Improving mental health support for pregnant individuals
Official title: Developing and testing a multi-component intervention to improve Perinatal Mental Health
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-10874713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a supportive program called 'Doula Link for Perinatal Mental Health' to help pregnant people, especially from underserved communities, by connecting them with doulas and mental health experts to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $176,651 |
| NIH project number | 5K01MH133966-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874713 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals or new parents experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, especially those from marginalized communities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not have symptoms of perinatal depression or anxiety may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance mental health support for pregnant individuals by developing a program called 'Doula Link for Perinatal Mental Health.' It involves collaboration with doulas, mental health specialists, and pregnant individuals from marginalized communities to create a tailored intervention. The program will provide behavioral support and resources to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The research will also assess how well this intervention can be implemented and accessed by those in need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mental health outcomes for pregnant individuals, particularly in marginalized communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that community-based interventions can effectively improve mental health outcomes in similar populations, indicating promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Larson, Elysia — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Larson, Elysia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Maternal mental health help to protect kids’ breathing health
A mother-focused mental health program is tested to see if improving moms’ mood can also support better breathing and fewer asthma symptoms in children.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.