District of Columbia

Pregnant women and mothers in Washington, DC have access to a wide range of mental health and wellness resources designed to support emotional well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These services address postpartum depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and other mental health concerns, helping families navigate a healthy transition to parenthood.

Crisis Support
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
A 24/7, free, and confidential support line for pregnant and postpartum individuals experiencing emotional distress or mental health challenges.
Call or text: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Learn more

DC 2-1-1
A free and confidential service connecting DC residents to local mental health services, crisis intervention, counseling, and community programs.
Dial: 2-1-1. Learn more

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for immediate crisis support. Trained counselors provide emotional support and referrals to local mental health resources across Washington, DC. Learn more

Postpartum Support and Counseling
Postpartum Support International (PSI) – Washington, DC
PSI DC works to raise awareness and provide education, support, and resources for perinatal mental health. Services include: Peer support groups, referrals to trained providers, educational resources, and access to the PSI helpline. Learn more

DC Health – Maternal and Infant Health Programs
DC Health supports screening, referral, and treatment for maternal mental health conditions, including postpartum depression and anxiety. Programs work in collaboration with hospitals, clinics, and community organizations to ensure continuity of care. Learn more

Therapy and Counseling Services
Perinatal Behavioral Health Services in DC
Washington, DC offers integrated perinatal behavioral health services through hospitals, community health centers, and specialty clinics. These services include:
Mental health screenings during pregnancy and postpartum, individual and group therapy, and psychiatric consultation and medication management.

Community Health Centers and Behavioral Health Clinics
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and local behavioral health clinics across DC provide affordable counseling services for pregnant and postpartum women, often on a sliding fee scale.

Telebehavioral Health Services
Telehealth options are widely available in Washington, DC, allowing pregnant and postpartum individuals to access therapy and psychiatric services virtually, especially helpful for those facing transportation, childcare, or scheduling barriers.

Public Health and Community Support Programs
Home Visiting Programs (Nurse-Family Partnership, Healthy Families America, Parents as Teachers): DC’s home visiting programs support pregnant women and new parents by offering parenting guidance, developmental screenings, emotional support, and referrals to mental health services when needed. Learn more

DC Medicaid: DC Medicaid covers mental and behavioral health services during pregnancy and extends coverage for up to 12 months postpartum, ensuring continued access to counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care. Learn more

Support Groups and Peer Support
Postpartum Support International (PSI): PSI offers virtual and local peer-led support groups for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Specialized groups are available for NICU parents, birth trauma survivors, pregnancy loss, and fathers/partners. Learn more

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) DC: NAMI DC provides peer support groups, education programs, and advocacy for individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges, including postpartum mental health conditions.
Helpline: 202-684-7722. Learn more

Wellness and Self-Care Programs
DC Home Visiting & Family Wellness Resources
District-supported family wellness initiatives provide education on stress management, self-care strategies, emotional resilience, and healthy parent–child bonding during pregnancy and postpartum.

DC WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Program
In addition to nutrition support, DC WIC offers referrals to mental health services, breastfeeding counseling, and wellness education that encourages holistic care for new and expectant mothers.
Learn more

By connecting with these mental health and wellness resources, pregnant women and mothers in Washington, DC can access crisis support, professional counseling, peer connection, and community-based care, ensuring emotional well-being throughout pregnancy and the postpartum journey.