I tell moms who have postpartum depression to see specialists whenever possible. I know this irks some, because a lot of women don’t have access to specialists. It doesn’t mean I think people who aren’t specialists will not do a good job treating women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. It just means that when it comes to ANY illness, I would always attempt to see the person with the most experience who has treated the most patients with whatever that illness is.
I complain all the time that there aren’t enough fellowships in perinatal or reproductive psychiatry. For those seeking one, here’s your chance:
The University of Massachusetts in Boston is now accepting applicants for its 2012-13 post-graduate certificate program in Infant-Parent Mental Health, which includes training on perinatal mood disorders. There are just a few spaces left for the program, which starts in January. Fellows spend 12 intensive, interactive 3-day weekends, meeting every other month over the course of 2-years, learning from world luminaries and local experts in Infant-Parent Mental Health. Download an application here, or for more info contact Dorothy@DTRichardson.com:
Also, Karen Kleiman at the Postpartum Stress Center has several upcoming dates for her 10-Hour Postgraduate training. Check here for dates and information.
Finally, to keep up with upcoming Postpartum Support International training events, click here.
About Katherine Stone
This link doesn’t seem to lead to a training program for reproductive psychiatry, it links instead to a seminar series for psychologists (counselors).