Reimagining Perinatal Mental Health Care Models
A Community-Engaged Approach to Develop a Partner-Inclusive, In-Home Intervention
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 23312240 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Janelle S Peifer (0000-0002-6541-7750, University of Richmond, corresponding author), Erin L P Bradley (0000-0002-5208-9145, Agnes Scott College), Rachel Vanderkruik (0000-0002-6997-7894, Harvard University) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 10 |
| Pages | 24731242261468989-24731242261468989 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Health Equity (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2473-1242 • E-ISSN: 2473-1242 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/24731242261468989 |
| PMID | 42534759 |
| OpenAlex | W7169845248 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 22 |
Introduction: Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are among the most common complications of pregnancy. Yet, identification, access, and intervention lag behind need, particularly for those from historically marginalized backgrounds. Although couples-based, cognitive behavioral approaches show promise, few interventions integrate community-engaged, partner-inclusive, and in-home approaches that bolster accessibility. Methodology: This article presents the development and protocol for the New Family Wellness Project (NFWP). The six-session NFWP focuses on shared family values and communication supplemented with between-session provider check-ins, support groups, homework, and tailored case management. Twenty-two participants (8 couples; 6 mothers alone) provided quantitative and qualitative feedback on the NFWP feasibility and acceptability. Results: Participants reported very high engagement (M = 96/100) and identified the in-home and partner-inclusive format as vital. Qualitative feedback highlighted that the NFWP improved communication and enhanced reflection on family values and actionable steps to support effective co-parenting. Nearly half of the participants said they would not have participated without the in-home and couples-based format. Conclusions: Preliminary findings support the feasibility and acceptability of this community-engaged, cognitive behavioral therapy, couples-based intervention for PMADs. Future directions explore scalability on a larger scale to enhance equitable, perinatal mental health interventions for family systems.
Anxiety · Cognition · Cognitive behavioral therapy · Intervention (counseling) · Mental health · Mood · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Scale (ratio) · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Infant Development and Preterm Care · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Onset Timing, Thoughts of Self-harm, and Diagnoses in Postpartum Women With Screen-Positive Depression Findings
Examining Race-Based and Gender-Based Discrimination, Trust in Providers, and Mental Well-Being Among Black Women
Pilot Testing a Brief Partner-Inclusive Hybrid Intervention for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |