https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/nu-lcr030221.php
News Release 2-Mar-2021
Trained paraprofessionals deliver CBT to women and expand care
Northwestern University
Perinatal depression has soared during the pandemic. But many mental health professionals are overwhelmed and can't take on new clients.
Good news comes from a new Northwestern Medicine study finding paraprofessionals generated similar reductions in depressive symptoms as mental health professionals when delivering a group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention.
The study findings are based on adding home health visits by trained lay health professionals to low-income pregnant women in a national project called Mothers & Babies. Mothers and Babies is an intervention using cognitive behavioral therapy that aims to reduce stress and improve mood among pregnant women and new mothers.
But since in-person home-visits are no longer possible during the pandemic, the program has recently pivoted to deliver the therapy virtually to pregnant women.
"The response to Mothers and Babies delivered virtually has been incredibly positive from providers and clients," said lead study author Darius Tandon, associate professor of medical social sciences at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "In this COVID environment, the need for mental health services is so great that providers and perinatal women who have stress in their lives are really valuing the ability to receive help remotely."
One in five women will develop postpartum depression, and both mother and child are adversely affected by postpartum depression.
"Preventing postpartum depression before it starts is critical in promoting the health and well-being of new mothers and their children," Tandon said.
"With appropriate training and supervision, lay health workers can do a good job," Tandon noted. "We don't have to rely on mental health professionals. We can go another route."
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