New research suggests that women with serious mental illness (SMI) who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy may face gaps in information, support, and resources in mental Health services. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Health Affairs on April 1, emphasizes the importance of integrating pregnancy and parenting interventions, education, and resources for women with SMI into mental health services.
Dr. Nichole Goodsmith, the study’s senior author, highlights the need for policies that increase mental health provider and clinic capacity to address pregnancy and parenting issues. This, she says, can significantly improve care for women with mental illness, ultimately benefiting maternal and child outcomes.
The researchers conducted telephone interviews with 22 reproductive-age women served at four Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health outpatient clinics. The findings revealed that many women did not recall discussions of pregnancy with their mental health providers, and those who did described them as brief. Additionally, there were concerns about the lack of information on the safety of psychiatric medications during pregnancy.
While most women found their mental health providers to be helpful and supportive regarding parenting issues, some expressed concerns about potential custody issues if they discussed their mental health symptoms.
The study, conducted in a large urban mental health system, underscores the need to enhance mental health providers’ capacity to address pregnancy and parenting needs of their patients. It suggests incorporating education on pregnancy and parenting into academic and professional curriculums to bridge the knowledge gap in mental health services for women with SMI.
The research was conducted by a team of authors from various institutions, including the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and the University of Southern California. Funding for the project was provided by the National Clinician Scholars Program at UCLA, the Veterans Affairs Office of Academic Affiliations, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the importance of integrating pregnancy and parenting support into mental health services for women with serious mental illness. By addressing these needs, healthcare providers can improve the overall well-being of both mothers and their children. The full study can be found in the journal Health Affairs under the reference Fenwick, K., et al. (2024). Addressing Pregnancy And Parenting In Mental Health Care: Perspectives Of Women With Serious Mental Illness. doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01450.
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