COVID-19 update: Please call to verify services offered.
* An asterisk is used to indicate gender inclusive resources. Please also visit "gender inclusive resources" below.
Speak Up When You're Down
It is vital that you reach out and find support when experiencing postpartum distress. Below you'll find support groups, warm lines and online resources. With help and treatment every postpartum mood disorder can be temporary.
With help you will feel better.
It is vital that you reach out and find support when experiencing postpartum distress. Below you'll find support groups, warm lines and online resources. With help and treatment every postpartum mood disorder can be temporary.
With help you will feel better.
Support Groups
Mondays
Postpartum Wellness Group
Sutter Maternity
10 am to 11:30 am / In-Person
Call (831) 477-2229 for more info.
Must reside in Santa Cruz County.
Pregnancy Support Group
The Circle Family Center
7:30 pm (Virtual)
Call for more information (831) 687-9499
Maternal Mental Health
RC Family Center - Watsonville
| 10:15 AM - 12:15 PM | In Person/Virtual | (831) 288-3105 |
Parent Support (Tea Time with Tina)
RC Family Center - Watsonville
| 3:30 - 4:30 PM | In Person | (831) 288-3105 |
Tuesdays
New & Expecting Parents Support Group
Felton Library - Community Room
| 12:30 - 2 PM | In Person | (831) 427-7708
New Parent Support Group w/ Journey Talkovic
Dignity Health Group
| 12 - 1 PM | Virtual | (831) 457-7099 | Meeting ID: 892 0211 9016 | Passcode: BABY2025
Dad’s Group
The Circle Family Center
| 7 PM | Virtual | (831) 687-9499 | 8 week sessions
Teen Parent Group
RC Family Center
| 4:30-5:30 PM | Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday | Bilingual
Wednesdays
Maternal Mental Health
The Circle Family Center - Aptos
| 11 AM | In Person | (831) 687-9499 |
thecirclefamilycenter.org
Thriving in the Fourth Trimester
The Circle Family Center - Aptos
| 12 - 1 PM | Virtual | (831) 687-9499 |
thecirclefamilycenter.org
Latch Clinic
Dignity Wellness Center - Santa Cruz
| 10 AM - 12 PM & 1 - 3 PM | Appointment Only | In Person | (831) 462-7862
Armoní a Familiar con Carmen
RC Family Center - Watsonville
| 12 - 2 PM | In Person | (831) 288-3105 |
rcfam.com
Neurodivergent and Disabled Parent Circle
The Circle Family Center - Aptos
| 12:30 - 1:30 PM | In Person | (831) 687-9499
Thursdays
Baby Talk New Mom & Infant Support Group
Watsonville Community Hospital Lactation Center
| 1-3 PM | In Person, Drop-In | Bilingual Support |
Fridays
New Parent Support Group
Sutter Maternity Center: Cirillo Room - Santa Cruz
| 10 - 11:30 AM | In Person | (831) 477-2229
Support Group Before and After Baby
Dignity Health Group PEP Center - Santa Cruz
| 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | In Person | (831) 457-7099
Sundays
Bilingual Parent Talk Meet Up /
Plática de Padres
RC Family Center - Watsonville
| 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | (831) 288-3105 |
*Every 3rd Sunday
Daddy and Me Breakfast
RC Family Center | Support, Recources, Community | 10 - 12 PM | Every 4th Sunday
Everyday
Nursing Mothers Council- Phone & In Home Breastfeeding Support
Request visit by calling (408) 329-3261 | nursingmothers.org | Pump rentals
RC Family Center-Watsonville | Community health services in English, Spanish, and Mixteco. | Drop in lactation, parenting, car seat inspections, clothing, pump rentals, baby carrier fittings.
Open Center/Centro Abierto 12-3 PM | (831) 288-3105 | MediCal members have free access to classes/groups.
