With our whole-person approach to care, the Maternal Outpatient Mental health Services (MOMS) Clinic serves the mental health needs of women during the perinatal period.
Based on a collaborative care model spearheaded by the UCLA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, mental health care is seamlessly integrated within UCLA Obstetric practices, fostering an environment of collaboration and care delivery for the whole woman. The MOMS Clinic provides full psychiatric assessments by an experienced reproductive psychiatrist to women who may be suffering from perinatal mood disorders, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis.
We serve women during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum, using the latest evidence-based practices to deliver compassionate, specialized care. Patients will benefit from initiation of psychiatric care and provided with tailored mental health resources from our interdisciplinary team. Resources include referrals to reproductive therapists, lactation consultants, pelvic floor physical therapists, and support groups. Our goal is not only to reduce barriers preventing adequate mental health treatment during this vulnerable time, but to optimize the quality of care so that mothers, babies, and families can thrive.
Rashmi Rao, MD
Obstetric Medical Director of Mental Health
Misty Richards, MD, MS
Medical Director of Perinatal Psychiatry
Christina Han, MD
Division Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
The MOMS clinic provides compassionate care in a safe and supportive environment.If you would like to learn more, please talk to your obstetrics provider for more information. Scheduling is by referral only.
MOMS clinic assists pregnant and postpartum women with mental health conditions
Depression is one of the most common disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period, according to the CDC. Thus, California enacted a law in 2019 requiring that every pregnant woman receive mental health screening, but UCLA Health wanted to do more to ensure patients with concerning mental health symptoms received the help they need. The UCLA Maternal Outpatient Mental Health Services (MOMS) Clinic was launched shortly after implementation of the state’s Maternal Mental Health Screening Law. Co-founders, Misty C. Richards, MD, medical director of perinatal psychiatry at UCLA and Rashmi Rao, MD, obstetric medical director of mental health, noted that the clinic can “swiftly identify, treat and support women who are suffering from perinatal mental illness and bridge them to more permanent mental health care in the community.” Read more in Vital Signs >
Pregnant, postpartum women receive mental health care at MOMS Clinic
When California enacted a law requiring that every pregnant woman receive mental health screening, UCLA Health professionals asked themselves what more they could do to ensure patients with concerning mental health symptoms receive the help they needed. The result is the Maternal Outpatient Mental health Services (MOMS) Clinic, which launched shortly after implementation of the state’s Maternal Mental Health Screening Law in 2019 and is helping to connect pregnant and postpartum patients with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and other mental health conditions to high-quality care and support. Read more on UCLA Health Connect >
Maternal Mental Health Partial Hospitalization Program
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
PSI Postpartum Help Line, in both English and Spanish
Postpartum Depression and Attachment Study
This study involves three virtual visits that will be compensated. For more information, please contact Camila Ferrario at [email protected] or 310-206-5502.
New Moms Mood Tracking & Wellbeing Study
Take part in a UCLA research study for new moms. You can help us learn more about mood changes, risk factors for mental health problems, and response to treatment among new moms. To learn more, please visit our study web page. You may also send an email to [email protected] or 310-872-4010.
