This month, we’re taking time to recognize and honor a variety of important observances. We acknowledge 🪽Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and 🩷💙💛Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, 💜Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and 💚Mental Illness Awareness. We also celebrate 🧑🍼National Breastfeeding Week in Canada, 🧡Indigenous Peoples’ Day, 🩵OCD Awareness Week, 💚🎗World Mental Health Day, and the 💗International Day of the Girl.
These observances give us a chance to raise awareness, show support, and highlight the incredible strength and resilience of individuals and communities across a range of important issues.
Join us for this comprehensive perinatal loss training in Tempe, AZ in October. This course takes you into the world of perinatal loss, inclusive of miscarriage, stillbirth, complex congenital anomalies, and pregnancy decision making. Participants will explore trauma-informed strategies, clinical techniques, and practical interventions to support bereaved parents, families, and providers impacted by loss.
13.5 CMEs/CEUs Available!
Scholarships are available! Please note: applicants must apply for a scholarship before registering.
September 2025 - January 2026 | 9 Class Series
The Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training for Mental Health and Clinical Professionals is an online webinar series that includes nine live sessions, small group discussions, supplemental reading materials, 18 continuing education credits (where applicable), and a certificate of completion. A limited number of full scholarships will be provided to clinicians working for non-profit organizations with a net annual revenue of less than $500,000 that provide direct service to mothers who may be suffering from MMH disorders. Learn More →
Nearly 900 participants joined our free introductory training on perinatal substance use disorders, hosted by the Policy Center in partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health. The session equipped attendees with practical tools to recognize and respond to substance use concerns during pregnancy, early parenthood, and within the mother–child dyad.
Stay tuned for upcoming dates for our quarterly Perinatal Substance Use Disorder 101 trainings in 2026.
Don’t wait, apply now for your scholarship! Scholarships prioritize licensed and lay providers who:
identify as BIPOC,
serve rural counties,
and/or accept Medicaid.
PSI-AZ is proud to offer scholarships for perinatal mental health training in 2025 thanks to the Arizona Department of Health Services and Banner Health.
Please note: Scholarship applications are reviewed on the 15th of each month. Apply ASAP, because you’ll need the scholarship code to get the full discount during registration!
Join us for the 🌱Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) ECHO Mini Series on Maternal Mental Health with expert speakers Katie Mommaerts, PhD, MSW (Postpartum Support International-Arizona Chapter) and Liz Harrell, DNP, PMHNP (ASU).
Let’s strengthen support for maternal mental health in Arizona.
Register through the link in bio!
https://iecho.org/public/program/PRGM1700072210956I4PT4MMKOD
PSI-AZ Chapter Executive Director Dr. Katie Mommaerts and volunteer Lorain Moorehead presented at the conference on Supporting Families Through Perinatal Substance Use: Tools to Strengthen Connection and Recovery.
Dr. Katie Mommaerts (PSI-AZ Chapter Executive Director) and Michelle Lacy (Women’s Health Innovations of Arizona Executive Director)
🎉 Exciting News from APAL!
We’re thrilled to share that the Arizona Psychiatry Access Lines (APAL) has received renewed funding—thanks to the generous support of AHCCCS, MercyCare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation for Community & Health. This continued partnership allows for free psychiatric consultation, provider education, and resource support to healthcare professionals statewide.
APAL remains dedicated to improving mental health access by connecting providers with timely expert guidance and educational opportunities. To schedule a consultation or explore available resources, visit the website. We are available Mondays – Fridays from 8:30am – 4:30pm and can be reached at 888-290-1336. We look forward to partnering with you as you care for Arizona’s perinatal or postpartum patients.
❤️☎️ National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA/1-833-852-6262)
The Lifeline also routes callers in need of support directly to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
Join the nationwide campaign to promote the Hotline now through September 27. You'll find a one-stop shop partner toolkit for social media and print materials to promote awareness and use of the 1-833-TLC-MAMA Hotline here.
PSI AZ Chapter’s Provider-Focused Committee invites you to join us for a virtual meetup.
A safe space to share resources and connect with other individuals working in the perinatal field.
PSI AZ Chapter’s Provider-Focused Committee invites you to join us for an in-person meetup in Tucson!
A safe space to share resources and connect with other individuals working in the perinatal field.
Thursday, Dec 4th, 12 - 1p | Zoom
Our Arizona PMH-Cs requested more familiarity with different medical terms and medication concerns that come up with patients. We heard this request and invite anyone interested to tap into the wisdom of our very own Dr. Saira Kalia, Reproductive Psychiatrist and co-lead of Arizona’s Perinatal Psychiatric Access Line (APAL)! Join this free, virtual Q&A, get your questions answered and leave feeling even more equipped! Hope to see you there!
We invite you to join us as we begin building our synergy and set the stage for our advocacy work this year.
