Mentors To Principal Investigator
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Grantees Conference, National Harbor, MD Peer-Reviewed Poster Presentation Dec. 3, 2014
Hong Kong Baptist University Peer-Reviewed Paper April 11, 20141st Annual Global Social Science Conference
The University of Hong Kong Invited Talk April 8, 2014Lunchtime Seminar Series, Department of Social Work and Social Administration
New York Postpartum Depression Support
Circle of Caring PPD Support Groups in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester Counties, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and the Capital Region and other groups forming throughout New York state, contact the Postpartum Resource Center of New York at 631-422-2255 or For more resources in NY, visit the Postpartum Resource Center of New Yorks resource page here.
Brooklyn PPD Support Group, contact www.brooklynppdsupport.org or Molly Peryer at 917-549-6012 or email
Long Island Mothers Circle of Hope PPD Support Group, meets at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, contact 631-862-3330
Long Island Mothers Circle of Hope free, 8-week support group for moms experiencing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Support Group Keep Getting Better Group is an ongoing monthly group for moms who have completed another support group. Each meets at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, for more info call 631-376-HOPE or 631-376-4673.
Manhattan Seleni Institute offers several support groups. Click here for more info.
Richmond County/Staten Island PPD Support Group at Richmond University Medical Center meets on the third Saturday of every month call 718-818-2032
Syracuse Postpartum Depression Support Group at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, contact Christine Kowaleski, RN at 315-470-7940 or visit .
Virginia Postpartum Depression Support
Postpartum Support Virginia Support Groups for times and locations visit:
Manassas Prince William Medical Center Hylton Birthing Center. Contact Nancy Sonnenberg, 703-369-8649
Portsmouth Military member and dependents. Portsmouth Naval Medical Center Contact Kimberly Barnard-Bracey, 757-953-5861
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New Hampshire Postpartum Depression Support
Concord PPD Support Group. Contact Gerry Mitchell at 603-227-7000 x 4927
Manchester Postpartum Emotional Support Group at Elliot Hospitals Elliot Childcare Center contact Alison Palmer with any questions at 663-8927 or .
Portsmouth PPD Support Group Mother-to-Mother Connections every Tuesday morning from 9-10 a.m. at Families First in Portsmouth, NH. Facilitator: Susan Remillard
North Carolina Postpartum Depression Support
Boone Moms for Moms is free and open to pregnant and new mothers. Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6-7:30 PM at The Childrens Council of Watauga County in Boone, NC . A brief preregistration is requested before moms first attend group. Contact email or call The Childrens Council
Chapel Hill PPD Support Group hosted by UNC Center for Womens Mood Disorders, Contact 919-966-3115
Cornelius PPD Support Group, contact Carol Peindl at 704-947-8115
Durham Duke Postpartum Support program. Contact 919-681-6840
Greensboro- PPD Support Group. Contact 336-832-6848 or 336-832-6848
Raleigh Rex Hospital hosts support group, contact 919-454-6946
Raleigh weekly PPD support group in Raleigh contact or visit www.pesnc.org
Akron/Cleveland: Contact POEM Call Leslie & Danielle at 216.282.4569
Cincinnati A Lighter Shade of Blue Support Groups, check for dates and times or email .
Dayton: Contact POEM Call 937.401.6844
Lakewood Circle of Life Birth and Family Services support group contact or call 216-299-8522.
Newark Contact POEM
Youngstown: Contact POEM Call Leslie, 330.550.2838
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Arkansas Postpartum Depression Support
Rogers- PPD Support Group. The Joshua Center 2105 S. 54th St. #2 Cost: $25 session. RSVP required. Contact Heidi at
Berkeley North Berkeley Postpartum Stress Support Group. Contact Lee Safran at 510-496-6096
Beverly Hills What about Mommy? A postpartum Group for Mothers, contact 929-0638
Clearlake Mother-Wise. Contact Jaclyn at 707-349-1210 or visit our Facebook page for more event information
Escondido Moms in Bloom Call 489-1092 or email to reserve your spot or get information. A free phone consultation will be provided for entrance to the group.