Sutter Lactation Center-Takes insurance | Call for appointment @ (831) 477-2229
The Circle Family Center- Aptos | Offering groups, classes, workshops for birth, postpartum and parenting | (831) 687-9499 |
MediCal members have free access to classes/groups.
postpartum.net- Online postpartum support led by professionals. Held in multiple languages, for trama, multiples, dads, loss, nicu and more.
Nurse Home Visiting Programs
*Family Health Programs
County of Santa Cruz -Health Services Agency offers two nurse home visiting programs, local resource information, and information and support on grief/ loss.
*Field Nursing
A voluntary home visiting program with a Public Health Nurse to support families during pregnancy and with children up to 5 years old. The program provides strength-based case management, assists families with accessing resources, and provides health and parenting education. Informational Brochures: English Spanish
For more information about Public Health Field Nursing, please call (831) 454-4339 .
To apply fill out this application (English Spanish).
*Nurse Family Partnership (NFP)
Santa Cruz County Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP) is an evidence-based program to help new mothers develop skills to take better care of themselves and their babies. More information can be found at www.nursefamilypartnership.org.
- NFP Brochure: English Spanish
- NFP Referral Form
More Local Support
East Cliff Family Health Center
Services offered at this agency include breastfeeding support, nutrition support, and medical care.
For more information call (831 ) 427-3500
Encompass Community Services: A nonprofit organization with about 40 programs county-wide providing services in adult, child, and youth behavioral health; early childhood education; housing; substance use recovery; justice reentry services; and more.
*First 5 Santa Cruz County and Triple P
Offers group and one-one parenting classes and support. To request Triple P Parenting Pocket Guides or get help finding a Triple P class or practitioner, contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at (831) 465-2217 or [email protected].
Fit for Mom- Fit for Mom offers prenatal and postpartum fitness and wellness classes. The first class is offered free. The class schedule and more information can be found on their website.
Growing up in Santa Cruz
Monthly calendar of family oriented events.
Monarch Services
Crisis response to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault & human trafficking through a 24/7 confidential crisis line. Additional services include community education, legal services, and emergency shelter. To reach an advocate call: (831) 722-4532 or (831) 425-4030 Crisis Line: 1-888-900-4232 (English/ Spanish).
Salud Para La Gente
Perinatal Wellness Support Groups. Please contact the main call center at (831) 728-0222 for more information.
Tuesdays, 10:30-12 pm (Spanish)
112 E. Beach Street in Watsonville, CA
Call (831) 728-0222 for information.
* Santa Cruz Birth Network
Comprehensive local resources including prenatal/postpartum yoga, birth and postpartum doulas, counseling, holistic practitioners, etc.
The Mom Walk Collective Capitola
The Mom Walk Collective gathers three times a month in Capitola to walk and have coffee. This group is a resource for building a "mama village". Please visit the link to sign up for their events.
* Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center
Provides a wide-variety of family and children's services such as childcare, domestic violence advocacy and family support.
For more information (831) 426-3062
Services offered at this agency include breastfeeding support, nutrition support, and medical care.
For more information call (831 ) 427-3500
Encompass Community Services: A nonprofit organization with about 40 programs county-wide providing services in adult, child, and youth behavioral health; early childhood education; housing; substance use recovery; justice reentry services; and more.
*First 5 Santa Cruz County and Triple P
Offers group and one-one parenting classes and support. To request Triple P Parenting Pocket Guides or get help finding a Triple P class or practitioner, contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at (831) 465-2217 or [email protected].
Fit for Mom- Fit for Mom offers prenatal and postpartum fitness and wellness classes. The first class is offered free. The class schedule and more information can be found on their website.
Growing up in Santa Cruz
Monthly calendar of family oriented events.
Monarch Services
Crisis response to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault & human trafficking through a 24/7 confidential crisis line. Additional services include community education, legal services, and emergency shelter. To reach an advocate call: (831) 722-4532 or (831) 425-4030 Crisis Line: 1-888-900-4232 (English/ Spanish).
