Information For Mothers

Thank you for your interest in the Florida BH IMPACT Program! The Florida BH IMPACT Program, a psychiatric consultation and resource-referral program, is now available to providers in Leon, Alachua, and Duval counties. The acronym IMPACT stands for Improving Maternal & Pediatric Access, Care and Treatment for Behavioral Health. It is our goal to help support your obstetric provider in their work

Perinatal mental health and substance use disorders are one of the most common complications during pregnancy and into the first postpartum year. Despite being proven as preventable causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, perinatal mental health disorders often remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. As such, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends providers screen for depression, anxiety symptoms, and substance use disorders at least once during the perinatal period. ACOG also recommends that obstetric providers be prepared to respond appropriately to a positive screen, which includes providing education about therapy and making a referral, initiating medication treatment when indicated, and referring patients to other additional resources.

Often times, however, behavioral healthcare during the perinatal period presents concerning treatment challenges. The Florida BH IMPACT program emerged in response to the challenges that arise when treating perinatal mental health and substance use disorders. Specifically, FL BH IMPACT is designed to help build your provider’s capacity for behavioral health care, by providing trainings on perinatal psychopharmacology, expert consultation and support, and dissemination of best practice information.