Fresno Babies R Us. Facilitators: Stephanie Chandler, PM & Susan Kordell, RN. Contact 559-244-4580
Fresno First 5 Lighthouse for Children 2405 Tulare St. Fresno, 93721. Facilitator: Alejandra Addo-Boateng, MFTI, 559-244-4580
La Jolla at Scripps Memorial Hospital, call 1-800-SCRIPPS
La Mesa at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, contact 619-740-4906
Lafayette Postpartum Emotional Recovery Circle at Mt. Diablo Perinatal Psychotherapy Associates. Contact Meri Levy, MFT at 925-385-8848
Lakeport Mother-Wise. Contact Jaclyn at 707-349-1210 or visit our Facebook page for more event information
Long Beach Transitioning Into Motherhood support services at Long Beach Memorial. Visit
Los Gatos Family Tree Wellness
Los Gatos El Camino Hospital Los Gatos Pregnancy & Postpartum Resiliency Circle meets during the year in 6-week series call for dates and times here 650-962-5745.
Texas Postpartum Depression Support
Austin PPD Support Group at Any Baby Can in Austin. Contact 512-454-3743 or email . Spanish capabilities.
Austin The Circle: Austin Born. 5555 N. Lamar Blvd. c127 Austin. Contact 512-222-5655 or or www.counselingfornewmoms.com
Austin Mamas for Mamas Mondays. Contact 512-920-3737 or email
Dallas Pre/Postpartum Support Group. Contact Karen Erschen at or visit www.wingsforwellness.org
Houston Center for Postpartum Family Health PPD Support Group. Contact 713-561-3884.
Houston Mother to Mother support group, sponsored by Texas Childrens Hospital. Parking is free. Contact 832-826-5281.
Houston The Womens Hospital of Texas PPD Support Group. Contact Barbara Crotty at 713-791-7404 or email
San Antonio Methodist Womens Center PPD Support Group. Contact 210-575-0355
Tyler Wings4Moms PPD Support Group. Contact Lindsey Sears at 903-805-2937
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Overcoming The Psychological Obstacles To Joining A Support Group
Its hard and emotionally draining to deal with a serious issue such as addiction, bereavement, burnout, depression, or another mental health problem. For some people, its even harder to ask for help and be willing to receive it. Half the battle of attending a support group is just getting through the door for the very first time.
Its common to feel nervous, frightened, or even ashamed. By joining a support group, it means youre acknowledging and accepting the fact that the issue youre facing is real, you can no longer avoid dealing with it, and you need help. These can be hard things to accept, but there are ways to overcome the obstacles to taking that first step.
- You have nothing to lose by giving a support group a fair try. The people sitting on the other side of the door once felt the very same way you do.
- Youll likely make new friends who will be more sympathetic than some of your closest friends and family members are able to be about your current circumstances.
- If youre afraid to go alone, consider asking a trusted friend to tag along for moral support. After the first few meetings, youre sure to feel more at ease.
Colorado Postpartum Depression Support
Denver PPD Support Group at Womens Therapy Center Cherry Creek. Contact Avery Neal at 866-995-7910
Denver PPD Support at the Catalyst Center. For more information click here
Chicago Postpartum Depression Program at Healthcare Alternative Systems Free services in English and Spanish. Call 773-292-4242
Chicago Transitions to Motherhood program at Northwestern Memorials Prentice Womens Hospital Call 312-926-8400
Glenview Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Group at Courage to Connect. Call or 847-730-3042
Hinsdale PPD Support Group call 630-856-4390.
Hoffman Estates PPD support group. Call Lita Simanis at 847-755-3220
Hoffman Estates MVP Men vs. Postpartum Support group for fathers who have loved ones experiencing PPD Call Lita Simanis at 847-755-3220
Ft. Wayne Lutheran Hospital support group, contact Michelle Dearmond, RN,BS, IBCLC at 260-435 7069 or
Indianapolis Indiana University Health, Contact Birdie Meyer at 317-962-8191 ,
Indianapolis Community Health Support group Contact Marcia Boring MSW, LCSW, at 317-621-7828 or
Indianapolis Hendricks Regional Health support group contact Brittany Waggoner, RN, BSN, CNS at 317-718-4018 or
Lafayette Kathryn Weil Center support group Contact 765-449-5133
South Bend Mother Matters support group at South Bend Memorial Hospital, contact 574-647-3243
South Bend Peer support group for new moms at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Contact Linda Meeks at 574 272-3446
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Remember Your Reasons For Joining
When you feel like things couldnt possibly be worse, a support group can help you reframe your issues and view them in a more positive light. One of the best steps you can take toward feeling better is mustering up the courage to identify an appropriate support group and start attending.
Youll know youve taken the right step when you feel you have something in common with others in the group, and youve contributed something to them as well. Most importantly, you can call your experience a success when you leave the group thinking, I feel better now than when I first arrived.