Salud Para La Gente
Perinatal Wellness Support Groups. Please contact the main call center at (831) 728-0222 for more information.
Tuesdays, 10:30-12 pm (Spanish)
112 E. Beach Street in Watsonville, CA
Call (831) 728-0222 for information.
* Santa Cruz Birth Network
Comprehensive local resources including prenatal/postpartum yoga, birth and postpartum doulas, counseling, holistic practitioners, etc.
The Mom Walk Collective Capitola
The Mom Walk Collective gathers three times a month in Capitola to walk and have coffee. This group is a resource for building a "mama village". Please visit the link to sign up for their events.
* Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center
Provides a wide-variety of family and children's services such as childcare, domestic violence advocacy and family support.
For more information (831) 426-3062
Web-Based Resources
Perinatal Mental Health Discussion Tool -As many as 1 in 7 moms (1 in 10 dads) experience symptoms of depression and anxiety during the postpartum period. People of every age, income level, race and culture can develop Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) during pregnancy and within the first year after delivery. Please use this link to find tools that can help track your symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider. Being your own advocate is okay and you deserve to be well.
Family Tree Wellness
Family Tree Wellness offers mental health support services for pregnancy, postpartum, fertility challenges, parenthood, trauma, loss and beyond. Individual and couples therapy as well as virtual support groups. Please visit their website for more information.
My Birth Matters
The My Birth Matters website covers information on birthing options for pregnant and expecting partners.
Peanut Web-Based Application
Connect with women who are at a similar stage in life–from fertility, pregnancy and motherhood through to menopause.
Postpartum Support International
Online provider directory to search by zip code.
Supporting Mamas
Supporting Mamas offers information and support for families experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety in the South Bay Area. Bilingual virtual support groups are available. For more information please visit their website.
Family Tree Wellness
Family Tree Wellness offers mental health support services for pregnancy, postpartum, fertility challenges, parenthood, trauma, loss and beyond. Individual and couples therapy as well as virtual support groups. Please visit their website for more information.
My Birth Matters
The My Birth Matters website covers information on birthing options for pregnant and expecting partners.
Peanut Web-Based Application
Connect with women who are at a similar stage in life–from fertility, pregnancy and motherhood through to menopause.
Postpartum Support International
Online provider directory to search by zip code.
Supporting Mamas
Supporting Mamas offers information and support for families experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety in the South Bay Area. Bilingual virtual support groups are available. For more information please visit their website.
Specialized Treatment Centers
Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatric Support Programs
El Camino Hospital
Maternal Outreach Mood Services (MOMS)
Prenatal and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Treatment Program
2660 Grant Rd. Suite D, Mountain View Ca
Call 650-988-7841 or 866-789-6089 (toll free)
Visit this link for more information.
The El Camino Maternal Outreach Mood Services program is in Mountain View, CA, and is within driving distance from Santa Cruz .
Center for Women's Health, Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA)
http://www.womensmentalhealth.org
Center for Women's Mood Disorders, University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)
http://www.med.unc.edu/psych/wmd
Women and Infants' Day Hospital, Brown University (Providence, RI)
https://www.womenandinfants.org/
Women's Mental Health Program, Emory University School of Medicine (Atlanta, GA)
http://www.womensmentalhealth.emory.edu
Text & Phone Support
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
PSI runs this trusted warmline, offering support both in English and Spanish.
Mothers and birthing parents have shared that they received understanding, compassion and skilled support from warmline volunteers as they navigate their way to wellness.
Warmline: (800) 944-4PPD (4773)
Chat with an Expert:
Free live weekly chats. For more information: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/chat-with-an-expert/
* Teen Line
Call 310-855-4673 between 6-10 PM California time or txt "teen" to 839863 between 6-9 PM.
You can also check out their message boards at https://teenlineonline.org/board/.
PSI runs this trusted warmline, offering support both in English and Spanish.
