Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are common, treatable, and can occur at any time during pregnancy or in the first year after pregnancy. As many as one in five women suffer from symptoms of depression and anxiety in the perinatal period, and screening for PMADs in medical practices is an important step in identifying women in need of treatment.
If you are in a crisis or need to connect with someone immediately, contact the Crisis Text Line (text "VT" to 741741), or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
PMADs can have serious impacts on maternal health and well-being as well as long-lasting impacts on children’s cognitive, behavioral, and academic development. They can impact attendance at well-child visits, vaccination, and safety practices. For more information on Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, check out our printable PMADs factsheet.
There are several resources across the state focused on providing support to individuals and families struggling with PMADS as well as providers. The following is a short list of programs that offer a variety of different services to best meet the needs of those struggling from and those treating PMADs.
Help Me Grow Vermont 
Pregnant individuals who are seeking help in finding and accessing mental health clinicians with specialized expertise and/or training in PMADs can call Help Me Grow for assistance by dialing 211 option 6 or email info@helpmegrowvt.org.
Providers working with pregnant individuals and families who are experiencing PMADs can also make a direct referral by completing an online referral form.
postpartum support international 
The Vermont chapter of Postpartum Support International has a list of support coordinators and support groups that are available to all. Their mission is to promote awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting mothers, their families, and support systems in all areas of Vermont.
Perinatal Mood and anxiety consultation service 
Medical providers in need of consultation and education regarding PMADs are encouraged to contact the Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Consultation Service at the University of Vermont Medical Center at (802) 847-4758.
- Postpartum support International (PSI)
- Vermont Chapter of PSI
- Maternal mental health during and after pregnancy (MCPAP)
- HRSA brochure for Familes
- HRSA brochure for Moms
- Emotional Complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period
- Awareness materials
- Perinatal mental health discussion tool
- Postpartum promise
- Toolkit for family service providers
- General information
- Beyond Blue (fact sheets)
- Northern new England perinatal quality improvement network'
- Vermont PMADs Factsheet
- Postpartum support International
- Vermont Chapter of PSI
- New Mom Health: A Villiage for Mothers
- Emotional Complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period
- Postpartum Depression Information
- General information
- Beyond Blue (fact sheets)
- Advice for talking to your doctor about PMADs
- Maternal mental health during and after pregnancy (MCPAP)
- Vermont PMADs Factsheet
The Vermont Department of Health and Department of Mental Health are collaborating on the Screening, Treatment, & Access for Mothers & Perinatal Partners (STAMPP), a 5-year cooperative agreement funded by HRSA to help expand perinatal mental health services in Vermont.