Perinatal Mental Health Initiative
Support Mothers Strengthen Families transform Futures
Brooklyn College’s Integrated Care Model for Perinatal Mental Health Initiative is a comprehensive academic and community-based effort that addresses New York City’s maternal mental health crisis and expands access to culturally responsive care in under-resourced communities.
Current Conditions
Perinatal mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths in New York City, disproportionately affecting Black and under-resourced communities. In Brooklyn and the Bronx, Black and Brown communities experience pregnancy-related mortality at rates approximately nine times higher than white communities, driven in large part by untreated mental health conditions rather than obstetric complications alone.
A Community-Centered Solution
At the core of the Integrated Care Model for Perinatal Mental Health Initiative is Brooklyn College’s planned Advanced Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health, a one-year, online, credit-bearing graduate program. No comparable credit-bearing certificate program exists in the New York metropolitan area. Designed for professionals across perinatal and early childhood systems, the program will include six graduate level courses, ongoing reflective supervision, and 120 hours of supervised perinatal mental health clinical training. It will focus on PMADs, substance use disorders, social determinants of health, and cultural humility.
Academics
Perinatal Mental Health Advanced Certificate
The Perinatal Mental Health Advanced Certificate (PMH) Program (18-credits) prepares licensed mental health professionals to provide clinical services to diverse birthing people and families during the perinatal period (pregnancy through the first year postpartum) in various perinatal settings (e.g., hospitals, medical and mental health clinics, communities, and families’ homes).
If we’re going to make Brooklyn the safest place to have a baby, we have to prioritize new and expecting parents’ mental health. Mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-associated deaths in New York City, and it’s exciting to see Brooklyn coming together to change that and improve outcomes.”
Antonio Reynoso
Brooklyn Borough President
Featured News
Brooklyn College Hosts Second Annual Perinatal Mental Health Summit in Brownsville
Daylong convening brings together 200 clinicians, researchers, and community leaders to advance equitable, trauma-informed care for parents, infants, and families.
Brooklyn College Hosts Urgent Discussion on Black Maternal Health Crisis
The event, attended by students, faculty, staff, and community members, was held in conjunction with the 2026 Perinatal Mental Health Summit at the Greg Jackson Center for Brownsville.
Senator Chuck Schumer Delivers $800,000 Federal Investment to Brooklyn College to Strengthen Perinatal Mental Health Care
Congressional appropriation supports college’s efforts to address perinatal mental health crisis among vulnerable communities.
Perinatal Mental Health Summit
Each year in Brooklyn, we host a transformative event dedicated to maternal and reproductive mental health, featuring leading experts, thought-provoking discussions, and invaluable networking opportunities.