Addressing access barriers to services for mothers at risk for perinatal mood disorders: A social work perspective

ABSTRACT

This article identifies variables at the micro/individual, mezzo/partner/spouse and family, and macro/health care–system levels that inhibit mothers at risk for perinatal mood disorders from accessing health and mental health care services. Specific recommendations are made for conducting thorough biopsychosocial assessments that address the mothers’ micro-, mezzo-, and macro-level contexts. Finally, the authors provide suggestions for how to intervene at the various levels to remove access barriers for mothers living with perinatal mood disorders as well as their families.

KEYWORDS:

• Health care access
• maternal and child health
• perinatal mood disorders