The National Institute of Mental Health reports that a new clinical trial is being conducted in New York to test how effective a brief intervention program may be on preventing postpartum depression by preparing mothers to deal with stressful triggers and depressive symptoms. (Prevention! Wahoo!) The study will last 6 months. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either treatment as usual or the behavioral education intervention. The intervention will involve two parts. First, after giving birth and while still in the hospital, participants will complete an education session with a social worker and receive materials about PPD. Then, 2 weeks after discharge from the hospital, participants will receive a call from the social worker, who will conduct a needs assessment that addresses participants' physical and emotional health. If a participant is experiencing distress, the social worker will refer her to appropriate resources and will reinforce self-management skills.

The study is being conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital on participating patients in the Maternity Unit.