The Healthy Expectations Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program offers support for new and expecting mothers experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). As Colorado's first and only perinatal-specific intensive outpatient program (IOP), Healthy Expectations Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program provides crucial mental health care during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.
Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
PMADs affect 1 in 11 women in Colorado, making them the most common complication during pregnancy and postpartum. These disorders can include depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and postpartum psychosis.
Symptoms range from mild to severe and may include:
Lack of interest in the baby or difficulty bonding
Disturbances in eating or sleeping patterns
Feelings of hopelessness
Unwanted thoughts about self-harm or harming the baby
Despite their prevalence, only half of women diagnosed with PMADs receive the necessary treatment.
The Healthy Expectations Intensive Outpatient Program
Designed to provide more support than typical outpatient care, the Healthy Expectations IOP offers a structured eight week program. Key features include:
Nine hours of therapy per week, divided over three days
In-person sessions at the clinic on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Individual therapy sessions as needed
Access to reproductive psychiatrist services
Care coordination for long-term treatment post-graduation
On-site playroom for infant care during group sessions
“This program was designed to be eight weeks long with in-person therapy three days a week for three hours to give people the support and connection they critically need,” shares program director Karen Longenecker, MA, LCSW, IECMH-E. “We’re also proud to offer medication evaluation and management with specialty reproductive psychiatrists, group therapy sessions and individual counseling following group completion for those who may need additional support.”
Program Curriculum
The Healthy Expectation Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program curriculum, developed by a dedicated clinical team, focuses on three main areas:
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Group - Perinatal Adaptation: Learn skills to address mental health challenges in daily life.
Circle of Security Group: Explore and enhance the parent-child relationship.
Parent-Child Wellness Group: Identify supportive routines and address challenges to mental health in everyday life.
“I want people to know that this is a place for people to come and feel supported and seen in their experiences,” says Sonali Kovoor-Misra, CSW who is an instructor of psychiatry and the care coordinator for the program.
Additional therapeutic methods include:
Medication management
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-based skill building
Mindfulness-based therapies
Movement-incorporated therapies
Nutrition and wellness education
Is Healthy Expectations Right for You?
Consider the IOP if you:
Are pregnant or within one year postpartum and experiencing increased mental health symptoms
Need more support than routine outpatient care provides
Are struggling in areas of family life, relationships or parenting
Do not require inpatient care
Benefits of Healthy Expectations
Participants can expect to:
Develop skills to manage mental health symptoms
Enhance overall well-being
Improve relationships, including bonding with their baby
Connect with other mothers in similar situations
Potentially avoid the need for higher-level inpatient care
Getting Started
To learn more about Healthy Expectations Intensive Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program or to begin the intake process:
Call 303-724-1646
Email wbhw@cuanschutz.edu
The program accepts several insurance plans, including Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, Colorado Access Medicaid and Colorado Community Health Alliance. For other insurance options, contact your provider or speak with the Healthy Expectations team.