Reproductive Mental Health Program

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) represent a significant challenge to the mental health of parents, yet access to specialized mental health care during this critical period (pregnancy through one year after delivery) remains limited. PMADs are common with 1 in 5 people who give birth experiencing mental health or substance use disorders during this period. Timely identification of and intervention for these disorders are crucial, as they can profoundly impact parental and child well-being.

Individuals facing mental health challenges during the perinatal period can conveniently access specialized behavioral health resources in the same location as their prenatal, postpartum and gynecological care through Boston Medical Center OBGYN Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) services. Patients receive reproductive mental health services where they get their OB care, reducing barriers to accessing behavioral health services. Our team is in close contact with obstetrical providers at BMC and collaborates to provide wraparound care that attends to the medical, social, and environmental needs that can impact a parent’s mental health.

OB IBH has been recognized by the Association of American Medical Colleges for an Integrated Behavioral Health award for ‘their exemplary efforts to advance integrated behavioral health in a way that enhances accessible whole-person care for all.’

Our focus is to support parents, let them know they’re not alone, and offer personalized treatment plans tailored to individuals’ unique needs. By operating within the obstetrical care setting at BMC, we aim to detect perinatal mood and anxiety disorders early and seamlessly connect patients to reproductive mental health treatment.

Clinic Services

Therapy: Individual and group therapy services (available in person and via telehealth) are offered for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders up to 1 year postpartum for patients with an obstetrical care provider at Boston Medical Center.

Reproductive psychiatry consultation: Provides diagnostic evaluation of mental health problems in pregnancy and up to 1 year postpartum. Consultations are also available for medication evaluation in pregnancy and lactation for mental health problems (risk/risk discussion of psychotropic medications for preconception planning, during pregnancy and lactation).

Reproductive mental health training and consultation (for providers): Clinical case consultations for medical and mental health providers within the Boston Medical Center Healthcare System.

Conditions We Treat

  • Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
  • Trauma related disorders
  • Substance use disorders in pregnancy
  • Perinatal loss
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
  • Perinatal mental health impacts on parenting
  • Fertility and mental health

Contact Us

Email Dr. Maithri Ameresekere, Director of Women’s Mental Health, at maithri.ameresekere@bmc.org if you have any questions about services or resources.

Resources for Patients

Click on the links below for more information on available resources.