The Office of Governor Kathy Hochul has released New York State’s first-ever Maternal Mental Health Report, offering a comprehensive overview of the mental health challenges experienced during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The report outlines key recommendations to improve screening, expand access to behavioral health services, strengthen peer and doula support, and address inequities that disproportionately affect underserved communities.
As part of this effort, New York State is allocating $850,000 to help OBGYN and family medicine practices expand the psychiatric collaborative care model, improve perinatal depression screening, and reduce racial and geographic disparities in care. The Office of Mental Health is also hosting virtual roundtable discussions in November to address stigma and share available supports for pregnant and postpartum individuals.
The report serves as a roadmap for enhancing maternal mental health services statewide and reflects the insights of clinical experts, community leaders, and individuals with lived experience.