MHAM Maternal Mental Health Project

Supporting Mothers, Strengthening Communities

We are grateful for the generous support from the Valinhos Foundation during the development of this initiative.

Why Maternal Mental Health Matters.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are critical times when women are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and grief. Studies show that 15-20% of birthing women experience diagnosable mental health conditions, yet half of them never receive the help they need. Limited access to trained clinicians and culturally responsive care further complicates the situation.

At Mental Health Awareness of Michiana (MHAM), we recognize the urgent need to support mothers during this critical phase. Our initiatives aim to bridge the gap in access to effective, compassionate, and culturally responsive mental health care.

Direct Services

Pro Bono Counseling Project

We provide access to short-term counseling for individuals struggling with perinatal mental health concerns, ensuring support is available regardless of financial barriers.

Peer Support

Expectant and new mothers can receive one-on-one support from a trained peer support specialist during pregnancy and up to 18 months postpartum.

Screening and Referral Assistance

Helping individuals identify their specific needs and connecting them with appropriate mental health and other vital resources, navigating the often complex landscape of available services.

Educational Outreach

Recorded educational modules are available on our YouTube channel, covering topics such as:

Healthy Minds Hot Topics:

Recorded educational modules are available on our YouTube channel, covering topics such as:

  • Introduction to Perinatal Mental Health
  • Grief and Loss
  • Substance Use During Pregnancy
  • Talking to Your Medical Provider
  • Asking for Help

Wellness Promotion Events:

  • Pop-Up Pregnancy Village
    MHAM anchors the mental health section of this community centered event bringing needed services to the community.
  • Additional wellness focused events and outreach to raise awareness Participation in MHAM events to raise awareness and provide resources.

Mental Health Workforce Development

MHAM is committed to expanding the workforce equipped to address maternal mental health needs through specialized training opportunities:

Master's Level Clinical Internship

Clinical training opportunities for master’s level social work and counseling interns.

Maternal Mental Health Fellowship cohorts form in the Spring and Fall and run 6 months. This is a unique training opportunity for early career clinicians who are interested in developing a maternal mental health specialization. Each Fellow receives weekly supervision, biweekly in service training, and clinical experience with perinatal clients. Fellows commit to spending about 5 hours a week on Fellowship related activities for the duration of the cohort.

MHAM offers continuing education classes for licensed clinicians throughout the year on a variety of topics. Check out MHAM’s calendar for upcoming classes.

Contact us for more information or to apply: info@mhamichiana.org

Meet the Interns and Fellows 

Fall 2024 Fellows Cohort

Olivia Morris

Masters in Social Work

Gisselle Dwyer

Masters in Counseling

2024/2025 Interns

Matt Kacamarek

Master’s in Counseling Intern, Northwestern University

Jessica Mejia-Abrajan

Master’s in Social Work Intern, St. Mary’s College

Additional Resources

For further support and information, we recommend the following trusted organizations:

At MHAM, we are dedicated to ensuring that every mother has access to the mental health support she needs during pregnancy and postpartum. Whether through direct services, education, or workforce development, our goal is to empower women and their families with the tools and care they deserve.

English

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Stay InformedAbout Mental Health in Michiana

Join our newsletter to receive updates on local initiatives, educational resources, and ways to support mental well-being in our community.