Trainings & Resources for Perinatal Mental Health

One in five pregnant or postpartum people experiences a diagnosed mood or anxiety disorder, making depression the most common complication related to childbearing. Perinatal mental health conditions can negatively affect health outcomes for parents, infants, and families. Through training and workforce development, we can better support Montana moms and babies – ensuring the strongest possible start for Montana’s youngest residents.

Learn more about the Montana Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative and the collective work happening across Montana.

Explore additional trainings on this page to continue building your knowledge and skills.

Perinatal Mental Health 101

In September 2024, Dr. Samantha Greenberg, MD, of Greater Valley Health Center, led Perinatal Mental Health 101, a free two-part virtual lunch-and-learn series. Designed for anyone—whether new to the topic or seeking a refresher—this training provided essential insights into perinatal mental health, making it perfect for those looking to learn the basics or deepen their understanding.

As the Kalispell Site Director for the Family Medicine Residency of Western Montana, Dr. Greenberg brought her passion for Maternal Child Health, Reproductive Health, and Adolescent Medicine to these engaging and informative sessions. These trainings are available for free, offering a valuable opportunity to enhance your knowledge and support for perinatal mental health.

Perinatal Mental Health 101: Part 1 RecordingPerinatal Mental Health 101: Part 1 SlidesPerinatal Mental Health 101: Part 2 RecordingPerinatal Mental Health 101: Part 2 Slides

Maternal Mental Health Trainings

Below are links to the 3  maternal mental health-related training sessions that Melissa Bangs led in partnership with HMHB, ECHO (online hub and spoke model), and Billings Clinic in 2018.

The presentations range from an into to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and an overview of a psychiatrist’s approach; to screening for PMADs and many layers related to screening; and a panel discussion with a family practice physician and PMAD mental health clinician/therapist and two naturopathic physicians.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Presented by Karen Horst MD

Perinatal Depression and Anxiety: Why Universal Screening is Critical. Presented by Gabrielle Kaufman, MA, LPCC, BC-DMT, NCC

Psycho-Neuro-Endo-Immuno Connection: It is all inter-related! A panel including Dr. Dave Lechner MD, Dr. Christine White ND, Dr. Holcomb Johnston, ND and Kate Robinett, LCPC

Additional Perinatal Mental Health Resources

Montana Resources & Programs

Efforts to improve the perinatal mental health landscape are growing in Montana. These resources include the MTPAL psychiatric access line, the Meadowlark Initiative, and the Montana Obstetrics and Maternal Supports (MOMS) program.

These statewide resources compliment the numerous community and county level resources, such as Postpartum Resource Group in Flathead County and Roots Family Collaborative in Bozeman.

Community Groups: Perinatal Mental Health Resource Guide Toolkit

For Community Groups looking to improve the system of care and referrals

Montana has many supports for families in pregnancy and early childhood.  HMHB works closely with this system of supports, and their local groups, to learn and share the knowledge and skills required to effectively serve those who need support during this special time in life. We consistently hear the need to more easily be able to refer patients and clients to appropriate resources.  Many communities create resource lists to assist parents, caregivers and providers to be able to find help, when they need it.

This toolkit can help community groups to build a list of their community’s perinatal mental health and support specialists. HMHB worked in collaboration with the Maternal Mental Health Taskforce of the Helena Early Childhood Coalition and the Flathead Perinatal Mental Health Coalition of the Flathead Valley Early Childhood Coalition to create this resource. This toolkit offers:

  • Points of consideration (language, categories to list, etc.)
  • An example of criteria that could be adopted to create a vetted guide
  • Content to populate an online form for outreach and recruitment efforts
  • Resources and other referral lists for inspiration
  • Designed template for your use

Download our templates and fill them in with your own local resources. We have also created an infographic about PMADs that can help you build awareness in your community as you collect resources and each time you share your community’s list.

 

Fillable Vetted Resource Guide Template
Addressing Perinatal Mental Health in Montana Infographic

Healthcare Providers: Screening Protocol for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders for Primary Care Providers

For Primary Care Providers and others who are interested in screening

Increased screening can help providers and patients identify mental health concerns and connect families to prevention and treatment. In collaboration with perinatal care providers across Montana, HMHB facilitated the creation of  a screening protocol, which helps providers:

  • Choose validated screening tools
  • Establish a screening workflow
  • Discuss mental health with patients
  • Make appropriate referrals to local services
  • Develop a screening schedule

As screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders becomes more common, the need to know where to go for treatment, support, and healing grows as well.

Visit the Perinatal Mental Health Training and Development Opportunity Hub

Visit the Perinatal Mental Health Training and Development Hub to explore learning opportunities from across Montana and the nation. This curated collection highlights trainings and professional development opportunities focused on perinatal mental health, maternal and child health, early childhood, family supports, and related fields—designed to help strengthen the workforce and better support families.

Stay Informed About the Annual Montana Perinatal Mental Health Conference

Stay up to date on the when and where of the Annual Montana Perinatal Mental Health Conference, and be the first to hear about speakers, sessions, and other exciting updates.

More Information on Mental Health

See our guidance to parents about mental health.