Maternal Mental Health &
Substance Use Support

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Pregnancy and the postpartum period can bring major physical, emotional, and mental changes. For some people, this may include mental health or substance use challenges. These experiences are common, treatable, and support is available. 

This page provides information about maternal mental health and substance use support, explains what care can look like, and connects individuals and families to helpful resources. 

What does this mean? 

Maternal mental health and substance use support focuses on emotional, psychological, and behavioral well-being during pregnancy and after childbirth. This can include depression, anxiety, and support for substance use concerns. 

Why support matters 

Support during pregnancy and postpartum can: 

  • Improve the health and well-being of parents  
  • Strengthen bonding and family relationships  
  • Support healthier pregnancy and postpartum outcomes 
  • Reduce stigma and encourage people to seek care 
  • Help prevent concerns from becoming more severe  

Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Postpartum Support International

Understanding Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use

Learn the facts about maternal mental health and substance use so you can better understand, recognize, and seek support.
Other phrases you may hear

You might also hear phrases like:  

  • Perinatal mental health 
  • Maternal mental health 
  • Postpartum depression or anxiety 
  • Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)  
  • Perinatal substance use 
  • Pregnancy or postpartum use support 
  • Behavioral health during pregnancy and postpartum  
  • Pre- and post-partum substance use support services  
    (Common phrasing in clinical and advocacy resources.) 

 All of these terms relate to emotional well-being and substance use during pregnancy or after birth.  

Common Experiences

Many people experience emotional or behavioral health changes during pregnancy or after birth. These experiences can look different for everyone and may include: 

  • Anxiety or depression during pregnancy or postpartum 
    This may include feeling overwhelmed, sad, worried, irritable, or having difficulty enjoying daily activities. 
  • Difficulty coping with major life changes 
    Pregnancy and new parenthood can bring changes in routines, identity, relationships, and responsibilities. 
  • Stress related to parenting, finances, or support systems 
    Lack of sleep, caregiving demands, and limited support can increase emotional stress. 
  • Changes in substance use or concerns about substance use 
    Some people may struggle with substance use before, during, or after pregnancy, or may use substances to cope with stress or emotional challenges. 
  • Feeling isolated or unsure where to turn for help 
    Many people feel alone in their experiences, even though these challenges are common. 

These experiences are common, treatable, and not a personal failure. Support is available at every stage. 

If any of these experiences feel familiar, you are not alone—and help is available. 

(Sources: CDC; ACOG; Postpartum Support International) 

Learn more about the Be Well Clinic and available treatments
Support & Treatment Options

Support may include: 

  • Counseling or therapy 
  • Peer support 
  • Medication when appropriate 
  • Substance use treatment 
  • Trauma-informed and family-centered care 
    (SAMHSA; ACOG) 
Find treatment options
Support Hotlines

211 Texas 

Get connected to local mental health and substance use services by calling 2-1-1 or searching online. Available 24/7 and free.  

Call: 211  

Learn more

 

Outreach, Screening, Assessment, and Referral (OSR) 

Not sure where to start? OSAR programs offer free, confidential help connecting you to substance use services, including screening and referrals. Available across Texas. 

Call: 877-541-7905 or 2-1-1 

 

Maternal Mental Health Hotline 

Free, confidential support for pregnant and postpartum individuals via call or text.  

Call: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)  

Learn more

 

Postpartum Support International  

 Connects moms to local support groups, providers, and a helpline specifically for perinatal mental health.  

Call: 1-800-944-4773 (#1 in English, #2 en Español)  

Learn more

 

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 

The NAMI HelpLine is a free, confidential nationwide service that provides one-on-one emotional support, mental health information, and resources needed to tackle tough challenges that you, your family, or friends are facing. Or, you can look through our self-help online resources below to find your answers.  

Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or Text 62640 

Learn more

 

National Mental Health Hotline 

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for anyone experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or substance use concerns. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor. 

Call: 988  

Learn more

State Resources for Patients

Texas Family Resources 

It’s common to experience emotional changes during pregnancy and after birth—but you don’t have to go through it alone. Explore Texas resources for mental health support, treatment, and care for moms. 
Learn more

 

Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) 

Pregnancy can bring a lot of questions—you don’t have to navigate it alone. Explore trusted Texas resources like Texas TIPS, WIC Breastfeeding Support, and Before, Between, and Beyond Pregnancy to support your health and confidence every step of the way. 
Learn more

 

Le Leche League International 

La Leche League USA (LLL USA) offers free, trusted support for families working toward their breastfeeding and human milk–feeding goals. Trained parent volunteers provide individualized guidance, along with in‑person and virtual group meetings where parents can connect, ask questions, and share experiences. This resource helps create a supportive community for breastfeeding, pumping, and milk‑feeding families. 
Learn more

National Resources for Patients

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 

This resource offers guidance and support for mental health before, during, and after pregnancy for all parents, including birthing and non‑birthing partners. It provides practical strategies for managing conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorder, along with information about treatment options, self‑care, and building a strong support network during the perinatal period. This guide is designed to help parents feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout their journey. 
Learn more

 

Postpartum Support International (PSI) 

Find support for pregnancy and postpartum mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, OCD, and more. All groups are 100% free forever, held via Zoom, and facilitated by trained peer supporters who understand your journey. 
Learn more

 

Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) 

Nurse‑Family Partnership is a free program that supports first‑time mothers during pregnancy and after baby arrives. Participants are paired with a registered nurse who provides personalized guidance on healthy pregnancy, breastfeeding, child development, nutrition, and safe sleep. This program is available at no cost to eligible women who are pregnant with their first baby and can begin as early as the first trimester. 
Learn more


Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 

Learn more about substance use disorder (SUD), how it affects the brain and behavior, and the pathways to treatment and recovery. 
Learn more