CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS) — The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH), in collaboration with the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership, announced the launch of a new program aimed at serving pregnant and postpartum residents.
According to a press release, the agencies began the West Virginia Perinatal Psychiatric Access Program (WV PPAP), which is a provider-facing initiative that brings together healthcare professionals with perinatal psychiatrists for consultation, guidance, and referrals for service. The initiative is meant to forge statewide capacity to better diagnose and treat concerns involving perinatal mental health and substance use concerns.
The program expands on data from the state’s recent assessment of perinatal behavioral health needs, done in collaboration with the Marshall University Center of Excellence for Recovery and the West Virginia Perinatal Partnership, which located chances to strengthen screening practices, broaden provider support, and expand access to care, the release noted.
The WV PPAP bolsters the above efforts by affording direct consultation with perinatal psychiatrists, referrals to behavioral health resources, and ongoing support for providers treating patients that are perinatal, the release stated. Providers can gain access to program services by calling 1-304-314-PERI (7374) Monday through Friday, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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The program is operated by a team of perinatal psychologists, such as Dr. Emily Boothe, Dr. Rebecca Creel, and Dr. Meredith Bentley, along with a special resource and referral specialist to help providers find the best services that fit their patients’ needs.
The WV PPAP is assisted through funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration and was brought to fruition under the guidance of the Maternal Mental Health Advisory Council. The initiative is part of a larger effort to expand and better the behavioral health system in the Mountain State, as well as to improve outcomes for mothers and families by making specialized care more accessible.
For more information visit the West Virginia Perinatal Psychiatric Access Program’s website.
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