Updates

Public Health Pediatrics

 upLIFT: Maternal Mental Health Support Program 

A Maternal Mental Health Support Program 

The upLIFT support program addresses the significant issue of the mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum women in the year after giving birth. Participants in our program are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety, known as a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD), that can have profound impacts on both mothers and their children.

We offer three tailored programs that help these women meet their challenges by learning new tools and strategies to help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety meant to instill empowerment and well-being: upLIFT, upLIFT Teen, and upLIFT Group.

Our programs are also easily accessible, provided in home or virtually. Leading the sessions are licensed social workers who provide a high standard of professional care and expertise in mental health support. 

upLIFT uses evidence-based tools and strategies that are grounded in research and effective management of PMAD symptoms and in strengthening emotional well-being. 

Nearly 300 mothers have benefitted from upLIFT’s services since it launched in 2022.

Our Programs

upLIFT

Eight one-on-one sessions with licensed social workers provide personalized care.

upLIFT Group

Eleven virtual, group sessions that foster a supportive community for pregnant women and mothers with children under five. 

upLIFT Teen

A specialized program for pregnant and parenting teenagers that meets their unique mental health challenges in 8 one-on-one virtual or home visits. 

Refer a patient or enroll yourself in upLIFT

The process to begin participating in upLIFT involves three steps:

To join the upLIFT or upLIFT Teen program, an individual can either refer themselves or be referred by someone else through a specific online referral link.

If referred by someone else:

  1. The person making the referral will use the link to provide their own contact information (to receive updates on the referral) and the individual's contact information, including their address and county.
  2. The referral form will also ask for the reason for the referral, the individual's age, the birthdate of their youngest child, and a brief explanation of why they are being referred to upLIFT.

If the individual is self-referring (for upLIFT or upLIFT Teen):

  1. The individual will use the referral link to provide their contact information.
  2. They will also need to specify the reason they are seeking support from upLIFT, their age, and the birthdate of their youngest child.

For upLIFT Group:

  1. The individual must refer themselves using a dedicated referral link.
  2. They will provide their contact information, county of residence, preferred language, and indicate how they heard about the program.

What happens after submitting the online referral (for all programs):

  1. Phone contact: After submitting the online referral, the individual will receive a phone call from the upLIFT team.
  2. Eligibility and interest: During this call, the team will determine the individual's eligibility for the program and assess their interest in participating.
  3. Mental health screening: A mental health screener will be administered during the call.
  4. Program fit: The team will also assess if the program is a good fit for the individual's needs.
  1. Enrollment (if eligible and interested): If the individual meets the eligibility requirements and is interested in participating, they will proceed to complete enrollment forms.
  2. Enrollment Forms: This includes signing a consent form and completing pre-questionnaire surveys.

Once you are enrolled into the upLIFT program, the licenses social worker assigned to work with you will call you to set-up your first session. 

Resources for upLIFT participants, partners, and funders

These websites offer helpful information about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. 

Testimonials

When my anxiety creeps up on me, I can say, ‘No, no. I know how to handle you now. I don’t need you to take over my whole day, or week or month.’ The fact that I haven’t really felt depressed is good. This has helped me a lot.”

It has helped me build my relationship with my family and it has made me feel good as a mother! I am a better mother because of it"

The program helped me to stop thinking so negatively and looking at things better. Now I also understand that is not just the kids and that I also have to take care of myself – loving myself as a woman first and then a mother.”

The upLIFT program is by far the best program that I've participated in for my depression. It helped me find new ways to bond with my babies and learn different ways to handle my depression as a whole. The people I've worked with/ talked to are super nice. If I had to give a rating it would be 1,000 out of 10.”