Mothers and birthing parents have shared that they received understanding, compassion and skilled support from warmline volunteers as they navigate their way to wellness.
Warmline: (800) 944-4PPD (4773)
Chat with an Expert:
Free live weekly chats. For more information: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/chat-with-an-expert/
* Teen Line
Call 310-855-4673 between 6-10 PM California time or txt "teen" to 839863 between 6-9 PM.
You can also check out their message boards at https://teenlineonline.org/board/.
Helplines
In case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Helpline
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Free, 24/7 referral information service.
English/ Spanish
National Crisis Text Line
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline:
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline | MCHB (hrsa.gov)
Call or text: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Free, 24/7 mental health support for moms and their families before, during, and after pregnancy.
English/ Spanish
National Suicide Prevention
Life Line: 988
Website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
24/7 free and confidential support
Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center
24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline provides immediate support by calling: 1866-2MY-ALLY
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) Helpline
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889
Free, 24/7 referral information service.
English/ Spanish
National Crisis Text Line
- Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline:
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline | MCHB (hrsa.gov)
Call or text: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Free, 24/7 mental health support for moms and their families before, during, and after pregnancy.
English/ Spanish
National Suicide Prevention
Life Line: 988
Website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
24/7 free and confidential support
Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center
24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline provides immediate support by calling: 1866-2MY-ALLY
Blogs by Survivors & Advocates
Birth of a New Brain- Authored by Dyane Harwood
Dyane's Blog can be access here.
Postpartum Progress
http://www.postpartumprogress.com/
My Postpartum Voice
http://www.mypostpartumvoice.com/
I'm Listening - by Jane Honikman, Founder of Postpartum Support International
http://www.janehonikman.com/
PTSD After Childbirth
http://www.angelfire.com/moon2/jkluchar1995/
Resources for Friends, Family, & Partners
Mayo Clinic: "Supporting a Friend or Family Member with Depression"
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175
Families for Depression Awareness
http://www.familyaware.org
Anxiety Disorders Association of America: "Helping a Family Member"
http://www.adaa.org
American Psychological Association
http://www.apa.org/topics/depress/index.aspx
Postpartum Dads Project
http://www.postpartumdads.org
Boot Camp for New Dads
http://www.bootcampfornewdads.org
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175
- Mayo Clinic provides reliable health information on the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and preventative measures of depression.
Families for Depression Awareness
http://www.familyaware.org
- Helps families recognize and cope with depression and associated mood disorders, as well as provides personal stories, trainings, and information for teens and kids.
Anxiety Disorders Association of America: "Helping a Family Member"
http://www.adaa.org
- Helps those affected by anxiety and depression understand the facts, find help, and not just live, but thrive.
American Psychological Association
http://www.apa.org/topics/depress/index.aspx
- Information about depression, what you can do, how to get help, current news and research.
Postpartum Dads Project
http://www.postpartumdads.org
- Helps dads and families by providing firsthand information and guidance through the experience of PPD. Offers a different perspective to the PPD experience in hopes of helping the family unit as a whole.
Boot Camp for New Dads
http://www.bootcampfornewdads.org
- Runs a unique father-to-father workshop that inspires and equips men of different socioeconomic levels, ages, and cultures to become confidently engaged with their infants, support their mates, and personally navigate their transformation in dads.
*Gender Inclusive Resources
Parent Stress Line
24/7 Helpline for parents.
https://www.parentshelpingparents.org/parental-stress-line
Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center
Domestic violence hotline available in English and Spanish for all genders and family styles.
Hotline: (866) 269-2559; office: (831) 426-3062
Teen Line
Confidential hotline for teenagers operating from 6pm-10pm PST; offers support for teens around abuse, depression, divorce, bullying, pregnancy, relationships, gender identity, sexuality, homelessness, substance use, and self-harm.
https://teenlineonline.org/
NAMI Santa Cruz
Offers mental health classes and support groups for individuals and their families.
https://www.namiscc.org/
Trevor Project
LGBTQ+ youth who are in crisis or suicidal, also offers information and education around LGBTQ+ identity and issues.
