Dr. Caron Post from Maternal Mental Health NOW is with us to discuss how the organization offers training, advocacy and support for mothers and families who are dealing with mental health stress during pregnancy and postpartum and works with L.A. County to support maternal mental health sensitive services.
Please go to http://www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org to learn more about their ONLINE TRAINING in maternal mental health, the maternal mental health directory and connect with them to learn how to make changes in your county.
Dr. Caron Post received her doctorate in clinical psychology from New York University. She is a clinical psychologist who specializes in maternal mental health, couples therapy, depression and anxiety, perinatal mood disorders, early childhood development and parent -child relationships. She is the former Director of the Clinical Training Program at the Early Childhood Center-Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Program Coordinator of Adult Outpatient Services at Didi Hirsch Community Mental Health Centers and since 2009 has been the Executive Director of Maternal Mental Health NOW, formerly known as The Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force. She maintains a private practice in Los Angeles, California.
Topics addressed in this episode: Maternal mental health, online directory, advocacy, integration into medical offices, screening, online training
http://www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org
Twitter: @MMHealthNow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaternalMentalHealthNow/
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In a compelling episode of a health-focused podcast, Dr. Caron Post, Executive Director of Maternal Mental Health NOW, sheds light on the critical and expanding field of maternal mental health. With a rich background in clinical psychology from New York University and extensive experience across various prestigious medical centers in Los Angeles, Dr. Post brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the subject of mental health stress during pregnancy and postpartum.
The Mission of Maternal Mental Health NOW
Maternal Mental Health NOW, initially known as The Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force, aims to combat the stigma associated with mental health issues during and after pregnancy. This organization has been at the forefront of advocacy, training, and support, not only aiding mothers and families directly but also enhancing the capabilities of healthcare providers throughout L.A. County.
Under Dr. Post’s leadership since 2009, the organization has focused on making maternal mental health services more sensitive and accessible. They provide a comprehensive suite of resources, including an online training program designed to educate professionals and the public on the nuances of maternal mental health. This training ensures that healthcare professionals can better recognize, understand, and treat mental health conditions that may arise during pregnancy and postpartum periods.
Key Services and Initiatives
One of the primary resources offered by Maternal Mental Health NOW is their extensive online directory. This tool is invaluable for families seeking support, connecting them with services and professionals specialized in maternal mental health issues. The directory is part of a broader initiative to integrate mental health advocacy and services into medical offices, making support as accessible as possible for expecting and new mothers.
Dr. Post emphasizes the importance of early screening for mental health issues, which can significantly impact the well-being of both the mother and the child. By integrating screening processes into routine medical care, healthcare providers can detect and address potential issues before they escalate, improving outcomes for families.
Online Training: A Cornerstone for Education
Maternal Mental Health NOW’s online training modules are a cornerstone of their educational efforts. These sessions are designed to equip healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills necessary to support maternal mental health effectively. The training covers various topics, from the basics of perinatal mood disorders to complex aspects of early childhood development and parent-child relationships.
This online training also serves to bridge the gap between different healthcare providers, including pediatricians, obstetricians, and mental health professionals, fostering a more holistic approach to maternal healthcare. By understanding the interconnected aspects of physical and mental health, practitioners can offer more comprehensive care to mothers and families.
Advocacy and Community Engagement
Beyond training and support, Maternal Mental Health NOW is deeply involved in advocacy work. Dr. Post discusses how the organization collaborates with policymakers and community leaders to promote changes that support maternal mental health services. This includes lobbying for policies that improve access to mental health care and ensuring that maternal mental health is included in public health agendas.
The organization’s efforts also extend to community engagement, where they strive to raise awareness about the importance of maternal mental health. By hosting events, workshops, and seminars, they bring the conversation to the forefront of community consciousness, educating the public and reducing stigma.
Making a Difference in Your County
For those inspired to make a difference in their own communities, Dr. Post encourages engagement with Maternal Mental Health NOW’s resources. By visiting their website, individuals and professionals can access the online training, utilize the maternal mental health directory, and learn more about advocacy efforts. These tools provide a foundation for initiating or enhancing maternal mental health services in counties across the country.
Dr. Caron Post’s dedication and the work of Maternal Mental Health NOW highlight the critical need for focused support on maternal mental health. Through their comprehensive training programs, advocacy, and direct support, they are setting a standard for how communities can better support mothers during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. As maternal mental health continues to gain recognition as a crucial aspect of healthcare, the efforts of Dr. Post and her organization offer a promising path forward, ensuring that mothers and families receive the compassionate care they deserve.
Dr. Kat offers perinatal mental health psychotherapy . consultation and training for the following:
Pregnancy Loss Support
Pregnancy Anxiety
Postpartum Anxiety
Pregnancy Depression
