The Center for Women’s Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital provides state-of-the-art evaluation of psychiatric disorders associated with female reproductive function, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), psychiatric illness during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and peri- and post-menopausal depression and anxiety disorders. Clinical care is complemented by research in each of these areas.
At the present time, our service is not able to offer ongoing treatment to new patients. Clinical consultations are intended to provide detailed recommendations regarding treatment and appropriate resources, and we work collaboratively with patients’ treaters in the community.
Our Clinical Program provides consultations for the following:
Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy
Our consultation service offers comprehensive evaluation of women with psychiatric disorders who are pregnant and for those who wish to conceive. Women frequently wrestle with decisions regarding the use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy, given the concerns about known and unknown risks of fetal drug exposure versus fears of becoming ill if they discontinue medications which have been helpful. Information is provided regarding risks of psychotropic drug use during pregnancy versus risks of untreated psychiatric disorder during pregnancy.
Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders
Patients with postpartum psychiatric disorders, including postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as postpartum psychosis, receive evaluation by clinicians with particular expertise in this area. Recommendations regarding the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment of postpartum psychiatric illness are offered, as well as referrals to support services in the community specifically designed for postpartum women.
Breastfeeding and the Use of Psychiatric Medications
Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are frequently seen in women after childbirth. However, the illness is frequently untreated because of the desire to breastfeed and concerns about exposing the infant to psychiatric medications. Clinical consultation is offered to women who may benefit from the use of medication and who wish to breastfeed, taking into account all available information regarding the safety of medications in nursing infants.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Clinical consultations with our faculty offer recommendations regarding pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies to women with premenstrual depression and/or anxiety.
Psychiatric Symptoms Associated with Menopause
Menopausal women and women beginning to experience early “perimenopausal symptoms” frequently suffer from depressive symptoms. The extent to which this is a direct function of hormonal changes associated with the menopause, emerging depression, or a side effect of hormonal therapy is clarified by experienced clinicians in consultation with gynecologists.
More Information on Clinical Services
To schedule a clinical consultation, please contact Massachusetts General Hospital Outpatient Clinical Services at (617) 724-7792. Virtual appointments are available. Please note that state of residence and insurance restrictions may affect availability of clinical services.
In-person clinical appointments are located in the Wang Building, 8th floor at 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114. For directions, click here.
For further information about our clinical program, you may also contact the Perinatal and Reproductive Psychiatry Clinical Research Program at (617) 724-8020.
For more resources, patients can CLICK HERE.
For more resources, clinicians can CLICK HERE.
For Urgent Care
This list outlines the various emergency services can provide.
988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If an individual is in an immediate crisis, e.g., in imminent danger of harm to self, others, or has overdosed, they should call 911. If they have an immediate mental health crisis, they should contact 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress and can provide information on crisis resources.
In the Boston metropolitan area, the Acute Psychiatric Service at Massachusetts General Hospital, or APS, provides emergency evaluations for patients in crisis. The APS may be contacted at 617-726-2994.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262): For non-crisis specialized perinatal mental health support and resources. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7, in English and Spanish, and 60 other languages by request, staffed by professional counselors, and refers to specialist perinatal mental health providers. It is not a “crisis line” for individuals in imminent danger of harm to self or others. The Maternal Mental Health Hotline Counselors can transfer callers to 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, as well as to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the Disaster Distress Hotline, when needed.
The Postpartum Support International Helpline 800-944-4773 is a warmline that connects callers with support volunteers and PSI resources, including support groups. Those seeking help can leave a message by voice or text in English or Spanish and the Helpline responds within a few hours, during business hours. The PSI website, www.postpartum.net, provides information and resources, including lists of mental health providers and connections to online support groups.