Asking for help is hard. Talking about emotional distress can leave parents feeling vulnerable and afraid. How you respond to a parent’s concerns can make all the difference in what happens next.
We know how important it is that you feel confident when having discussions with parents and making referrals. One of our core goals is building sustainable and clear referral pathways so you can successfully connect your patients and their families to support they need.
Key messages to convey when talking to parents about referrals:
Referral Resources for Providers
It can be hard to know what each parent needs. The resources listed below can be used in real time when responding to parents and talking about referrals.
SEAS FAMILY RESOURCE NAVIGATION FOR PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH
The Single Access Entry to Services (SEAS) Line of Whatcom County has been providing family resource navigation for many years to families with children with special health care needs. Now they can help new parents and are trained to navigate perinatal mental health concerns.
Getting families connected to resource navigation with SEAS is easy. Use the button below to complete a referral form. SEAS will be in touch directly with the family within 1 week of your referral. Families can also reach out to SEAS directly by calling 360-715-7485, or schedule a call at www.seaswhatcom.org.
PERINATAL SUPPORT WASHINGTON
- Warmline (English & Spanish)
- Online Therapy program
- Provider Directory
- Online Support groups
SWEDISH CENTER FOR PERINATAL BONDING & SUPPORT
- Intensive Day Program
- Reproductive Psychiatry available with Swedish’s team of providers
NURTURE NW
- Free peer mentor program offering one-on-support to expecting parents from the third trimester up to their child’s 1st birthday
POSTPARTUM SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL
- Helpline (English & Spanish)
- Mentor Program
- Chat with Experts
- Online Support groups
Resource Pages for Parents
Families can also choose to self-navigate to resources. There are three evidence-based interventions that support the well-being of parents in the perinatal period: Peer Support, Therapy, and Medication. All three are available in Whatcom County. Learn more at the links below.
These resources can also be found on our Whatcom County Resource List available in English and Spanish.
Additional Online Resources
MASSACHUSETTS CHILD PSYCHIATRY ACCESS PROGRAM (MCPAP) FOR MOMS
- Depressions screening Algorithm for Obstetric and Pediatric Providers offers guidance on EPDS administration and next steps based on EPDS score.
- Assessment of Depression Severity and Treatment Options highlights the signs and symptoms of depression and options for treatment as they relate to clinical assessment and/or EPDS score.
- Key Clinical Considerations When Assessing the Mental Health of Pregnant Postpartum Women focuses on key concepts to consider when assessing mental health in the perinatal period.
POSTPARTUM STRESS CENTER
- Perinatal Scary Thoughts Algorithm outlines basic steps to be followed when a parent presents with scary, intrusive thoughts.
- Suicide Assessment for a Postivie EPDS Screen Question #10 provides a list of recommended questions to use as part of an initial clinical assessment when triaging a parent who indicated any degree of suicidal thinking on the EPDS.