and people who identify as women. Research interests include improving postpartum outcomes in medically underserved populations and decreasing the stigma around weight gain.