The perinatal period (pregnancy through 12 months postpartum) is a time of increased vulnerability to mental health conditions. In fact, depression is the most common complication of childbirth and suicide/overdose is the leading cause of death in the postpartum period. To address this issue, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommended in their Clinical Practice Guidelines that women be screened for depression and anxiety during the perinatal period to improve identification of mental health conditions and connecting patients to care. Collaborative Care Management (CoCM) is a model of integrated care that facilitates screening, identification, and early intervention with behavioral health conditions, and has demonstrated efficacy in the perinatal population; however, the uptake of this model has been slow and many OB/GYN practices remain hesitant to adopt behavioral health screening and management into their practices. We intend to discuss the unique challenges faced when working with OB/GYN practices to adopt CoCM and how we addressed these challenges. Additionally, we intend to discuss facilitators and barriers to success, as well as outcome data from a 5-year CoCM program in an OB/GYN clinic.
Gretchen Jacox, Health Behaviorist, Novant Healthcare Gretchen Jacox LCSW
Michael Clark, Integrated Care Psychiatrist, Novant Health Michael Clark MD
Lisa Wilson, Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician, Novant Health Lisa Wilson MD
David Aziz, Vice President, Integrated Behavioral Health, LifeStance Health David Aziz
Jared Regan
Rachel Dalthorp, MD
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American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2023). Screening and Diagnosis of Mental Health Conditions During Pregnancy and Postpartum. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/clinical-practice-guideline/articles/2023/06/screening-and-diagnosis-of-mental-health-conditions-during-pregnancy-and-postpartum
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