Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the release of New York’s inaugural maternal mental health report, which outlines key challenges faced by nearly one in five pregnant women in the state. The report, prepared by the Maternal Mental Health Workgroup, includes recommendations to improve screenings, treatment, and support services for maternal mental health. It highlights the need for expanded programs such as Project TEACH and Healthy Steps, which aim to provide mental health support to pregnant and postpartum women.
The report emphasizes the importance of addressing disparities in care, particularly among Black pregnant women who face higher risks of pregnancy-related complications. Governor Hochul stated, “As New York’s first Mom-Governor, this is personal for me — and I’ll never stop working to ensure that pregnant women across our state have the support and resources they need.” The state is also providing $850,000 in funding to extend the Collaborative Care Model for maternal mental health, which will help integrate behavioral health services in OBGYN and family medicine practices.
Additionally, New York plans to host virtual roundtable discussions in November to reduce stigma and highlight support programs for maternal mental health. The report and ongoing efforts aim to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to critical mental health supports that improve outcomes for pregnant women and their children. The full report is available online at omh.ny.gov.