New Jersey Postpartum Depression Support
Asbury Park SPANISH SPEAKING GROUP Community Affairs & Resource Center, contact Jackie Ramirez at 732-774-3282
Chatham The Postpartum Place, PPD Circle, contact Laura Winters at 862-200-7218 or visit
Denville St. Clares Behavioral Health, contact 888-626-2111 and ask for moms support group
Edison JFK Medical Center, PPD Support Group, contact Donna Weeks at 732-744-5968
Englewood The Family Success Center, Mommy & Me Support Group, contact Alana Alleyne at 201-568-0817 ext 113
Flemington Parenting Support Group, Hunterdon Medical Center Education, contact 908-788-6400 #4
Flemington SPANISH SPEAKING GROUP Joys of Motherhood, Hunterdon Behavioral Health, contact Florence Francis at 908-788-6401 ext.3107
Flemington- Postpartum Support of Central Jersey. Contact Helen at 908-788-5551 or visit
Hoboken Hoboken University Medical Center, 201-418-2690
Freehold New Moms Support Group, CentraState Medical Center, contact 732-308-0570 or www.centrastate.com/healthprograms
Hamilton Capital Health Medical Center in Hamilton Childbirth & Parent Education Dept., contact 609-303-4140 or www.capitalhealth.org/childbirth
Livingston Barnabas Health Medical Center, Mommies Moods, contact 973-322-5360
Long Branch PPD/A Support Group, Monmouth Medical Center, contact Lisa Tremayne at 732-923-5573 or www.barnabashealth.org/mmcPPD
Neptune Meets in Jackson. Contact 732-776-4281 for more information.
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Palo Alto Support Group Listing
Find comfort and direction in a confidential and supportive setting, and where you can make a difference in the lives of others. DBSA San Jose support groups are volunteer run and provide self-help for those living with Mood Disorders through facilitated meetings. Our support groups are not group therapy, however, we do have local professional advisers.
The estimated 665,000 Bay area residents coping with mood disorders and their families need a greater understanding of how these illnesses affect their lives. We all need support from people who have been there and who understand our journey. After proper diagnosis and treatment, the support from others is vital to a lifetime of wellness. DBSA San Jose can provide that support and much more.
As an independent affiliate of Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance in the Bay Area, DBSA San Jose offers five weekly peer-run support groups, where you will find comfort and direction in a confidential and supportive setting, and where you can make a difference in the lives of others. The selection of services we offer depends upon the needs of our participants. Our support groups are volunteer run and provide self-help through facilitated meetings. Our groups are not group therapy however, DBSA San Jose does have professional advisors from the local mental health community.
The Value of DBSA Support Groups
DBSA San Jose’s support groups provide the kind of sharing and caring that is crucial for a lifetime of wellness.
Bobbie Spurlock Lcsw Pmh
Bobbie Spurlock, LCSW, PMH-C is the mother of three and a personal survivor of PMADS. While Bobbie has worked in Social Work for over 15 years her personal experience with PMADS in 2016 redirected the focus of her work to perinatal mental health and birth trauma. Bobbie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working in private practice in Humboldt County California. Bobbies private practice provides services to women experiencing or affected by perinatal mental health and trauma. Bobbie is currently the co-facilitator for a free Humboldt County based support group called Postpartum Real Talk which aims to create more access to peer support in her rural area of the state. Bobbie has served on nonprofit boards since her teenage years and is passionate about community service. Bobbie has been providing consulting to nonprofit boards of directors in Humboldt County since 2015 and brings experience in strategic planning, leadership, board governance, and all officer positions to the board.
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What Is A Support Group
A support group is a gathering of people facing common issues to share whats troubling them. Through the sharing of experiences, theyre able to offer support, encouragement, and comfort to the other group members, and receive the same in return.
When youre going through a challenging or traumatic time, family members and friends may sympathize, but they dont always know what to say or the best ways to help. Doctors and health professionals may sometimes offer minor emotional support, but their primary focus is always medical.
Support groups developed to join people together who are dealing with similar difficult circumstances. That may be coping with a specific medical condition, such as cancer or dementia, a mental health issue like depression, anxiety, bereavement, or addiction, for example, or caring for a family member or friend facing such a problem. Whatever issues you or a loved one are facing, though, the best medicine can often be the voice of people who have walked in your shoes.
