We are proud to present this opportunity for professionals in diverse specialties to gain knowledge in best treatment practices for perinatal women with mental health disorders as a collaborative effort between UPMC, the Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh Mercy and the Allegheny County Department of Human Services,

Perinatal depression is a prevalent public health problem which affects at least 14.5% (1 out of 7) of new mothers, with two to three-fold higher rates in minority, single, and low-income mothers. The health of perinatal women is critical to shaping the physical, socio-emotional, and behavioral development of offspring. Many mothers go untreated due to misinformation about use of medication in the perinatal period. Given the high prevalence, extensive impact, and complexity of treating perinatal mental health disorders, we will focus the morning sessions on presentations by research leaders on evidence-based treatments (psychotherapy and medication), the health impacts of untreated illness on fetal and infant health, and novel behavioral health service delivery which reduces barriers to treatment.

In the afternoon, there will be breakout sessions which will provide professionals an opportunity to gain greater depth in various skill sets. For prescribers looking for an opportunity to grapple with pharmacologic decision making in pregnancy and lactation, there will be sequential case-based discussions on depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorders which emphasize conducting psychotropic-based risk-benefit discussions with patients. Providers can also learn about several specialized behavioral therapy modalities for perinatal disorders including Intensive Outpatient Treatment and mother-infant dyadic interventions. County agencies which support maternal health and child development will also facilitate a session to promote awareness of these resources.

Who Should Attend: The conference is designed to present current evidence-based information regarding perinatal mental health disorders, their impact, and treatment, to a professional audience: psychiatrists, primary care physicians, obstetrician-gynecologists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists, mental health clinicians, nurses, medical social workers, pharmacists, service coordinators, researchers, policy administrator and others who intend to keep current regarding treatment and impact of perinatal mental health disorders.

How to Register: Click here to view the full agenda and to register.  Fees are listed below.

Continuing Education Credits: This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. The following continuing education credits are available for other health care providers:

• Psychologists, CADC/CCDP, Counselors: 6.5 continuing education credits
• LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT: 6.5 hours of social work continuing education credits
• Nurses & other healthcare professionals: 6.5 hours of continuing education (.65 CEUs)

Learning Objectives: At the completion of the program, participants should be able to:

1. Describe clinical phenomenology of distinct perinatal mood disorders to increase competence in proper diagnosis and in promoting appropriate treatment options.

2. Identify evidence-based behavioral and psychopharmacological treatment options for perinatal women with mental health disorders.

3. Describe the impact of perinatal stress and trauma on maternal and child mental health.

4. Identify resources and providers in Allegheny County that can treat perinatal mental illness and support maternal, infant, and family mental health.

For More Information: Contact Maria Benno at bennomt@upmc.edu. 

Recovery and Wellness: The Journey Starts Here
A Joint Effort Sponsored by Community Care Behavioral Health Organization
  and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC