By Dr. Jessica Vernon, MD, PMH-C, PSI Board Member
My “aha moment” came after my own struggle with postpartum anxiety, OCD, and depression. I didn’t even realize what I was going through until my daughter was almost two – I had very little training during residency and was shocked when I started learning more about how pervasive and diverse PMADs are and can present in pregnant people and new parents.
I have gained so much from PSI. It has been such a support for myself and my patients. PSI provides a bridge that can help them feel validated and less alone from day one, when we are starting on their journey towards recovery. I also love the people who make up this organization. Many, like myself, have lived experience, and are so passionate about this work.
As an OB/GYN, I refer patients to PSI for their amazing free peer support groups, and I help my patients utilize the HelpLine and PSI Provider Directory to find a therapist or additional care such as a prescriber if they have more complex conditions requiring a psychiatrist or psych NP. I also refer to PSI for resources and support for pregnancy loss, and just as a general place to go to get evidence-based information and feel supported on their journeys.
For my own professional practice:
- I use the PSI member listservs to connect with other providers and to ask questions.
- PSI trainings helped me gain the comfort and knowledge to discuss PMADs with patients; counsel them on the safety of many of the common psychotropic medications that they may be on prior to pregnancy or prescribed during pregnancy/ lactation; and gain the confidence to start prescribing more antidepressants for my own patients with uncomplicated anxiety and depression, meaning fewer patients needed to wait to see a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner and I could save referrals for patients with higher psychiatric needs.
- The PSI conference has taught me so much on additional topics such as trauma, pregnancy loss, eating disorders, and care for marginalized populations. Attending the conference has also allowed me to network and connect with other amazing people in this field, many of whom I have collaborated with over the years.
- I completed the Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) and have encouraged my colleagues to do so as well.
In my work, I screen, diagnose, and treat patients with uncomplicated anxiety and depression in pregnancy and postpartum. I also provide support and counseling as well as treatment for patients coming for preconception counseling who are on psychotropic medications or may need to start one and those undergoing fertility treatment or experiencing pregnancy loss.
Being on the PSI Board of Directors has added another layer to my wonderful relationship with PSI. I absolutely love PSI. I recommend that everyone check out PSI and its resources.
About the Author
Dr. Jessica Vernon, MD, PMH-C
Dr. Jessica Vernon, MD, PMH-C, is a Board-Certified OB/GYN who has cared for and supported thousands of people throughout their reproductive journeys. She is Associate Medical Director as well as Director of Mental Health at Oula, a midwifery-led women’s health startup based in New York City. She also serves on the board of Postpartum Support International. As a mom of two, she brings her lived experience to her work. She has a deep passion for providing holistic, person-centered, culturally humble care and has developed multiple programs to increase access to perinatal mental health care and improve health equity. Her first book, Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation about Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood, will be published in May 2025. You can also find her on drjessicavernon.com as well as social media @dr.jessicavernon.
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