New York’s Maternal Mental Health Workgroup has released a sweeping report detailing systemic gaps, racial inequities, and urgent policy needs affecting pregnant and postpartum New Yorkers, outlining 10 major recommendations state leaders are being urged to act on.
1. Maternal mental health disorders remain widespread, severe, and largely untreated
The report notes that an estimated one in five birthing people experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, yet roughly 75% go undiagnosed or untreated, contributing to increased risks of pregnancy complications, substance use, self-harm, and suicide.
2. Racial disparities in maternal health remain stark
Black birthing people face disproportionately high risks of maternal mental health complications and pregnancy-related mortality. The report calls inequity a critical driver of poor outcomes and urges targeted action to rebuild trust in health systems among communities of color.
3. Fear of child removal prevents people from seeking help
Many birthing people avoid mental health or substance use screenings because they fear child welfare involvement. The report urges policies that reduce this fear and promote supportive, non-punitive pathways to care.
4. Universal maternal mental health screening is still inconsistent
Providers do not routinely screen for the full range of maternal mental health conditions. The report recommends expanding validated tools at OB-GYN visits, pediatric appointments, home-visiting programs and community settings, with adequate reimbursement for all providers who conduct screenings.
5. Workforce shortages remain a barrier
New York lacks enough behavioral health clinicians trained in perinatal issues. The report calls for expanded training, a more diverse workforce, and a specialty designation for providers with maternal mental health expertise. It also recommends integrating maternal mental health training into the 988 crisis hotline system.
6. Peer support is underutilized but essential
Peers with lived experience are identified as highly trusted sources of support, especially for marginalized populations. The report urges statewide expansion of peer programs, including training peer specialists to assist with screening and warm handoffs to care.
7. Doula services should be expanded and more widely covered
The workgroup recommends broader awareness of Medicaid’s doula benefit and calls for exploring coverage through private insurers. Doulas play an important role in reducing stress, improving birth outcomes and supporting mental well-being before and after childbirth.
8. Dyadic (parent-child) care models are key to long-term progress
Programs like HealthySteps are highlighted as effective ways to support caregivers and infants together. The report urges statewide expansion of integrated behavioral health supports in pediatric settings and increased investment in home-visiting programs.
9. Insurance coverage gaps continue to limit access
The report calls for pay parity between Medicaid and commercial insurance for behavioral health services, expanded telehealth coverage, and employer policies that support parental leave and mental wellness. Inconsistent coverage limits access to treatment during a critical period for parent and child health.
10. New York needs better data to guide intervention
The workgroup urges the state to leverage existing mortality and morbidity data and strengthen quality-improvement systems to identify high-risk birthing people earlier. Better use of Medicaid claims and public-health data could significantly improve follow-up and outcomes.
What does it mean?
The report presents a comprehensive, equity-centered blueprint for improving maternal mental health outcomes statewide. Some recommendations can be implemented within two years using current resources. Others — including mother-baby psychiatric units, universal home-visiting programs and a new maternal mental health bureau — would require significant future investment.
Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox each morning. Sign up for our Morning Edition to start your day. FL1 on the Go! Download the free FingerLakes1.com App for iOS (iPhone, iPad).
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].