FAQs

What is perinatal mental health?

The term perinatal refers to the period of time beginning with a pregnancy until 2 years postpartum, including experiences of pregnancy or infant loss, termination, and infertility.

Perinatal mental health disorders are a grouping of mental health diagnoses, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, that can occur in moms and parents during this time.

What is a perinatal mental health specialist?

A licensed therapist or counselor who has received advanced training in perinatal mental health and who has worked with the perinatal population directly for at least 2 years.

Who is this fund for?

The Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health is raising money to pay for fully funded therapy sessions for perinatal moms and parents who reside in Georgia. This includes those who:

  • Are currently pregnant

  • Are up to 2 years postpartum

  • Have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss in the past 2 years

  • Have experienced a pregnancy termination in the past 2 years

  • Are non-birthing, step-, or adoptive parents with children 2 years and under

  • Are experiencing infertility or undergoing fertility treatment

Why do moms and parents in Georgia need help?

Nationwide, perinatal mental health disorders like postpartum depression and anxiety are the #1 complication of childbirth. This is widely understood to be an underestimation of how many are affected.

In Georgia, which holds one of the worst records for maternal mortality in the US, maternal suicide is the leading cause of death.

Our state also has one of the highest rates of mental illness and one of the worst records for access to mental health care in the US.

Most of Georgia’s counties are experiencing a mental health care shortage. Fewer than 60 perinatal specialists currently serve Georgia. Of those, only half accept insurance.

This means that most perinatal moms and parents are struggling in silence, without adequate support, unable to access qualified care. The financial and societal costs of untreated perinatal mental health issues are disastrous.

I’m a perinatal mom or parent in Georgia. How can I apply to receive funds?

Our intake period is open! Learn how to apply to receive funds.