California

California offers a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at supporting the mental health and wellness of mothers, infants, and children. Key efforts include:

Maternal Mental Health Resources: CDPH provides information and resources for maternal mental health, emphasizing that seeking help is important and that recovery is possible with treatment.

24/7 Support Hotlines

• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy.
• Postpartum Support International Hotline: Call or text "HELP" to 1-800-944-4773 for information, encouragement, and local resources.

UCSF Perinatal Wellness Program: The University of California, San Francisco offers behavioral health services to assist pregnant and postpartum patients in transitioning to healthy family life. Services include mental health support and resources for physical and emotional well-being.

Maternal Mental Health NOW: This organization focuses on addressing mental health during the perinatal period, offering resources for parents, families, and providers. They provide learning options to help healthcare and social service providers support the emotional well-being of new and expectant families.

Huntington Hospital's Maternal Wellness Program: Located in Pasadena, this virtual program is designed to help mothers experiencing postpartum depression and/or anxiety, offering support from the comfort of their own homes.

Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP): NFP is an evidence-based program where registered nurses provide home visits to first-time, low-income mothers, offering support from early pregnancy until the child's second birthday. The program focuses on improving pregnancy outcomes, child health and development, and economic self-sufficiency.

Local Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Programs: The CDPH's MCAH Division works to improve the health and well-being of women, infants, children, and adolescents throughout the state. Many programs serve California’s diverse populations, providing resources and information for physical, emotional, mental, and social health.

Early Head Start: A federally funded program, Early Head Start serves low-income families with pregnant women, infants, and toddlers up to age three. It provides comprehensive services, including medical, mental health, nutrition, and education support, fostering nurturing relationships and stable routines for children.

New Legislation Enhancing Mental Health Support: As of January 2025, California implemented new laws to improve healthcare services:

Maternal Mental Health Screenings: Healthcare providers are now mandated to offer maternal mental health screenings, ensuring early detection and support for mental health challenges during and after pregnancy.

Community-Based Initiatives

Baby2Baby's Maternal Health and Newborn Supply Kit Program: This nonprofit organization provides essential supplies to new mothers and babies, addressing immediate postpartum needs and alleviating stressors that can impact mental health.

Venture Capital Investments in Maternal Health: In response to the maternal mortality crisis, venture capital firms have increased investments in maternal and neonatal health services. This funding supports the development of services such as prenatal counseling and lactation support, which are crucial for maternal mental health.

These programs and initiatives collectively enhance the mental health and wellness of mothers, infants, and children in California, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the early stages of life.