A support group offers a safe place where you can get information thats practical, constructive, and helpful. Youll have the benefit of encouragement, and youll learn more about coping with your problems through shared experiences. Hearing from others facing similar challenges can also make you feel less alone in your troubles.
Changing Behavior And Understanding
Clinicians listen, learn, diagnose, teach and solve problems. Beyond understanding there is practice, perspective and real time feedback on changes. We do this with groups.
Groups help with internalizing skills and new perspectives through feedback and practice. That’s best with behavioral learning, trauma processing and management of symptoms.
Think of it this way. If you want to learn to ride a motorcycle you can read books, jump on a bike, crash and never do it again. Or you can take a class with instructor and group, learn through doing, and love it forever.
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Washington Postpartum Depression Support
Bremerton Kitsap Hope Circle at Chiropractic Lifestyle Center. Contact Crystal at 360-990-8901 or visit www.kitsaphopecircle.org. FREE
Federal Way Balance After Birth. For more info please call Kate 427-4692 or email: . $5-10, pay as you can.
Gig Harbor Gig Harbor/Port Orchard Hope Circle. Contact Erinn and Marie at or visit www.kitsaphopecircle.org
Kirkland This Isnt What I Expected Support Group. Facilitated by Erin Boone and Tish Rogers. Call EvergreenHealth Posptartum Care Center, 425-899-3602 or EvergreenHealth Healthline, 425-899-100 or email . FREE
Moses Lake Support Group at Crossroads Resource Center. Contact Christy Youngers at 509-765-4425
Olympia FREE Thurston County support group at United Churches of Olympia. Facilitators: Stacy Dell, MA LMHC -799-5773, Lisa Iverson, MA LMHCA -790-2273 http://www.lisaiverson.net Robyn Sowers, MA LMFTA -556-6374 http://robynsowerscounseling.com.
Port Angeles Circle of Hope. Contact Becca at 755-5213.
Poulsbo Poulsbo Hope Circle. Contact Crystal at 360-990-8901, email or visit www. kitsaphopecircle.org
Redmond Conversations About Motherhood for moms with children ages 2 and up. Contact . Suggested $10 contribution.
Seattle- Early Days. Contact Meg at or visit www.earlydays.org . $10 drop-in fee, pay as you can.
Regina Postpartum Support Group at the YMCA of Regina, contact Sally Elliott at 306-757-9622 x 242
Saskatoon PPD Support Group, contact 306-655-6777
Welcome Were So Glad You Are Here
PSI-CA is the California state chapter of Postpartum Support International , the worlds leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping those suffering from perinatal mood disorders, the most common complication of childbirth.
Our mission is to promote equity and inclusion in awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues related to pregnancy, childbearing, and parenting in California.
2021 PSI-CA Board of Directors Open Positions
If youve been wanting to get involved with PSI-CA, now is your chance! We are excited to announce that we have the following three Board of Director positions open: Social Media Chair, Underserved/Special Populations Chair, and Board Member at Large. The application period closes on 12/31/21.
Meet our Board of Directors
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Dont Miss Our Popular Podcast
If you live with depression or bipolar, when things are at their worst it can feel like it will never get better. These times do pass. When reflect on our experience and circumstances, we can find the strength we have shown during our greatest challenges. DBSAs blog and podcast series, Im Living Proof: A Letter to My Younger Self, shares inspiring stories of young adult peers who are living proof that we can overcome even the most difficult times.
Myths And Misperceptions About Support Groups
In some circles, theres still a stigma associated with mental health problems, which extends to attending support groups for those problems. Some people see reaching out to others as a sign of weakness, while others believe confiding in others is a waste of time and wont achieve anything.
Other commonly held myths and misperceptions about support groups include:
| Myths and misperceptions |
| Myth: There arent any support groups in my area. |
| Fact: There are tens of thousands of support groups nationally and globally, in-person and online. Theres one available for nearly every problem and condition. |
| Myth: Support groups dont have any answers. |
| Fact: While its true theyre not a magic bullet for all your problems, you will get some answersand a lot of support while working through a tough or sensitive issue. |
| Myth: I will be required to share my story. |
| Fact: In most groups, you can choose to speak as you feel comfortable. |
| Myth: Other participants may attack or criticize me. |
| Fact: A well-run support group sets boundaries and requires participants to show empathy and respect to each other. |
| Myth: Ill feel even more depressed after attending a support group. |
| Fact: The simple act of sharing your problems can be extremely cathartic. So, most people feel uplifted and encouraged after attending a support group. |
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