A Pilot Investigation to Enhance Behavioral Health Referral for Perinatal, Low-Income Women With Mood Disorders

Background: Perinatal, low-income, ethnic minority women with mood disorders underutilize behavioral health treatment. A community–academic partnership was used to address behavioral health initiation among this population.

Objectives: We sought to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a behavioral health referral intervention with low-income, ethnic minority perinatal women diagnosed with mood disorders.

Methods: An open trial pilot study was conducted with 38 perinatal women. The behavioral health referral intervention consisted of two sessions of manualized referral strategies to enhance access to care. The main outcome was attendance at a behavioral health appointment.

Results: Approximately 55% of the perinatal women attended a behavioral health appointment within 2 months (i.e., initiated treatment). Intervention participation rates and ratings were high. Depression scores decreased from baseline to after the intervention.

Conclusions: The findings demonstrated favorable outcomes compared with other referral interventions. The behavioral health referral intervention shows promise for implementation in community settings.