Iowa

Welcome. We’re so glad you are here.

PSI-IA is the Iowa state chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI), the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to helping those suffering from perinatal mood disorders, the most common complication of childbirth.

Our mission is to promote awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting mothers, their families, and support systems in all areas of Iowa.

  • You are not alone

    All mothers, fathers, and families deserve support during pregnancy and parenthood.

  • You are not to blame

    This time is challenging.

  • You will be well

    Many types of support are available.

Get Help

If you, or a loved one, is suffering with perinatal mood disorders, you’ve come to the right place. Contact one of our PSI-IA Support Coordinators, who will help guide you through the process of finding a professional near you with expertise and experience in treating perinatal mood disorders. Whether you are searching for a therapist within your insurance network, a medication prescriber knowledgeable in prescribing during pregnancy and lactation, or looking for a local peer support group, we are here to help.

Find a Support Coordinator:

Ashlee Weber
Northeast Iowa: Greater Dubuque Area
563-663-9166 TEXT OR CALL
ashlee.weberpsi@gmail.com

Karin Beschen
Greater Des Moines Area
515-222-1999 TEXT OR CALL
kb@iowacounseling.com

Shan Xiao
Southeast Iowa: Henry, Des Moines & Lee Counties
Shan can assist callers in both English and Mandarin.
319-359-7106 TEXT OR CALL
sxiao.psi@gmail.com

Other Resources:

Search the PSI Provider Directory
Iowa Support Groups
PSI Resources

We do not offer crisis management services. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. For additional safety information, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

mom looking out window

Did you know that perinatal mood disorders (PMDs) are the number one medical complication of childbirth? While often referred to as postpartum depression or even simply as postpartum, PMD can take many forms and can also occur during pregnancy. Perinatal mood disorders include depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and (much more rarely) psychosis.

Get the facts by visiting PSI’s website at www.postpartum.net

Get Involved

Want to make a difference? Become a member today.

  • Join PSI today and PSI-IA will receive a portion of your donation, and you will automatically become a member of PSI-IA too!
  • Or join PSI-IA only, but please note, you do not receive the PSI membership benefits if you join PSI-IA only. Contact us if you have any questions about membership.

         *Memberships are tax-deductible donations.

Join Now

Donate to PSI Iowa by selecting the link below.

DONATE

Volunteer

PSI state chapters are made up of a variety of local stakeholders and further the mission of PSI on a grassroots level. Chapters work on a wide range of initiatives that they dictate for themselves because they know their states best! While some states may focus on passing legislation, others may create a robust network of peer support groups, or compile a state-wide list of perinatal mood disorder providers and resources.

All are welcome at PSI! Survivors, mental health professionals, doulas, clinicians etc. volunteer through the chapter in order to give back to their local communities. We work to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and provide connections to resources.

Contact PSI-IA to volunteer

Climb Out Of The Darkness

Every year, PSI hosts Climb Out Of The Darkness, a movement that invites people from all over the world to host local walks and events to spread awareness of mental health challenges of new families. A Climb can be as simple as a play-date in a park, a hike, or a more elaborate event. The majority of Climbs are held in June, near the summer solstice in celebration of long sunny days and a family’s climb from anxiety and depression to recovery.

Find a Climb

Des Moines Climb Out of the Darkness Event 2019

Climb Out of the Darkness® is the world’s largest event raising awareness of pregnancy and postpartum mental health disorders such as postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety, bipolar disorders, OCD and psychosis. As part of this Climb, survivors, friends, families, professionals, and community members gathered to walk together at DMACC in Ankeny to symbolize their collective rise out of the darkness as well as to raise funds for Postpartum Support International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting pregnant and postpartum families around the world. Our goal is to bring more training opportunities to professionals in Iowa so all families can get the support they deserve!

Posted by Postpartum Support International-Iowa Chapter on Monday, August 19, 2019

Host a Climb

We are looking for Climb Leaders to host events in your state. Leaders will go through a quick training, and will have the support of other climb leaders, your state chapter and PSI staff. To create a Climb event in your area, email our Climb Manager Emily at Cotd@postpartum.net!

For Professionals

PSI Provider Directory

Postpartum Support International offers an online directory of qualified perinatal mental health professionals. Join the registry and share your listing as a mental health provider, a healthcare provider, childbirth professional, or support group. As a specialized provider, you can tailor your directory listing to reach out to potential clients in your area. Keep your profile up-to-date with practice announcements, new programs and groups, and more!

Apply Today

Upcoming Training Sessions

We provide top-notch education and training for professionals both in-person and online allowing you to serve your patients with confidence.

Upcoming PSI Training

Perinatal Psychiatric Consult Line

The PSI Perinatal Psychiatric Consult Line is a service provided for medical professionals who have questions about the mental health care related to pregnant and postpartum patients and pre-conception planning. It is staffed by reproductive psychiatrists who are members of PSI and specialists in the treatment of perinatal mental health disorders. The service is free and available by appointment. Call 800-944-4773, ext 4 and we will match you with an appointment. We will respond to your request within one business day. This service is available for medical providers only.

Learn More

Professional Scholarships

Thanks to everyone who generously participated in fundraising, we are pleased to announce we are offering scholarships for perinatal mental health trainings offered in 2021. We are accepting scholarship applications on a quarterly basis; in 2021, application windows are in May, July, September, and possibly November.

Applicants must serve residents of IA for consideration. Priority will be given to people of color and providers who accept Medicaid. Scholarships will be applied to event registration only (not transportation, etc.). Please apply for a scholarship before completing event registration. Scholarship awards will be distributed as a reimbursement after you provide evidence of completing the training. If you are awarded a scholarship and are unable to cover the upfront costs of registering for a training, please communicate directly with a PSI-IA Board Member and we can work out an alternate way to distribute your award.

For more information about PSI Iowa:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PSIIOWA

If you have questions please contact us: http://psiiowachapter@gmail.com

Apply Today

About Us

Our mission is to promote awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting mothers, their families, and support systems in all areas of Iowa.

PSI-IA is a State Chapter of Postpartum Support International, a 501(c)(3) organization.  The Tax ID number of Postpartum Support International and PSI-IA is 77-0196208.

Find us on Facebook:

Not pictured:

daddy and mommy

Contact Us

For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact us using the link below and we’ll be in touch soon.

https://tinyurl.com/PSI-IA-email