Bridging Physical and Mental Health Care

During the perinatal period, one in five women in the United States experience a mental health issue such as postpartum depression or anxiety. But accessing mental health support can be difficult, particularly as a new parent. Kara Birch, a dual board-certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, designed and launched a telehealth-based integrated mental health service at a community-based obstetrics and gynecology clinic in San Francisco. In this episode, Birch is joined by colleague Jane Abanes, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who also provides care at the clinic, to discuss how this innovative program is enhancing access to psychiatric care and improving patient’s mental health and well-being. The guest host for this episode is Kira Prokopakis, a student in the school’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specialty. Please note that this episode contains material of sensitive nature. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to get 24/7 support. To access postpartum support, please contact (800) 944-4773 or visit postpartum.net.