MCAH Newsletter: Mental Health

May honors Mental Health Month and so we invite you to scroll through for Sonoma County Data on Mental Health, information on Doulas and Mental Health and multiple resources for you and the families you serve. Keep scrolling for a mindful minute exercise at the end.

Perinatal Mental Health

In the United States, perinatal mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth. Suicide and overdose deaths are leading causes of death in the first year after birth (Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance). Depression during pregnancy can increase the risk of preterm and low birth weight births, and preeclampsia, and can impact breastfeeding and bonding after delivery. Depression can also increase the risk of chronic depression and suicide among individuals giving birth.Below we share some data on perinatal mental health in Sonoma County.

Between 2018-2020, the highest rate of depressive symptoms during the prenatal period was seen amongst the Asian Pacific Islander, Non Hispanic (NH) population at 27.4%, Black, NH 23.1% and Hispanic/Latino, 14.3%

For the postpartum period between 2018-2020, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander have the highest rates of depressive symptoms: 17.6% of Black, Non Hispanic birthing individuals; and 14.4% of Asian/Pacific Islander, Non Hispanic individuals. Hispanic/Latino rate is 11.4%. Source: Sonoma County Dashboard

The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists has a nice handout with information about Mental Health Illness During Pregnancy: Check it out here: NAMI Maternal Mental Health

Teen Mental Health

According to the CDC:

• In 2021, more than 4 in 10 (42%) students felt persistently sad or hopeless and nearly one-third (29%) experienced poor mental health.
• In 2021, more than 1 in 5 (22%) students seriously considered attempting suicide and 1 in 10 (10%) attempted suicide.

• According to the Sonoma County dashboard for 2023, 13% of all respondents stated they seriously considered attempting suicide in the last 12 months.
• When disaggregated for race and ethnicity, the highest rate of considering attempting suicide was seen amongst Black, Multiracial, and American Indian/Alaska Native teens.
• Sonoma County has had an increase in the percentage of adolescents who report having experienced serious psychological distress in the past year- 13.7% in year 2015-2017 to 17.2% in years 2020-2021
• 40% of high school students agreed or strongly agreed that they felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more, that they stopped doing some usual activities. The highest rates were seen among Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native and Asian students. 

The Sonoma County Office of Education has a new mental health curriculum- Foundations of Mental Health- that is available and open source- check it, and other classroom mental health resources, out here:

https://www.scoe.org/pub/htdocs/fmh_landingpage.html

Visit the Sonoma County Dashboard for additional data related to mental health and well-being.

Mental Health Crisis:

Where to find help in Sonoma County

New Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

• How it works: Routes callers to trained mental health professionals at regional crisis centers, who then refer those in need to local crisis support services.

Other resources for those experiencing mental health crises:

• Sonoma County Crisis Stabilization Unit: 707-576-8181/ 800-746-8181
• Sonoma County Behavioral Health Services: 707-565-6900
• 24-hour toll-free hotline is administered by the North Bay Suicide Prevention Program of Buckelew Programs: 855-587-6373/988
• National Alliance on Mental Illness, Sonoma County: 866-960-6264
• LifeWorks of Sonoma County: 707-568-2300

Substance Use Disorder:

Where to find help in Sonoma County

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline

• A confidential, free information service for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Call 800-662-HELP (4357) or visit  samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline.

Sonoma County Contracted Organizations

• The Behavioral Health Division of Sonoma County partners with local agencies to provide substance use disorder treatment services. Call 707-565-7450 or visit sonomacounty.ca.gov/health-and-human-services/health-services/divisions/behavioral-health/services/substance-use-disorder-services.

Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous programs

• Find a local AA and NA chapter to find peer-to-peer support for recovering addicts. Links for meetings are found here: sonomacountyaa.org/meetings and sonomacountyna.org/meetings.

Source: Sonoma County Dashboard



See Below for Local Organizations Providing Therapy

The Sonoma County Black Forum Black Therapy Fund Voucher Program offers up to 12 sessions of mental health counseling, from culturally competent therapists, for up to 234 qualifying Sonoma County Residents. Each session is valued at $150 per session. This funding is being supported in whole by federal award number SLFRP0246 awarded to the County of Sonoma by the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Sonoma County Black Therapy Fund program is administered by Sonoma County Black Forum.

https://www.sonomacountyblackforum.com/black-therapy.html

Mothers Care initial services include support, education, community resources, treatment planning and temporary counseling sessions. In order to reduce barriers and to increase access to services, Mothers Care works with community partners to fund these initial services. When indicated, additional services are secured through the utilization of insurance, private pay, and community resources.

Partial funding for Mothers Care is generously provided by Providence Health System.

https://www.mothercaresupport.com/about

Key Stone

We specialize in providing

private counseling and mental health therapy to people of all ages, identities, and dynamics, including family therapy in both English and Spanish. We also offer professional development to people in the human service and mental health fields. 

https://www.keystone.love/

Doulas and Mental Health

Birthing people impacted by social drivers of health have an increased risk of adverse prenatal and postpartum mental health outcomes. The continuous support doulas provide is linked to improved rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among this population, making the profession a mechanism to promote equity and strengthen the safety-net maternal health workforce. (NationalAssociation of Community Health Centers)

Doula care has led to improved health care outcomes, such as 28% fewer C-sections, a 9% decrease in the use of pain medication, and reduction in maternal mortality in Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities. In addition, one study highlighted that doula care in a Medicaid population helped increase breastfeeding by more than 17% overall, and more than 21% for birthing people who are Black2. Integrating doulas into maternity care teams can help overcome mistrust within the health care system and can increase engagement in the birthing process. (United Health Care)

Please click here for our local Doula Database which has been recently updated. Please also notify us of if anyone is missing on this list.

Please click image above for your Mindful Minute.

Thank you for taking the time to read our Newsletter! Have a beautiful and peaceful day!