You can choose between one of two treatment interventions, which include either cognitive behavioral therapy through a program called STAND (Screening and Treatment for ANxiety and Depression) for perinatal depression (PND), or psychiatric services offered through the Maternal Outpatient Mental health Services (MOMS) Clinic. A description of each treatment intervention is provided below.
If you choose the STAND for PND program, there will be no cost for treatment services.
If you choose the MOMS Clinic, scheduling and billing will be managed by the clinic, in which case you or your insurance are required to pay for the treatment.
To be eligible for the MOMS Clinic, you must be eligible to receive services through the UCLA Health Clinic (e.g., are insured). To determine eligibility, you will need to speak with a member of the clinic staff. If you are not eligible for the MOMS Clinic, you will have the option of the STAND for PND program.
STAND for PND
STAND for PND provides cognitive behavioral therapy customized for pregnant women/moms/parents and women/parents experiencing perinatal depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy is delivered in two ways, depending on your depression severity.
Women experiencing moderate symptoms of depression and no current suicidality are offered cognitive behavioral therapy through an evidence-based digital (or online) program that is guided by a specially trained coach.
Following an orientation session conducted over secure video conference, up to 9 coaching sessions are available. In this program, you will:
- Complete 6 self-guided online lessons to learn practical, evidence-based cognitive behavioral skills and tools for depression experienced during pregnancy and early motherhood. Examples include behavioral activation, self-compassion, worry and sleep management. The program includes 3 optional modules, as well.
- The lessons are provided through a ParentMood mobile app which includes practice of relevant skills through interactive tools.
- Meet regularly with a certified coach via secure video sessions for support applying these skills to your daily life*.
- Complete brief weekly symptom assessments to track your progress over time.
- All sessions will be recorded using HIPAA-compliant software for clinical supervision purposes.
Women experiencing severe depression or suicidality are offered cognitive behavioral therapy by a therapist.
Following an orientation session conducted over secure video conference, up to 12 weekly therapy sessions are offered. You will be connected to a licensed therapist who will work with you to evaluate your symptoms, identify your goals, and develop a personalized cognitive behavioral therapy plan, using techniques shown to be effective for individuals with symptoms of depression. In this program, you will:
- Meet weekly (up to 12 weeks) with a therapist via secure video sessions to learn skills as part of a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs*.
- Complete brief, weekly symptom check-ins to track your progress over time.
- All sessions will be recorded using HIPAA-compliant software for clinical supervision purposes.
MOMS Clinic
We also offer treatment through the UCLA Health MOMS Clinic, pending eligibility.
The MOMS Clinic serves the mental health needs of women during the perinatal period. Based on a collaborative care model spearheaded by the UCLA OB/GYN Department, mental health care is seamlessly integrated into UCLA Obstetric practices, fostering an environment of collaboration and care delivery for the whole person.
The MOMS Clinic provides full psychiatric assessments by an experienced reproductive psychiatrist to people who may be suffering from perinatal mood disorders, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis. Treatment provided in the MOMS clinic includes using the latest evidence-based practices to deliver compassionate, specialized care. Patients receive psychiatric care with tailored mental health resources from an interdisciplinary team. Resources include referrals to reproductive therapists, lactation consultants, pelvic floor physical therapists, and support groups.
Participants must first complete a phone screening with MOMS Clinic staff to determine their eligibility for treatment in the MOMS Clinic. Only participants who are deemed eligible will be confirmed for treatment and scheduled for a MOMS Clinic intake appointment. Study staff will coordinate with the MOMS Clinic prior to the participant's onboarding session to confirm eligibility and facilitate scheduling.
Information about the treatment provided in the MOMS Clinic (e.g., number of treatment sessions, medications prescribed) will be shared with the study team and entered into our research database.
In this treatment intervention, you will:
- Complete a phone screening to determine eligibility to receive care in this clinic.
- Schedule an intake session with a clinic psychiatrist to determine course of care, including medication management.
- Receive up to five follow-up visits up until 1 year postpartum.
- Complete brief, weekly symptom check-ins to track your progress over time.