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Perinatal Mental Health Alliance of Arizona's Newsletter · Mar 10, 2026

🌵 Moving Forward Together This March!

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PMHAAZ · Perinatal Mental Health Alliance of Arizona's Newsletter

March offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of equity, connection, and community in supporting perinatal mental health. Families’ experiences during pregnancy and early parenthood are shaped by the systems of care and the people who walk alongside them during this time. We are grateful for the many professionals, advocates, and community members who help ensure parents and caregivers across Arizona have access to compassionate support and meaningful resources.

Thank you for being part of this work and for helping strengthen perinatal mental health in our communities. We’re grateful for your partnership and the work you do to support families every day.

-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.

Register Here

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.

Register Here

March 17 @ 9:00 am - March 18 @ 4:00 pm EDT

You won’t want to miss the 2026 Maternal Mental Health (MMH) FORUM, where cross-sector change agents will gather to drive change in maternal mental health.

The FORUM agenda will focus on how Federal policy and funding cuts have transformed access to detection and care, and how states, philanthropy, and non-profits across the nation are responding. Register Now →

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.

Register Here

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

    Click Here to Register

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.

Learn More & Apply

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!

Apply Now

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.

March is a significant month for the perinatal community. It brings together several observances that reflect our mission of advancing mental health, equity, and compassionate care.

We begin by honoring Women’s History Month, International Women’s Day, and National Single Parent Day. These dates remind us to celebrate the diverse experiences and resilient spirit of the families we serve.

In our commitment to equity, we also recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Both serve as vital reminders that mental health support must be accessible, inclusive, and culturally responsive for every parent and caregiver.

We are also taking time this month to celebrate the professionals who walk alongside families during the perinatal journey:

  • During Social Work Month, we honor the advocates who provide essential stability and resources.

  • For World Doula Week, we celebrate the birth workers who offer unwavering physical and emotional support.

Together, these moments underscore why we do this work: to build a world where every parent feels seen, supported, and empowered. 💙

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.

Website

Your donation helps us continue building meaningful, accessible programs that strengthen our community. Every contribution—big or small—makes a real difference.

To make a donation, please email psi.arizona1@gmail.com

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!

Become a Member Today!

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.

Volunteer Now

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.

Apply Here

One office is now available in a beautifully renovated, quiet office suite designed specifically for therapists in private practice. Each clinician operates independently within a supportive, warm, and collegial environment.

Highlights include:

  • Sound-reduction insulation for privacy

  • Dimmable lighting for preferred ambiance

  • Comfortable waiting area

  • In-suite kitchenette and restroom

  • Security system with live patient arrival view

  • Private outdoor atrium with seating and water features

  • High-speed internet and ample parking

  • Convenient location off Loop 101 in a medical complex ideal for networking and referrals

Property owned by Sonya K. Bettendorf, PhD, PLLC (Affinity Row, LLC) ADDRESS: 9590 E. Ironwood Square Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85258.

For more information, contact Sonya K. Bettendorf, PhD, PLLC at affinityrowllc@gmail.com

With Gratitude,

Dr. Katie Mommaerts
Executive Director
Postpartum Support International - AZ Chapter

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