Kettering Health has launched the area’s first mental health intensive outpatient program dedicated to supporting expectant and new mothers through perinatal and postpartum depression. The new Maternal Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program advances the system’s efforts to address key maternal health needs in the region and improve outcomes for moms and babies.  

The program, located in the same building as First Steps Breastfeeding Program at 2035 Miamisburg-Centerville Road, consists of cognitive behavioral therapy in both individual and group settings to help participants manage worries and sleep cycle, gain control of intrusive thoughts, process the birth experience, and teach methods of self-care to help participants cope with the changes and stressors of motherhood and infant care.  

“Perinatal and postpartum depression can have a significant impact on a mother’s well-being during an already life-changing time,” said Tara Peters, Manager of Clinical Nursing at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center. “Too often, moms focus on caring for everyone else while their own mental health takes a back seat. Our goal with the new Maternal Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program is to give moms the support, tools, and sense of community they need to care for their own well-being as they navigate pregnancy and early motherhood. When moms feel supported, they are better equipped to thrive and enjoy this important time with their new baby.”  

The addition of the Maternal Mental Health Intensive Outpatient Program expands Kettering Health’s portfolio of targeted intensive outpatient programs. In October, the system launched an intensive outpatient program specifically for college students in collaboration with other prominent hospitals and universities in the region including Dayton Children’s Hospital, Premier Health, University of Dayton, Wright State University, and Sinclair Community College.