Advanced Perinatal Psychotherapy

Catalog description

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the role and process of psychotherapy in perinatal support through a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive lens. Students will develop advanced skills in conducting perinatal initial intake assessments; screening for perinatal mood disorders, trauma, and suicide risk; and perinatal treatment planning, discharge, and referral. Special topics include substance use during pregnancy; pregnancy loss, termination, and perinatal bereavement; the impact of the sociocultural environment on birthing parents and their families; and culturally informed treatment for birthing parents with minority identities. The course emphasizes evidence-based interventions for perinatal treatment and recovery, including psychopharmacology, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), parent-infant attachment, couples counseling, wellness models, and social support systems.