MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Launches Mother-Baby Intensive Outpatient Program for Mental Health
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Launches Mother-Baby Intensive Outpatient Program to Support Pregnant and Postpartum Individuals with Mood and Anxiety Disorders
In a groundbreaking move, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital has introduced the Mother-Baby Intensive Outpatient Program, the first of its kind in the Washington region. This program aims to provide intensive support for pregnant and postpartum individuals struggling with mood and anxiety disorders, helping them build the skills needed to feel better and develop competence, confidence, and independence as caregivers.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly one in five women develops a psychiatric disorder before or after giving birth, with more than one in three women of color experiencing postpartum depression. Tragically, postpartum suicide and overdose are the leading causes of maternal mortality in the first year after childbirth.
The Mother-Baby Program offers a lifeline to mothers and birthing people, helping them avoid tragic consequences and provide stability for their families. Participants in the program can receive treatment while accompanied by their babies, allowing for supportive care without disrupting the crucial bonding process between mother and child.
Dr. Aimee Danielson, founder and director of the Women’s Mental Health Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, emphasizes the importance of this program in filling a critical gap in mental health care for pregnant and postpartum individuals. By providing intensive care without the need for inpatient psychiatric treatment, mothers can continue to live at home with their families while receiving the support they need.
Group therapy sessions are held three days a week, with additional therapies available based on personalized treatment plans for each patient. Adults ages 18 and up who are pregnant or within one year of giving birth and experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma are eligible for the program.
For more information or to schedule an intake appointment, individuals can contact the Department of Psychiatry at 202-944-5400. This innovative program is set to make a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum individuals in the Washington region.
