The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences partner to provide an outpatient mental-health clinic for New Mothers and Moms-to-Be. The UVA Health Perinatal Mood Disorders Clinic is now open and cares for patients during pregnancy and after childbirth.
The clinic is led by Dr. Jennifer L Payne, MD, a psychiatrist specializing in reproductive psychiatry; Dr. Chantal D. Scott, MD, an OB/Gyn specializing in pregnancy and birth; and Mary “Ginny” Bowers, CNM, a certified nurse midwife.
According to Dr. Payne, “The perinatal period is a high-risk period for psychiatric illness, and it’s not always obvious to healthcare providers not trained in this area how to manage psychiatric illness during this time.”
From Dr. Scott, “We are incredibly fortunate to be able to offer this desperately needed resource to our obstetric patients suffering from mental health disorders.” “While we still have more work to do to in providing comprehensive mental health support for our vulnerable patients, this really is a huge step forward for obstetric and psychiatric care at UVA.”
Ginny Bowers shares, “As a midwife, I have seen the devastating effects of perinatal mood disorders on pregnant individuals and their families. I have seen individuals who are so depressed that they cannot care for themselves or their babies. It is heartbreaking to witness this suffering, and it reminds us of the importance of early identification and treatment of perinatal mood disorders,” Bowers said. “I am thrilled to be able to help provide this much-needed service for UVA Health and for our community.”
The clinic is for pregnant patients or those who have given birth during the last year. Appointments are currently available 2 half day sessions per week, with plans to expand the clinic’s hours in the future. Please contact the clinic for an appointment or for more information at: 434.243.4646.
Additional Articles:
UVA Health: “UVA Health Opens Mental-Health Clinic for New Mothers, Moms-to-Be”
NBC 29: “UVA Health’s New Clinic to Help Moms
News Leader: “UVA Health Opens Mental Health Clinic for New Mothers, Moms-to-Be”
Daily Progress: “UVa Health opens Mental Health Clinic for New Moms”
CBS 19 News: “Mental Health Clinic Offering Help for New Mothers, Mothers-to-be”
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