Happy April, everyone!
As we head into a new month, I’ve been reflecting on how much we’ve accomplished together already this year. From our impactful advocacy efforts at the Capitol to the foundational work we are doing to grow, your dedication to Arizona’s healthcare workforce is what keeps us moving forward.
I am particularly excited about the conversations we’re having and the partnerships we’re strengthening as we transition into this next chapter. Thank you for being such an essential part of this community. I look forward to all that we will achieve this spring!
-Dr. Katie Mommaerts
The PSI–AZ Chapter is proud to continue our Virtual Perinatal Lunch & Learn Series, designed for professionals who want to connect, share, and strengthen culturally responsive perinatal care for individuals and families.
APRIL: From Exhausted to Connected: How to Stop Reacting and Start Showing Up with Energy and Presence
🗓 When: Wednesday, 4/14/26
⏰ Time: 12:00–1:00 PM (AZ Time / MST)
Please join us for reflection, learning, and actionable change. This series is designed for birth workers, lay workers, advocates, and professionals who are seeking to strengthen care for BIPOC individuals and families across the perinatal period.
This series will meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month, via Zoom, from 12:00–1:00 PM MST. For more information and to register, click the link below.
April 20 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm PDT
Learn more about how to recognize and effectively respond to substance use concerns during pregnancy, early parenthood, and with the birthing parent/child dyad. Considerations related to treatment and supporting the parent-child relationship will be discussed.
APAL remains dedicated to improving mental health access by connecting providers with timely expert guidance and educational opportunities. Visit here for upcoming and recordings of previous APAL Ground Round webinars. We look forward to partnering with you as you care for Arizona’s perinatal or postpartum patients.
In collaboration with Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, the APAL webinars are live!
Nursing/non-prescriber 3 series: SUD, MH and equitable care (heavier on screening and other topics)
Physician/prescriber 3 series: SUD, MH and equitable care (heavier on prescribing content)
Feel free to take both series
CE offering
On-demand training
View Trainings Coming Up in the Next 3 Months
Upcoming Professional Trainings:
Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychopharmacology
View All Training Opportunities (Virtual and In-Person)
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.
Subscribe to Conference Email News
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.
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!
We are excited to recognize and celebrate our newest PMH-Cs!
Elise Terry
Chelsey Liaga
Venessa De La Cruz
Samantha Cox
Andrea Oakes
DanielleEng
Dr. Valencia Garcia
Alexis Hanson
Dr. Douglas Weber
Qrystel Clages
Lauren Duffy
Tamara Passey
Amie Smith
Dr. Emily Thomas
Achieving this certification reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge and providing high-quality, specialized care for individuals and families during the perinatal period. We are proud to have these dedicated professionals as part of our community and congratulate them on this important accomplishment. 🌸
April is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize and thank the many volunteers who generously share their time, energy, and expertise. Your commitment strengthens our work and helps us expand our reach and impact in the community. We are deeply grateful for your dedication and the meaningful difference you make every day. Thank you! 🌱
We’re excited to share that the PSI–Arizona Chapter is establishing an independent nonprofit, Perinatal Mental Health Alliance of Arizona (PMHAAZ), while continuing as the Arizona Chapter of Postpartum Support International.
PMHAAZ will strengthen and expand support for birthing people, families, and providers across Arizona—connecting the community with resources, scholarships, and opportunities for professional learning.
While we’re not quite ready to launch, we’re excited to share that PMHAAZ is on the horizon. We are deeply grateful for the strong foundation and partnerships that have supported our growth, and we look forward to keeping you updated as this work unfolds. Thank you for being part of this journey; we’re thrilled to be growing together and building a stronger community for perinatal mental health in Arizona.
April recognizes several important efforts in health equity and community engagement.
Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17) and Black Doula Day (April 11) highlight the critical role of Black mothers, doulas, and advocates working to improve maternal health outcomes.
April is also Cesarean Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding about cesarean birth, promoting informed decision-making, and supporting respectful maternity care.
April is National Volunteer Month, recognizing the many individuals who generously contribute their time and expertise to strengthen our communities. National Volunteer Week (April 19–25) and Volunteer Recognition Day (April 20) provide a special opportunity to thank volunteers whose dedication makes meaningful work possible. 🌸
The Lifeline also routes callers in need of support directly to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. 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.
📞 The Arizona Psychiatry Access Lines (APAL) provide free, real-time psychiatric consultation and resource support to Arizona’s frontline healthcare providers caring for pregnant and postpartum patients, children, and adolescents. APAL includes:
Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line – expert consultation for mental health conditions during pregnancy and the postpartum period
Pediatric Psychiatry Access Line – support for the evaluation and management of mental health concerns in children and adolescents
Resource & Referral Line – assistance connecting patients and families to community-based mental health and social support resources statewide
Services are designed to support clinical decision-making, increase provider confidence, and improve timely access to evidence-based care—particularly in settings with limited behavioral health resources.
There is no cost to providers or patients, and consultations are available to physicians, NPs, PAs, midwives, and other licensed clinicians across Arizona. Resources are available to all community members. APAL is open Monday – Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. APAL Phone: 1-888-290-1336.
⇄ The Bridge Health Collective is improving how mental health professionals and their clients connect.
Your donation helps us continue building meaningful, accessible programs that strengthen our community. Every contribution—big or small—makes a real difference.
Become a member of PSI! Your membership enables PSI to continue meeting the critical needs as we provide direct peer support to families, train professionals, and provide a bridge to connect them. Thank you for your part in strengthening this worldwide safety net!
Interested in Volunteering? Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at PSI-AZ. Whether you’re passionate about peer support, advocacy, outreach, or behind-the-scenes coordination, there’s a place for you in our community. Join us in supporting perinatal mental health across Arizona—your time, skills, and compassion can make a real difference.
You are not alone, through our app, Connect by PSI, you can easily find PSI’s helpline, support groups, peer support and specialized resources, all in one place. Immediate access, support in the palm of your hand, confidential and free. Download the Connect by PSI app from the App Store or Google Play.
Subscribe to PSI’s monthly newsletter for parents here. This resource features information on support groups, how to get involved with PSI, what’s on our reading list, what we’re listening to (podcasts, playlists, and more), education on various topics related to new parenthood, and much more. Subscribe Now
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
We are seeking a collaborative, mission-driven Fundraising & Sponsorship Specialist for a part-time, 1099 contract position to support the organization’s development efforts. This role works closely with the Executive Director and Board to advance fundraising goals, strengthen donor relationships, and support sustainable revenue growth.
The ideal candidate is organized, relationship-oriented, and comfortable supporting both strategic planning and hands-on fundraising activities. This is a flexible, remote-friendly independent contractor position. For more details, email psi.arizona1@gmail.com.
With Gratitude,
Dr. Katie Mommaerts
Executive Director
Postpartum Support International - AZ Chapter
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