February is a time for reflection, connection, and renewed momentum. As we move through the early months of the year, I’m grateful for the continued dedication of our community and the shared commitment to strengthening perinatal mental health across Arizona.
Our work remains rooted in collaboration, education, and advocacy, supporting individuals, families, and professionals with care, compassion, and evidence-informed practices. Together, we continue to build awareness, expand access to support, and center the voices of those most impacted.
Stay tuned and visit our website (psiarizona.org) for updated resources, upcoming opportunities, and ways to stay engaged with our growing community. Thank you for being part of this work and for walking alongside us as we continue to learn, grow, and support one another.
-Dr. Katie Mommaerts
The PSI–AZ Chapter is proud to continue our Virtual Perinatal Providers Lunch & Learn Series, designed for professionals who want to connect, share, and strengthen culturally responsive perinatal care for individuals and families.
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.
Thursday, February 19 | 10:30 am - 12 pm PST
Learn about the various Maternal Mental Health Disorders, the differences between them, risk factors, and treatment options. The course is designed for providers, administrators, and public health employees, though all are welcome. CEUs/CMEs are not available for this event. Register Now →
APAL remains dedicated to improving mental health access by connecting providers with timely expert guidance and educational opportunities. Visit the 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’re excited to share an important update with our community. The PSI–Arizona Chapter is in the process of establishing an independent nonprofit, Perinatal Mental Health Alliance of Arizona (PMHAAZ), while continuing to serve as the Arizona Chapter of Postpartum Support International.
Our mission, vision, and values remain fully aligned, and this work reflects a thoughtful step toward strengthening and expanding how we support birthing people, families, and providers across Arizona. As PMHAAZ develops, it will continue to connect our community with resources, offer scholarships, and create opportunities for professional learning and connection for providers statewide.
While this work is underway, we remain deeply grateful for the strong foundation and partnership that have supported our growth. We’ll share additional updates as they become available. We’re grateful to be growing together.
This month, we recognize both Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week and Black History Month, two important reminders of the critical role that equitable, culturally responsive care plays in perinatal mental health. We honor the leadership and lived experiences of Black families and communities, while reaffirming our commitment to advancing access to comprehensive sexual, reproductive, and perinatal mental health care so that all individuals and families are supported, respected, and able to thrive. 💛
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.
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
This past January, PSI-AZ Board Member Viergela Calixte and Executive Director Dr. Katie Mommaerts headed to the state Capitol for March for Change, hosted by the March of Dimes. It was a powerful day of advocacy centered on perinatal mental health; as a result, 25 legislators, many with personal ties to our mission, gained a deeper understanding of what’s at stake for moms, babies, and families across Arizona.
On February 7th, in celebration of Black History Month, Gail Williams (PSI-AZ Board Member) and Kay Clinton (PSI-AZ Contractor) came together to honor Kim Flanders, DNP, MSN, CNM for her leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the future of birth work.
This intimate gathering brought together 12 BIPOC aspiring midwives, creating a sacred and safe space for learning, reflection, and advocacy. The evening centered community, shared lived experiences, and reinforced the importance of representation and mentorship in maternal health.
Moments like these remind us that when we gather with intention, we strengthen the pathways for the next generation of midwives and continue the legacy of Black excellence in birth and healing. rootsofwisdom.collective@gmail.com
With Gratitude,
Dr. Katie Mommaerts
Executive Director
Postpartum Support International - AZ Chapter
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