Launch of our Accelerated Treatment Program
Authored by:
Anna Glezer, M.D.
As a reader on this website, you already recognize the importance of women's mental health care. With the ongoing challenges in today's world, more and more women are struggling emotionally during their reproductive years. Mood and anxiety conditions can present differently during pregnancy and postpartum and are often under-diagnosed. In fact, pregnant and postpartum women are one of the most under-researched populations even though they are such a large population. We desperately need more research on how the actions of various medications change with the physiological changes of pregnancy, how the brain is different with the hormonal changes postpartum, and more.
In addition to under-diagnosis and insufficient recognition of the mental health challenges that pregnancy and postpartum present, there is also a lack of treatment options tailored to this population. This was the primary reason I launched my clinic, Women's Wellness Psychiatry, years ago, and it is also why I'm excited to share that this fall, we are launching a virtual Accelerated Treatment Program.
This is an intensive outpatient option for pregnant and postpartum women struggling with mood and anxiety disorders. It is the first of its kind — virtual, intensive, and accelerated four-week mental health treatment program uniquely for the mental health struggles of this underserved population. The curriculum is highly specialized and created by an experienced team of multidisciplinary clinicians, with focus areas including attachment/bonding, cognitive skills, and integrative treatment options including medication management. The virtual nature allows for immediate, in-home application of the tools, does not require additional childcare planning, and allows access across California.
The Virtual ATP provides various treatment modalities to meet the needs of patients. These will include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Psycho-education
Skill Building
Self-Care, Self-Compassion, and Relaxation
Mindfulness
Medication Evaluation/Management
A Personalized Home Program for Post-Treatment
The reason this program is different is because it offers treatment specifically for perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety conditions, using a virtual format that keeps the mother at home with her family as opposed to a residential setting. Several other highlights include:
Promotion of mother & baby interaction while still allowing a structured time for treatment
A less expensive treatment alternative to residential care
Social support from women with similar issues
Condensed, structured, and accelerated frequency of sessions
A coordinated multidisciplinary team approach that communicates weekly
No risk of exposure to Covid or other illnesses while pregnant or postpartum with a newborn or other children
Immediate in-home practice and application of parenting/attachment tools learned in treatment
If you or someone you know would benefit from this unique and timely program, please visit the program site to learn more and reach out for information.