Hosted by Viergela Calixte, PSI AZ Chapter Board Member & Equity & Access Committee/Advocacy Lead. For questions, please email psi.arizona1@gmail.com.
For questions or additional information, please email psi.arizona1@gmail.com.
In partnership with The State of Black Arizona’s Maternal Infant Health Awareness Campaign and South Phoenix Healthy Start, we’re honored to present the Birth Storytelling Workshop Series—a four-part trauma-informed experience centered on community, healing, and advocacy. This series uplifts the emotional and mental well-being of birthing people - especially from Black, Indigenous, and historically underserved communities - by creating spaces for truth-telling and support.
Interested in volunteering? Fill out the Volunteer Form and write “Birth Storytelling Series”.
Click here for more information
Friday, November 14, 5:00p - 7:00p | Lake Pleasant Brewery Co. | Phoenix, AZ 85027
Welcome all PMH-Cs, perinatal providers and birth workers to this special holiday gathering. Cultivate deeper community connections at our festive Networking Posada (a.k.a. holiday fiesta/party). Visit here for more information and stay tuned for registration details.
The PSI Annual PSI Conference provides an opportunity to meet, learn together, and share ideas with others involved in the field of Perinatal Mental Health.
The 2026 Conference will be held in Los Angeles, CA. Pre-Conference Trainings will be June 24-26, 2026, and the Main Conference will be June 26-28, 2026. Learn more here.
Join us March 17-18 at the 2026 Maternal Mental Health Forum to help drive change in maternal mental health. Solutions to closing the gaps in maternal mental health will be discussed along with policymakers, providers, and leaders.
✨ Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Claire!
Meet Claire, a passionate advocate for women’s health and one of PSI Arizona’s incredible volunteers!
Claire first connected with PSI AZ after researching volunteer opportunities focused on women’s health—a cause that has always been close to her heart. As a pre-med student aspiring to become an OB-GYN, she’s deeply committed to understanding the experiences of women navigating postpartum depression and other reproductive health challenges.
Through her time with PSI AZ, Claire has found both mentorship and inspiration.
“I’ve met incredible mentors and leaders who’ve helped foster my passion for mental health for all women. I strive to be as successful and impactful as the people I’ve met through PSI.”
Outside of PSI, Claire is a strong advocate for endometriosis awareness and women’s reproductive health research—areas she hopes to champion throughout her medical career.
When asked what she wishes more people knew about PSI, she said:
“I wish more people knew about the abundant resources and clinicians associated with PSI—from psychologists to physicians to psychiatrists.”
We’re so grateful for Claire’s empathy, drive, and dedication to supporting women’s mental and physical health. 💙
“When you are exposed to news that is stressful and confusing, it can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety. We are here to support you. You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.” – Wendy Davis, PhD, PMH-C, President and CEO of Postpartum Support International (PSI)
⚕️🧠🫄Beyond the FDA Panel: Medical Experts Reaffirm the Safety and Essential Role of SSRIs for Perinatal Mental Health
The recent FDA expert panel focused largely on the risks of SSRIs during pregnancy; however, medical organizations and experts support the important role of SSRIs and other medications in supporting maternal mental health. Read More »
💜🎗️🫶 Blog: It’s Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month
October marks Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month. Maternal substance use disorder (SUD) is prevalent, highly stigmatized, and a significant contributor to the maternal mortality crisis. Here are resources for supporting those experiencing a current or emerging maternal SUD. Read More →
💚 Blog: New Developments this National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month
October marks National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, and the Policy Center has been closely tracking new developments that will impact both providers and patients. Read More →
❤️🩹 Latina Midwives Merge Cultural Wisdom with Modern Care - USA Today
According to a 2023 study by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, there were 12.4 birth-related deaths in Hispanic women per every 100,000 live births. When you couple that with the fact that in 2025 40% of Latina and Hispanic women giving birth in hospitals will experience a maternal mental health disorder, it raises cause for concern for the safety of new mothers. Read More →
ℹ️ New Maternal Mortality Data From the CDC
On August 22, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published new maternal mortality data from 2021.
Read more on pregnancy-related deaths: Data from maternal mortality review committees: LINK
Read more on pregnancy-related deaths among American Indian or Alaska Native Women: Data from maternal mortality review committees: LINK
📌 Updated Analysis on U.S. Maternal Mortality by The Commonwealth Fund
The Commonwealth Fund has been providing excellent analysis of maternal mortality information since 2020, with most recent updates published in July 2025. Read more here: LINK
🏛️✅ House Committee Passes Funding for Maternal and Child Health Programs.
Share your organization’s PMH job posting which gets over 1,500 views. Jobs will be included in our monthly eNews: 1 month for $30. Contact: psi.arizona1@gmail.com
With Gratitude,
Dr. Katie Mommaerts
Executive Director
Arizona Chapter
Postpartum Support International
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