Since its inception in 2010, Project TEACH has provided psychiatric consultation support for more than 23,000 pediatric patients throughout New York State. More than 4,400 primary care providers have registered for the program. That number continues to grow.

As a result of the new funding, the program will expand consultation, training and support services for OB-GYNs, family physicians and other clinicians who work with perinatal patients. The goal is to help combat maternal depression and other perinatal mental health disorders.

Recognizing the signs

While nearly 80% of all new moms experience a mild form of depression and anxiety — commonly referred to as postpartum depression or the "baby blues” — approximately 20% experience a perinatal mood, anxiety or mental health disorder. In the past, many women remained silent about their struggles; now, more women are asking for the help they need. That starts with recognizing the signs of perinatal mood or anxiety disorder:

• Feeling sad or depressed
• Feeling more irritable or angry with those around you
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Feelings of anxiety or panic
• Problems eating or sleeping
• Upsetting thoughts that you can’t get out of your mind

“Perinatal psychiatric disorders are common, affecting approximately 1 in 4 women," said Kristina Deligiannidis, MD, director of Women’s Behavioral Health at Zucker Hillside Hospital and the new medical director of reproductive psychiatry for Project TEACH. "In New York State, within the first year postpartum, 1 in 8 pregnancy-related deaths are due to suicide, and 100% of those deaths due to mental health conditions were preventable. The new Project TEACH Maternal Mental Health Initiative aims to reduce maternal psychiatric morbidity and mortality in New York State.”

The first in the state to open a specialized inpatient unit to treat women with perinatal psychiatric illnesses, Northwell's Perinatal Program offers both outpatient and inpatient treatment, with individual and group psychotherapies and medication treatment provided by a specialized ambulatory team.

A crisis in child psychiatry

Recognizing the difference between normal moodiness and genuine difficulty in your child can be challenging for parents. For those experiencing mental or emotional challenges, it can be useful to speak with a pediatric psychiatrist.

“At Cohen Children’s Medical Center, we believe that pediatricians must work together with behavioral health professionals to identify and treat the growing mental health crisis affecting today’s young people,” said Charles Schleien, MD, senior vice president and chair, Pediatric Services, Northwell Health. “We understand that this country traditionally suffers from a shortage of qualified mental health professionals. This has become even more evident since the pandemic. Being able to more easily offer our young patients and their families a qualified child psychiatrist during business hours will be an important addition to the care we provide by our pediatricians.”

Some of the more common child mental health disorders include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Disruptive behavior disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Mood disorders
• Eating disorders
• Childhood trauma
• Separation anxiety (issues resulting from the impact of separation and divorce)

“The U.S. is in the midst of a child mental health crisis. Now, more than ever, youth are struggling with mental health concerns,” said Victor Fornari, MD, vice chair and director of the division of child and adolescent psychiatry at Northwell and the site medical director of Project TEACH. “There are currently simply not enough child and adolescent psychiatrists to meet the unmet need. With the support of the New York State Office of Mental Health, Project TEACH can support pediatricians and other primary care providers to care for children and adolescents with mild to moderate mental health concerns who otherwise would not be served. In addition, maternal mental health needs are now also supported with the expansion of this service for providers caring for perinatal women.”

How to find help

Child psychiatry: Special programs and workshops are available to provide guidance to parents when they have questions about their child’s development through Cohen Children’s Medical Center. To learn more call the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at (718) 470-3500.

Perinatal Psychiatry Center at the Zucker Hillside Hospital: Pregnant and postpartum patients may call the dedicated MOM appointment line below to speak to a team member about arranging a clinical appointment with a specialist. 

• Suffolk County: (631) 608-MOMS (6667)
• Nassau County: (516) 470-4MOM (4666)
• Queens County: (718) 470-4MOM (4666)

To learn more about behavioral health services offered by Project TEACH, call (toll-free) 1-855-227-7272.