Can Digital Mental Health Tools Help Screen and Treat Perinatal Depression in Primary Care?

What you need to know

• Up to 25% of women experience depression during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth, but many don’t receive treatment
• A new digital platform called “Mom’s Good Mood” combines screening tools and online therapy to make mental health care more accessible
• The program uses animated videos and video counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy to help women manage depression symptoms

The Challenge of Perinatal Mental Health Care

Having a baby is often portrayed as a joyful time, but for many women, pregnancy and early motherhood can bring overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, and depression. Despite how common these struggles are, getting help isn’t always easy. Many women face barriers like stigma, lack of time, childcare difficulties, and limited access to mental health specialists - especially in rural areas.

A Digital Solution for Better Access

To address these challenges, researchers have developed “Mom’s Good Mood” - an innovative digital platform that aims to make mental health screening and treatment more accessible through primary care. The platform combines three key elements:

• A WeChat-based screening tool that helps identify women who may be experiencing depression
• Self-help animated videos teaching cognitive behavioral therapy skills
• One-on-one video counseling with trained healthcare providers

How the Program Works

When a woman visits her healthcare provider during pregnancy or after giving birth, she’s invited to complete a brief depression screening through WeChat - a widely used messaging app in China. Based on her screening results, she receives personalized recommendations:

For mild symptoms, she gains access to animated videos teaching skills to manage negative thoughts and improve mood. For moderate to severe symptoms, she can receive up to 12 video counseling sessions with a trained provider, all from the convenience of her phone or computer.

The videos and counseling are based on the Thinking Healthy Programme - an evidence-based approach that helps women identify and challenge unhealthy thought patterns while developing more positive ways of thinking.

Training Healthcare Providers

A crucial part of the program is training primary care providers to deliver mental health support effectively. Providers receive comprehensive training in:

• Using the screening tools and platform
• Basic counseling skills
• Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques
• Managing emergency situations
• Making referrals when needed

This training helps build a new workforce of providers equipped to support women’s mental health during this critical period.

What This Means for You

If you’re pregnant or recently had a baby, programs like this showcase how technology can make mental health support more accessible:

• You can complete screenings and receive care from home
• Support is available when you need it
• Treatment can work around your schedule
• You have options for different levels of support based on your needs

While this specific program is being tested in China, it demonstrates the potential for similar digital mental health initiatives to help women worldwide.

Conclusions

• Digital platforms can help overcome common barriers to mental health care during pregnancy and early parenthood
• Combining screening tools with different levels of online support helps match women with appropriate care
• Training primary care providers in mental health support is key for program success and sustainability