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Trans Life Line
Ran by and for trans people. Offers peer support for friends, partners, family members and professionals supporting trans loved ones and community members. https://translifeline.org/
Child Development Resource Center
Offers childcare access support.
https://cdrc4info.org/
Encompass Transitional Aged Youth
Offers a drop in center for transitional aged youth, a mom's support group for young moms, and includes food and laundry facilities.
https://www.encompasscs.org/transition_age_youth
Families Together
Innovative counseling model from Encompass that offers specialized support to increase safety, child development, and family relationships.
https://www.encompasscs.org/families_together
PAPAS
Offers parent support groups.
https://www.encompasscs.org/papas
Diversity Center
Offers trans, non-binary, and LGBTQIA specific support groups for youth, adults, and seniors.
https://www.diversitycenter.org/trans
MHCAN
Peer run mental health org in Santa Cruz.
http://www.mhcan.org/home.html
Positive Parenting Program
Triple P offers Positive Parenting Classes,. Use their website calendar to find out when their different parenting classes.
http://first5scc.org/families-are-strong/triple-p
LGBTQ Perinatal Wellness Center
Provides support groups for LGBTQ parents, birthing information, and fertility information. Located in the Bay area.
https://lgbtqperinatalwellnesscenter.org/
24/7 Helpline for parents.
https://www.parentshelpingparents.org/parental-stress-line
Walnut Avenue Family & Women's Center
Domestic violence hotline available in English and Spanish for all genders and family styles.
Hotline: (866) 269-2559; office: (831) 426-3062
Teen Line
Confidential hotline for teenagers operating from 6pm-10pm PST; offers support for teens around abuse, depression, divorce, bullying, pregnancy, relationships, gender identity, sexuality, homelessness, substance use, and self-harm.
https://teenlineonline.org/
NAMI Santa Cruz
Offers mental health classes and support groups for individuals and their families.
https://www.namiscc.org/
Trevor Project
LGBTQ+ youth who are in crisis or suicidal, also offers information and education around LGBTQ+ identity and issues.
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Trans Life Line
Ran by and for trans people. Offers peer support for friends, partners, family members and professionals supporting trans loved ones and community members. https://translifeline.org/
Child Development Resource Center
Offers childcare access support.
https://cdrc4info.org/
Encompass Transitional Aged Youth
Offers a drop in center for transitional aged youth, a mom's support group for young moms, and includes food and laundry facilities.
https://www.encompasscs.org/transition_age_youth
Families Together
Innovative counseling model from Encompass that offers specialized support to increase safety, child development, and family relationships.
https://www.encompasscs.org/families_together
PAPAS
Offers parent support groups.
https://www.encompasscs.org/papas
Diversity Center
Offers trans, non-binary, and LGBTQIA specific support groups for youth, adults, and seniors.
https://www.diversitycenter.org/trans
MHCAN
Peer run mental health org in Santa Cruz.
http://www.mhcan.org/home.html
Positive Parenting Program
Triple P offers Positive Parenting Classes,. Use their website calendar to find out when their different parenting classes.
http://first5scc.org/families-are-strong/triple-p
LGBTQ Perinatal Wellness Center
Provides support groups for LGBTQ parents, birthing information, and fertility information. Located in the Bay area.
https://lgbtqperinatalwellnesscenter.org/
Print Friendly Resources
Treatment and Recovery Resources List
| treatment_and_recovery_resources_for_santa_cruz_county_05192022.pdf |
Grief and Loss Resources for Santa Cruz County
*Individuals and organizations listed within this website are provided for informational purposes only. We hope that this website may help to decrease barriers for timely screening, treatment, and recovery. The Perinatal Mental Health Coalition of Santa Cruz County does not endorse or guarantee the quality of services or listed information of these individuals or organizations. Information is subject to change. Please call to confirm details.
In case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 988