Why I Believe the PMH-C Matters (And Why You Might, Too)
- Pauline Walfisch, LCSW-R, PMH-C
- Aug 10
- 5 min read
Why I Believe the PMH-C Matters
Early in my career, I remember sitting in the emergency room with a postpartum woman who was depressed after her second child. “I don’t feel like myself. I thought this would be different.” She looked at my necklace which held a charm of a single boy and told me she was jealous. She told me that she thought she had made a mistake having a second child and that she had ruined her life, ruined the life of her whole family in fact. She believed she was a terrible person. I remember being surprised by her reaction, feeling so much empathy for her, and not knowing how I could help her. I knew that she deserved unwavering support and I could offer her that, but I didn't really understand what was happening, and to be honest, I wasn't sure what to make of her experience.
After her, there were other moms. Bereaved women holding photos of their baby gone too soon. Anxious moms who were afraid to fall asleep and would stay up all night watching their baby sleep. Women struggling to become moms and willing to do anything to make that dream come true. The stories changed, but the pain and hurt was always palpable. These women, these stories, proved to me why perinatal mental health deserves more than good intentions. It deserves deep knowledge, real tools, and unwavering support. That’s why the Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) matters to me, and why it should matter to you too. You will see that many of the therapists at HHP have already obtained their PMH-C. All therapists at HHP are required to study and be familiar with the content on the certification pathway.
So What is PMH-C?
The PMH-C is a certification offered by Postpartum Support International (PSI) for professionals who support individuals during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. It represents training and knowledge which gives a solid foundation in the recognition and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).
But more than anything, it signals to clients: You’re safe here. I understand what you’re going through and I care enough to have extensive training and an ongoing commitment to you.
Why it Matters in The Real World
You Don’t Have to Guess
As a provider, the training you need to become a PMH-C assures that you have a roadmap to understanding all of the important issues in the perinatal period. PSI makes sure that all of the approved step 1 training includes certain required content. There is an evidence based curriculum filled with foundational content. You learn how to identify what’s showing up, how to name it, how to treat it—or how to get your client to someone who can. It Builds Trust
When someone is in the fog of postpartum anxiety or the quiet despair of depression, they’re often wondering, Is this normal? Am I okay? Having that certification shows them you’re not just empathic, you’re trained and passionate about this very topic. And that goes a long way in building safety and connection.
It Honors Complexity
Perinatal mental health is about more than general depression and anxiety. It’s about birth stories, grief, identity, relationships, and caregiving. The PMH-C tells people that you can hold space for all of it with specialized understanding and compassion.
It Helps Us Grow as Clinicians
This certification pushed me to expand my skills, deepen my understanding of reproductive justice, reproductive mental health, cultural differences, and strengthen the way I advocate within systems that still don’t always prioritize maternal mental health, stigmatize mental illness, and glamorize the postpartum period.
Need to expand your skillset?
How Exactly Does One Become a PMH-C?
It doesn't happen overnight. In fact it requires at least 2 years of dedication to working with those in the perinatal period. PSI provides a nifty flyer to show you the certification pathway.
Find Your Professional Track:
Psychotherapy: If you have a graduate degree and are providing psychotherapy.
Psychopharmacology: For those with a medical degree or advanced practice nursing degree and experience in prescribing medication.
Affiliated Professionals: For professionals with other relevant credentials and experience working with the perinatal population like peer counselors, doulas, lactation consultants and day care workers for example.
1. Get Trained:
Attend a 14 hour (minimum) step 1 training. There are various PSI-approved options, including HHP’s Foundations of Perinatal Mental Health.
Complete 6 hours of advanced training. This training is specific to your chosen professional track. Dive deeper into the knowledge in a way that supports your growth. This must be a live training, virtual or in person. HHP offers several PSI approved advanced trainings, like Supporting New Parents - Identity, Connection & Healing which is appropriate for all 3 professional tracks.
2. Experience Requirements:
Do the work. Make a difference. You’ll need to have 2 years of experience working with families. If you have already been doing this work, you may already be there. Once you have met all the experience requirements you will submit proof to PSI.
3. Test Time:
After completing the educational and experience requirements, candidates must submit an application to PSI to take the exam. Once your requirements have been verified you will be given the all clear to schedule your exam. The exam assesses knowledge and competency in perinatal mental health.
Study! Join a peer study group. Review your training materials and feel confident and prepared. Go to a PearsonVue training center, take your test and pass the exam!
Take a selfie with your passing certificate and tag us and PSI. (Ok this one isn't required but its a fun celebration! So why not?)
4. Maintenance:
Your certification journey doesn't end there. The PMH-C certification is valid for only two years. To renew, you must prove your commitment to staying knowledgeable and competent. To do that you must complete 12 Continuing Education (CE) hours related to your PMH-C track. These hours can include a range of training experiences, many offered through HHP, like EMDR, IFS, or working with couples. You will submit proof of completion directly to PSI for renewals.
Ready to Start Your Certification Journey?
If you’re thinking about pursuing the PMH-C, the first step is to complete a PSI-approved foundational training.
Our training Foundations of Perinatal Mental Health, is officially recognized by PSI as a step 1 equivalent and is designed to meet you where you are—whether you’re brand new to this work or deepening an existing specialty. It’s evidence-based, practical, and rooted in compassion and trauma informed care.
If you are ready to move full steam ahead, stick around for the 3rd day of training we’ll be offering this Fall and complete your Step 2 training. Supporting New Parents - Identity, Connection & Healing
Want to Learn More About Certification?
You can find all the PMH-C details including eligibility and the application process on Postpartum Support International’s website. And if you ever want to talk through your next steps, I’m happy to connect.
Let’s keep showing up! For our clients, for each other, and for the next generation.
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