A National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Now Offers Help for New Moms
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in an effort to support new and expectant moms, the government has launched a new national Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
Mothers can simply call or text the hotline at 1-833-943-5746 to speak with a trained counselor about things they may be struggling with. They can also receive referrals to community-based and telehealth providers, support groups and other community resources as needed.
The hotline offers a place for mothers to seek help for concerns like postpartum depression without judgment. “Today, we are creating a safe space for expecting and new moms who are experiencing maternal depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns to have confidential conversations and get the support they need,” said Health Resources and Services Administration Administrator Carole Johnson.
The hotline ties in with other recent efforts made by the Biden administration to provide increased access to mental health services. “This new Maternal Mental Health Hotline will not only advance our priorities of tackling the nation’s mental health crisis, but also support our efforts to ensure healthy pregnancies and support new parents,” said United States Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Last year, Vice President Harris hosted the first-ever federal Maternal Health Day of Action, where she pledged the government’s commitment to work for safe pregnancies and childbirth. Since then, the HHS has dedicated $4.5 million to expanding access to community-based doulas in areas with high maternal mortality rates, and has provided funding in seven states to support a Screening and Treatment for Maternal Depression Program. The launch of this hotline continues these efforts to help care for the physical and mental health of pregnant women and new moms.
The Maternal Mental Health Hotline isn’t intended as an emergency response line; if you’re experiencing a behavioral health crisis, you should contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
