Allegheny Health Network ’ s West Penn Hospital
AHN Women ’ s Behavioral Health : Personalizing Plans for Individual Experiences
At Allegheny Health Network ( AHN ) Women ’ s Behavioral Health , the multidisciplinary team works to combat perinatal depression , a serious medical condition that affects 22 percent of pregnant and post-partum mothers . weekly sessions with a psychologist or social worker and receive varying types of talk therapies including Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy ( CBT ), Interpersonal Psychotherapy ( IPT ), and Behavioral Activation ( BA ).
“ AHN Women ’ s Behavioral Health is offering much needed services to women in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas . Our team of caring professionals creates a supportive , safe and non-judgmental environment for the purpose of addressing the significant mood issues women experience during the perinatal period ,” said David M . Rizzo , LCSW , Program Manager , Women ’ s Behavioral Health . “ Women often suffer in silence due to the stigma attached to emotional illness . Similar endeavors have shown we will not hear of these struggles unless someone is asking the questions . Here at AHN , we will be asking the questions .”
Risk Factors for Perinatal Depression
• Previous episode ( s ) of perinatal depression
• Personal or family history of depression or bipolar disorder
• A recent stressful life event
• Inadequate social support
• Marital problems
Allegheny Health network and the Alexis Joy Foundation In 2015 , the Alexis Joy Foundation awarded $ 100,000 to Allegheny Health Network ( AHN ) to explore new ways for women to get access and treatment for postpartum depression . AHN is using these funds to develop an intensive outpatient program for women suffering from depression , anxiety , and mood disorders .
“ Our professional vision fits well with the goals of the Alexis Joy Foundation : to improve the screening process so we can identify mothers with depression or mood disorders earlier . We welcome mothers to bring their babies , as well as other family members , to appointments . We talk to families about the broad-reaching impact of perinatal depression , including the potential negative impact on moms ’ ability to relate to their child . In sessions , we work on ways to manage stress , build problem solving and communication skills , and improve mother-baby attachment ,” said Sarah Homitsky , MD , Medical Director , Women ’ s Behavioral Health .
Perinatal refers to the period of time during and after pregnancy where there are a lot of changes taking place in a woman ’ s life and body . During this time , women are particularly vulnerable to the development of depression . All women are at risk of developing perinatal depression , regardless of age , marital status , education or socioeconomic status .
Clinicians at AHN Women ’ s Behavioral Health are trained in several types of treatments and therapies that have been shown to be effective in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders . Patients of AHN Women ’ s Behavioral Health have
Patients receive personalized plans based on individual experiences , stressing the importance of early detection and emphasizing the need to watch for warning signs of perinatal depression — not only by yourself , but by your loved ones , family , and friends .
For an appointment at AHN Women ’ s Behavioral Health , please call , 412.578.4030 . If you believe that you or a loved one is in immediate danger , call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1.800.273.8255 or ReSolve Crisis Network 1.888.796.8226 .
West Penn Hospital • 4800 Friendship Avenue • Pittsburgh , PA 15224 Contact us at AHn . org or call 412 . DOCTORS ( 412.362.8677 )