The perinatal period is often expected to feel natural or joyful. Pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting can bring about feelings of great joy. However, these seasons of great change can bring along emotional and psychological challenges that are difficult to name, describe, or seek support for.
These challenges do not always begin after birth. Among women who screened positive for depression in one large study, the onset occurred before pregnancy for 27%, during pregnancy for 33%, and during the postpartum period for 40%.
These experiences are more common than many people realize, and they deserve specialized care rooted in respect and compassion. Reproductive and perinatal transitions are not only physical; they can also affect one’s identity, relationships, sleep, stress, sense of self, and more. Huntsman Mental Health Institute has launched a new program to meet this need.
A New Level of Support for Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health
The Nest Intensive Outpatient Program, or Nest IOP, is a new Huntsman Mental Health Institute program focused on perinatal and reproductive mental health. The purpose of the Nest IOP is to support adults 18 and older who are affected by pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy loss, parenting, or related trauma.
The program is designed for mothers who need more support than a typical outpatient therapy appointment can provide, but who may not need inpatient hospitalization. It provides a much needed bridge for those whose symptoms may feel too serious to manage alone, yet not severe enough to require a hospital stay.
The Nest IOP offers a structured path toward care for mothers experiencing the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Trauma
- Other mental health concerns connected to the reproductive or postpartum period
It provides mothers with a place to receive frequent, focused support yet remain connected to their daily lives and families. No referrals are required for enrollment, reducing a common barrier that often keeps people from reaching out.
Why Maternal Mental Health Deserves More Attention
Maternal mental health concerns affect at least one out of every five mothers a year in the United States. Yet research suggests that 75% of women with maternal mental health conditions do not receive the treatment they need. Related concerns such as exhaustion, worry, or sadness are often seen as simply part of pregnancy or new parenthood. While some emotional changes are expected, persistent distress should not be ignored.
Signs that someone may need professional mental healthcare include:
- Ongoing sadness
- Panic
- Constant worry
- Difficulty bonding with their new child
- Intrusive thoughts
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
- The sense that something is not right
The Nest IOP makes these experiences visible and sends an important message: people do not need to wait until they are in crisis to receive meaningful mental health care. When people receive specialized, compassionate mental healthcare, the impact extends beyond one person. It strengthens families, improves bonding, and helps people move through one of life’s most significant transitions with safety and support.
Philanthropy helps programs like the Nest IOP grow and help more people. Learn more about Huntsman Mental Health Foundation and how to become a donor.
