A new study is shedding light on the need for more mental health resources for new and expecting mothers.
The assessment, released through the Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) of the West Virginia Department of Human Services, surveyed 154 healthcare providers and 131 perinatal women about mental health, substance use disorder and access to care.
They found 94% of providers routinely screened their patients, but only 38% felt confident in treating substance use disorder.
“There’s an overall lack of behavioral health specialists, particularly those in West Virginia that are providing substance use information, and it showed up in the assessment that they definitely do need and want some training,” BBH Commissioner Elizabeth Hardy said. “It’s going to help us target efforts to improve access and support providers and ensure families receive care they need at the right time.”
The bureau also identified a gap in treatment options for pregnant women and new mothers with a history of substance use disorder or mental health concerns.
“The residents in the rural areas were facing significant barriers, obviously, including travel time and lack of transportation options, and also providing timely access to providers regarding psychiatric consultations,” Hardy said.
The agency is looking at workforce training and scholarships to help fill those gaps.
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