Reimagining Perinatal Mental Health Care Models: A Community-Engaged Approach to Develop a Partner-Inclusive, In-Home...

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are among the most common complications of pregnancy. Yet, identification, access, and intervention lag behind need, particularly for those from historically marginalized backgrounds. Although couples-based, cognitive behavioral approaches show promise, few interventions integrate community-engaged, partner-inclusive, and in-home approaches that bolster accessibility.

This article presents the development and protocol for the New Family Wellness Project (NFWP). The six-session NFWP focuses on shared family values and communication supplemented with between-session provider check-ins, support groups, homework, and tailored case management. Twenty-two participants (8 couples; 6 mothers alone) provided quantitative and qualitative feedback on the NFWP feasibility and acceptability.

Participants reported very high engagement (M = 96/100) and identified the in-home and partner-inclusive format as vital. Qualitative feedback highlighted that the NFWP improved communication and enhanced reflection on family values and actionable steps to support effective co-parenting. Nearly half of the participants said they would not have participated without the in-home and couples-based format.

Preliminary findings support the feasibility and acceptability of this community-engaged, cognitive behavioral therapy, couples-based intervention for PMADs. Future directions explore scalability on a larger scale to enhance equitable, perinatal mental health interventions for family systems.