Foundations of Perinatal Mental Health
PMH-C Eligible Course
14 hours of continuing education credits
In Person & Virtual
This course has been approved by Postpartum Support International (PSI) as an alternate pre-requisite - Step 1 for PMH-C certification.
This is a comprehensive training designed for mental health & perinatal professionals to build competency in identifying, assessing, and treating perinatal mental health disorders. This course explores the biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence mental health during the perinatal period—from preconception through postpartum. Through an intersectional and trauma-informed lens, participants will gain tools to recognize common and complex perinatal presentations, understand the impact of untreated illness on parents and infants, and apply evidence-based, culturally responsive interventions. Special topics include professional boundaries, provider wellness, psychopharmacology, loss and grief, trauma, intersectionality, and social support systems.
Why Should I Choose This Training?
This training is taught by mental health providers who are working every day in NYS to provide quality mental health care in the perinatal period.
This training has a specific lens of trauma-informed care. You will look at the experience of new parents through the lens of “what happened to you, instead of what's wrong with you”.
You will leave with tools to be able to provide good care to your clients, but also how to take care of yourself so you can avoid burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.
The live small group format allows for an interactive experience that you can connect with peers and explore experiences.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
Define the concept of perinatal mental health and articulate its relevance to family systems and early childhood development. Distinguish between typical perinatal emotional changes and clinical perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).
Identify biopsychosocial risk and protective factors associated with the development and course of perinatal mental health disorders.
Apply trauma-informed principles to clinical work with perinatal individuals and families, including awareness of intergenerational trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Demonstrate cultural humility and an understanding of intersectionality in the context of perinatal mental health care, particularly in working with historically marginalized communities.
Utilize validated screening and assessment tools to identify perinatal mental health concerns across a range of clinical settings.
Describe evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions and complementary approaches for treating individuals experiencing perinatal distress.
Evaluate the short- and long-term impacts of untreated perinatal mental health conditions on the individual, infant, and family system.
Explain the roles and contributions of interdisciplinary providers in supporting perinatal well-being and facilitating coordinated care.
Recognize indicators of secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue in providers and apply strategies for professional self-care and boundary-setting.
Participants must be present for the entire event to receive credit Social workers must attend the entire course and complete a course evaluation to be eligible for ASWB CE credit.
Fee Includes Attendance, Handouts & Certificate of Completion Certificates will be distributed via email within 10 business days
Refunds will be made less a $10 processing fee up to 15 days before the training. No refunds will be issued within 14 days of the training
Target Audience: Social Workers & Mental Health Professionals, Doulas, Lactation Consultants, Nurses, Midwives, Physicians, Peer Support Professionals and Affiliated Professionals.
Please contact 516-900-6636 or CE@hhptherapy.com if you have questions, concerns, or grievances about this course, or for ADA accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be eligible for certification as a PMH-C after I take this course?
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Why I Believe the PMH-C Matters (And Why You Might, Too)