Black Perinatal Providers

Certificate Training

Get this in demand certification and add the specialty to your practice

Who is this for

Almost 50% of Black mothers will experience maternal mental health (MMH) conditions, according to the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. Studies show that dads also suffer from prenatal and postpartum depression and at similar rates as the mom. Yet dad depression is often dismissed or ignored.

Our Mission

Initially we aim to advance and accelerate the Perinatal Mental Health Movement in the DMV and ultimately throughout the nation. Our focus is on achieving equitable perinatal mental health outcomes by reducing undiagnosed and untreated mental health disorders in the BIPOC community. We ultimately seek to reduce suicidal and homicidal ideation, loss of activities of daily living (ADLs) and income, and most importantly the loss of life.

Our Solution

The Greater Washington Urban League and Palladium with Mary’s Center’s support and the input of leading maternal health organizations initiated the formation of an action-oriented coalition in April 2023.

Our vision for our first pilot program is to meaningfully expand the pool of Black health professionals able to serve birthing persons with a culturally affirming and effective approach.

The Postpartum Support International (PSI) curriculum-based training and exam fee (~$1200 value) will be offered free of charge. Adding this number of PSI certified and committed Black health professionals will undoubtedly drive improved health outcomes for Black birthing persons in the DMV. We intend this to become an annual affair and open to a wider reach each year.

Key Benefits

Elevate your expertise, expand your network, and amplify your impact with career-advancing opportunities and enhanced visibility.

Ability to skillfully assess and treat birthing persons experiencing distress.

Energizing coaching from our keynote speakers.

Listing in PSI online perinatal mental health provider directory.

Chance to earn up to 20 continuing education credits required to maintain license.

Three days of tremendous networking in a culturally affirming environment.

Listing on GWUL Website visible to the 10,000 families we serve annually.

Who can Attend

The PSI Certificate Training is a thorough and evidence-based curriculum designed for most anyone who serves birthing persons. This can include but is not limited to: