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Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties, CACondados de Monterey y Santa Cruz, CA

Maternal Mental Health
Resources

Recursos de
Salud Mental Materna

Support for birthing people, parents, families, and providers — before, during, and after pregnancy.

Where are you located?

Select your county to find local maternal mental health resources, crisis lines, support groups, and more.

🌊

Monterey County

Resources for families in Salinas, Monterey, King City, Seaside, Marina, Soledad, and surrounding communities.

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Santa Cruz County

Resources for families in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Capitola, and surrounding communities.

Monterey County Resources

Maternal mental health support for Monterey County families and providers

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Crisis Lines, Hotlines & Warmlines

988
Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 — 24/7 national mental health crisis supportLlame o envíe un mensaje al 988 — apoyo de crisis de salud mental las 24 horas
1-888-258-6029
Monterey County Behavioral Health Crisis LineBilingual (English/Spanish) — 24/7; walk-in in Salinas, King City, Soledad & MarinaBilingüe (inglés/español) — 24/7; atención presencial en Salinas, King City, Soledad y Marina
1-800-944-4773
PSI HelpLinePostpartum Support International — English/Spanish — expert callback within 24 hrsApoyo Posparto Internacional — inglés/español — devolución de llamada en 24 horas
831-783-5933
Parenting Connection MC — Postpartum WarmlineMon–Fri 8am–5pm — bilingual, non-crisis support & referralsLun–Vie 8am–5pm — apoyo bilingüe y referencias
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
National mental health crisis hotline — call, text, or chat 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or crisis.
Crisis Hotline→
How to Get Crisis Services | Monterey County
Local 24/7 crisis intervention guidance including the county's bilingual crisis line and walk-in clinic locations in Salinas, King City, Soledad & Marina.
Crisis Services→
Parenting Connection MC — Postpartum Warmline (831-783-5933)
Free, confidential, bilingual warmline for postpartum concerns — Mon–Fri 8am–5pm; support, screening, and community referrals.
Warmline→
PSI Weekly Online Support Groups
Free weekly virtual support groups for moms, dads, and loss families hosted by Postpartum Support International; includes live expert chat.
Warmline / Support→
Suicide Prevention Awareness — Know the Warning Signs
Guides for recognizing warning signs of suicidal behavior for family members, friends, and providers.
Suicide Prevention→
Maternal Suicide Prevention | CDPH
California's statewide resources and data on suicide prevention for pregnant and postpartum individuals.
Suicide Prevention→
National Mental Health Helplines & Hotlines (PDF)
Printable reference sheet of national crisis and support hotlines — ideal for clinics and community distribution.
Resource PDF→
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Local Monterey County Resources

Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health (MCAH) | County of Monterey Public Health
The MCAH program supports the health and well-being of women, children, adolescents, and their families throughout Monterey County through a broad range of public health services, programs, and connections to mental health resources.
County Health Program→
Maternal Mental Health | County of Monterey Behavioral Health
The county's central MMH hub with warmline info, support groups, online classes, screening tools, and links to local services.
Local Hub→
Parenting Connection MC (PCMC)
Free bilingual support groups, warmline, and parenting education for pregnant and postpartum families throughout Monterey County.
Local Organization→
Bright Beginnings MC — Perinatal Mental Health
Home of the Monterey County MMH Task Force; offers resource posters (English & Spanish), MMH webinar series, monthly newsletter, and local data.
Local Coalition→
Perinatal Resources for New Families | Salinas Valley Health
Comprehensive local directory of perinatal therapists, support groups, home visiting, NICU resources, and paternal support including Mamas Platicando y Sanando.
Local Provider Directory→
Ohana Perinatal Mental Health Program | Montage Health
Family-centered perinatal mental health care with dyadic (parent-baby) approach, parenting skill-building, and group programming; call (831) 760-1441.
Local Clinical Program→
NAMI Monterey County — Maternal & New Parent Mental Health
Local peer support, education, and family advocacy for new parents navigating mental health challenges.
Local Support→
Birth Network of Monterey County — MMH Practitioner Directory
Directory of local perinatal therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors in Monterey County with insurance and contact information.
Local Directory→
Coastal Kids Home Care
Provides compassionate pediatric palliative care, counseling, and bereavement support for families facing serious childhood illness or loss.
Counseling & Bereavement→
Maternal Mental Health Webinar Training Series | County of Monterey
Free, self-paced three-session webinar series (2 hrs each) with workbook for providers and community members.
Training→
MMH Resource Flyer 2025 — Monterey County (PDF)
Ready-to-share local flyer summarizing MMH services and contact information for Monterey County families.
Local Flyer→
Profile of Maternal Mental Health in Monterey County & CA
Local data report on perinatal mental health prevalence, risk factors, and service landscape with statewide context.
Local Data Report→
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Support Groups & Peer Resources

Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Leading national organization for perinatal mental health — education, referrals, support groups, and HelpLine (1-800-944-4773) for moms, dads, and families.
National Organization→
About Perinatal Mental Health | PSI
Plain-language information on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and psychosis.
Education→
Free Virtual NICU Support Groups | Hand to Hold
Free online support groups for NICU families, led by trained peer mentors who have lived the NICU experience.
NICU Support→
Return to Zero: H.O.P.E.
Peer support, community, and healing resources for parents who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, stillbirth, or miscarriage.
Perinatal Loss→
Maternal Mental Health NOW
Advocacy and training organization with provider trainings, community outreach resources, and toolkits supporting underserved perinatal families.
Advocacy & Training→
Mom's Mental Health Matters | NICHD
Federal public education initiative with guides for pregnant and postpartum moms on recognizing and seeking help for perinatal mood disorders.
Public Education→
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For Providers & Clinicians

Perinatal Psychiatric Consultation Program | PSI
Free phone consultations for healthcare providers seeking guidance on diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Clinical Consultation→
MMH Webinar Training Series | Monterey County
Free self-paced provider training — three 2-hour modules with workbook for clinicians and community workers.
Provider Training→
Supporting MMH in Public Health Nutrition Practice (PDF)
Clinical guidance for WIC and public health nutrition providers on integrating MMH screening and support into nutrition practice.
Clinical Guidance→
Eat, Sleep, Console vs. Usual Care for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal | NEJM
Peer-reviewed clinical trial on the ESC approach for newborns with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS).
Clinical Research→
Mental Health Screening Tools | Mental Health America
Free, validated online screening tools for depression, anxiety, PTSD, postpartum depression, and more — usable by individuals and providers.
Screening Tools→
Perinatal OCD Resource Center | IOCDF
Clinical and consumer resources on obsessive-compulsive disorder during pregnancy and postpartum, including referrals and treatment guidance.
Specialty — OCD→
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Fact Sheets & Printable Resources

2026 MMH Fact Sheet | Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health
The most current annual fact sheet on maternal mental health prevalence, disparities, and policy priorities at the national level.
Fact Sheet 2026→
Maternal Mental Health Overview Fact Sheet — March 2026
Concise overview of perinatal mental health statistics, types of disorders, and the importance of early identification.
Fact Sheet 2026→
Advocating for Maternal Mental Health — January 2024
Policy-focused fact sheet with data and talking points for advocates working to expand MMH access and insurance coverage.
Advocacy→
Black Women, Birthing People & Maternal Mental Health — July 2023
Documents MMH risks, disparities, and barriers faced by Black birthing people with targeted policy and clinical responses.
Health Equity→
Pregnancy, Disability & Maternal Mental Health Fact Sheet
Addresses the intersection of disability and perinatal mental health, including access barriers and inclusive care recommendations.
Disability Equity→
Paternal Mental Health Fact Sheet — June 2024
Addresses postpartum depression, anxiety, and mental health challenges experienced by fathers and non-birthing parents.
Paternal Mental Health→
Perinatal Loss & Maternal Mental Health Fact Sheet — November 2023
Covers the mental health impact of miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss with resources for bereaved families and providers.
Perinatal Loss→
American Indian & Alaska Native Maternal Mental Health
Resources and data addressing the distinct MMH risks, cultural considerations, and support needs of AI/AN birthing communities.
Cultural Equity→
Fact Sheet Archive | Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health
Full archive of downloadable MMH fact sheets covering policy, equity, clinical, and community topics — updated regularly.
Archive→
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Specialty Topics

Perinatal OCD Resource Center | IOCDF
Guides, self-assessments, and provider referrals for obsessive-compulsive disorder during pregnancy and postpartum.
Perinatal OCD→
Return to Zero: H.O.P.E.
Community and healing resources for parents grieving pregnancy or infant loss — including culturally sensitive programming.
Perinatal Loss→
NICU Family Support & Groups | Hand to Hold
Free virtual peer-led support groups and mentors for parents of premature or medically fragile NICU infants.
NICU Families→
Eat, Sleep, Console | NEJM
Landmark clinical trial supporting family-centered, nonpharmacologic care for newborns with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Neonatal / NOWS→
Coastal Kids Home Care — Bereavement & Counseling
Compassionate counseling and bereavement services for families navigating serious childhood illness, end-of-life care, or loss.
Bereavement→

Santa Cruz County Resources

Maternal mental health support for Santa Cruz County families and providers

🚨

Crisis Lines, Hotlines & Warmlines

988
Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 — 24/7 national mental health crisis supportLlame o envíe un mensaje al 988 — apoyo de crisis las 24 horas
1-800-952-2335
Santa Cruz County Mobile Crisis Response Team24/7 — bilingual (English/Spanish) dispatchers; non-violent mental health crisis response; walk-in Mon–Fri 8am–4pm at 1400 Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz & 1430 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville24/7 — despachadores bilingües; respuesta móvil a crisis de salud mental; atención presencial Lun–Vie 8am–4pm
1-800-944-4773
PSI HelpLinePostpartum Support International — English/Spanish — expert callback within 24 hrsApoyo Posparto Internacional — inglés/español — devolución de llamada en 24 horas
831-728-0222
Santa Cruz County Perinatal Wellness Support GroupsMain line for perinatal wellness support groups, including Spanish-language groups — call for schedulesLínea principal para grupos de apoyo de bienestar perinatal, incluyendo grupos en español
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
National mental health crisis hotline — call, text, or chat 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or crisis.
Crisis Hotline→
Mental Health Emergency | Santa Cruz County
Walk-in Crisis Assessment and Intervention Services for adults and children. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:00pm. Locations: 1400 Emeline Ave, Building K, Santa Cruz · 1430 Freedom Blvd, Suite F, Watsonville.
Walk-in Crisis Services→
Monarch Services — 24-Hour Bilingual Crisis Line (1-888-900-4232)
24-hour bilingual crisis line supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse. Dedicated to lives free from violence.
Crisis & DV Support→
PSI Weekly Online Support Groups
Free weekly virtual support groups for moms, dads, and loss families hosted by Postpartum Support International.
Warmline / Support→
Suicide Prevention Awareness — Know the Warning Signs
Guides for recognizing warning signs of suicidal behavior for family members, friends, and providers.
Suicide Prevention→
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Local Santa Cruz County Resources

Behavioral Health | Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency
Santa Cruz County's behavioral health division providing mental health, substance use, and crisis services for individuals and families.
County Services→
Perinatal Treatment | Janus of Santa Cruz
Specialized perinatal substance use treatment and mental health support for pregnant and parenting individuals in Santa Cruz County.
Perinatal Treatment→
Siena House
Residential program providing housing and supportive services for pregnant women and mothers with young children in need of stability and care.
Residential Support→
Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center
Community center providing counseling, family support, and social services for women and families in Santa Cruz County.
Family Support→
Nurse Home Visiting Programs | Santa Cruz County Public Health
In-home support from registered nurses for pregnant women and new parents, focusing on maternal and infant health and well-being.
Home Visiting→
The Circle Family Center
A community hub for all families offering parenting support, classes, and connection in the Santa Cruz area.
Family Community Hub→
Salud Para La Gente — Perinatal Wellness Support Groups (831) 728-0222
Bilingual community health center offering perinatal wellness support groups and primary care services for underserved communities in South County.
Bilingual Support→
Encompass Community Services
Comprehensive social services organization providing mental health, family support, and early childhood programs throughout Santa Cruz County.
Community Services→
Coastal Kids Home Care
Provides compassionate pediatric palliative care, counseling, and bereavement support for families facing serious childhood illness or loss in the Monterey Bay region.
Counseling & Bereavement→
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Support Groups & Peer Resources

Postpartum Support International (PSI)
National perinatal mental health organization — education, provider referrals, support groups, and HelpLine (1-800-944-4773) for moms, dads, and families.
National Organization→
Support Group — Before & After Baby (Hybrid) | Dominican Hospital Wellness Center
In-person and virtual hybrid support group for expecting and new parents at Dignity Health Wellness Center of Dominican Hospital.
Local Support Group→
Salud Para La Gente — Perinatal Wellness Support Groups (831) 728-0222
Bilingual perinatal wellness support groups serving South County communities; call (831) 728-0222 for schedules.
Bilingual Support Groups→
Postpartum Dads
Resources and support for fathers and non-birthing partners experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or adjustment challenges.
Paternal Support→
Free Virtual NICU Support Groups | Hand to Hold
Free virtual peer-led support for families of premature or medically fragile NICU infants.
NICU Support→
Return to Zero: H.O.P.E.
Peer support and healing resources for parents who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, stillbirth, or miscarriage.
Perinatal Loss→
Triple P Parenting | First 5 Santa Cruz County
Evidence-based positive parenting programs and support groups for families with children, offered through First 5 Santa Cruz County.
Parenting Support→
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For Providers & Clinicians

Perinatal Psychiatric Consultation Program | PSI
Free phone consultations for healthcare providers seeking guidance on diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Clinical Consultation→
Mental Health Screening Tools | Mental Health America
Free, validated online screening tools for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and postpartum depression — for individuals and providers.
Screening Tools→
PHQ-9 Bilingual Screening Tool (PDF) | Stanford
Bilingual English/Spanish PHQ-9 depression screening questionnaire for clinical use with perinatal and general patient populations.
Screening Tool→
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) | Psychology Tools
The standard validated screening tool for postpartum depression — available online for clinical and self-screening use.
EPDS Screening→
Youth Crisis Center | Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health
County crisis intervention and mental health services specifically for youth and adolescents in Santa Cruz County.
Youth Crisis Services→
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Self-Care & Wellness

Take a Mental Health Screening Test
Free validated screenings for postpartum depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more — with immediate results and guidance.
Screening / Self-Check→
Birth Network of Santa Cruz County
Community organization supporting informed birth choices, perinatal education, and connection to local birth professionals and resources.
Birth & Perinatal Support→
Childbirth Classes & Events | Watsonville Community Hospital
Community education events and childbirth preparation classes offered through Watsonville Community Hospital.
Childbirth Education→
Nursing Mothers Counsel
Free breastfeeding support, counseling, and peer guidance from trained volunteers for nursing mothers in the Bay Area.
Breastfeeding Support→
Lactation Support Services | Sutter Health
Professional lactation consultants and breastfeeding support services through Sutter Health for new mothers and families.
Lactation Support→
Breastfeeding Support | Dominican Hospital | Dignity Health
Lactation consultants, breastfeeding classes, and ongoing nursing support through Dominican Hospital's Birth Center.
Lactation Support→
Community Support Network — Event Registration
Register for community perinatal support events, classes, and programs through the local Community Support Network.
Community Events→
RCFam.com
Community resource connecting local families with parenting support, events, and family-centered services in the region.
Family Resource→
Stress Relief Coloring Sheet | CDPH English
Free downloadable therapeutic coloring activity for pregnant and postpartum individuals.
Self-Care Activity→
Hoja para Colorear — Alivio del Estrés | CDPH Español
Free therapeutic coloring sheet in Spanish for pregnant and postpartum individuals.
Self-Care Activity→
About Perinatal Mental Health | PSI
Plain-language information about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, helping individuals understand what they may be experiencing.
Education→
🔍

Specialty Topics

Perinatal OCD Resource Center | IOCDF
Guides, self-assessments, and provider referrals for obsessive-compulsive disorder during pregnancy and postpartum.
Perinatal OCD→
Return to Zero: H.O.P.E.
Community and healing resources for parents grieving pregnancy or infant loss — including culturally sensitive programming.
Perinatal Loss→
NICU Family Support & Groups | Hand to Hold
Free virtual peer-led support groups and mentors for parents of premature or medically fragile NICU infants.
NICU Families→
Youth Crisis Center | Santa Cruz County
Crisis intervention and mental health services for youth and adolescents in Santa Cruz County.
Youth Mental Health→
Coastal Kids Home Care — Bereavement & Counseling
Compassionate counseling and bereavement services for families navigating serious childhood illness, end-of-life care, or loss.
Bereavement→