Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Brooklyn College President Michelle J. Anderson have announced the launch of the first-ever Advanced Certificate in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) in New York State.
The program is designed to prepare healthcare, mental health, early intervention, and early education professionals to support pregnant individuals and birthing parents experiencing mental distress, according to a press release.
The new program, created in partnership with Borough President Reynoso and Brooklyn College, was developed with input from Reynoso’s Maternal Health Task Force. Brooklyn College will pilot two PMH courses this spring, with the full program set to begin in fall 2025.
The year-long certificate program includes 120 in-person clinical hours and is aimed at addressing racial and socioeconomic disparities in access to high-quality, comprehensive, and preventative care.
“Mental health is the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in New York City right now. That’s unacceptable and absolutely something we can and should be solving for,” said Reynoso.
“Brooklyn College’s Perinatal Mental Health program will be a key piece of the puzzle, and I am so grateful for their partnership in this fight to make Brooklyn the safest borough in the city to have a baby. I can’t wait for students to begin this incredible program and apply their knowledge to caring for our borough’s new and expecting parents.”
Brooklyn College President Michelle J. Anderson expressed her support for the initiative and its impact, saying: "We are thrilled to develop this innovative curriculum, which seamlessly combines academic excellence with tangible, real-world impact. This initiative is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing compassionate, community-driven education and training that truly makes a difference.”
