Perinatal mental health refers to mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. At Breastfeed Durham, we believe that all birthing people experiencing perinatal mental health struggles should have access to proper screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
To that degree, we want to share with our community: Anchor Perinatal Wellness. Based in Raleigh, Anchor Perinatal Wellness offers walk-in screening services, outpatient mental health services, and an Intensive Outpatient Program for pregnant and postpartum people to people who are struggling with a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.
As of January 2023, Anchor Perinatal Wellness offers a free mental health screening clinic for anyone 18+ who is pregnant or postpartum (up to 18 months) and might be experiencing a PMAD (perinatal mood or anxiety disorder). They will orient persons who come in to their services or offer an appropriate community referral that can help them get better.
Additionally, Anchor Perinatal Wellness offers a 9 hour/week Intensive Outpatient Program, as well as couples and individual therapy.
As an organization, 80% of the staff are Latina or Black. Several of the staff are children of immigrants. Several of the staff are single mothers or were raised by single mothers. Additionally, all staff have received training and have experience working with LGBTQIA individuals. Anchor Perinatal Wellness treats people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and it is important that all APW staff work skillfully with all clients. Anchor Perinatal Wellness’ three program directors and one additional staff member have advanced training in trauma, including cognitive processing therapy, brainspotting, narrative trauma therapy, and EMDR.
To learn more about the organization, visit www.anchorperinatal.com.