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
Sutter Maternity
Postpartum Wellness Group
(Virtual)
10 am to 11:30 am
Call (831) 477-2229 to obtain log-in
Must reside in Santa Cruz County.
The Circle Family Center
Maternal Mental Health Group
(In person or Virtual)
11:15 am to 1:15 pm
245 Sea Ridge Rd., Aptos
Call (831) 687-9499
Tuesdays
Salud Para La Gente
Perinatal Wellness Group
(In-person)
10:30-12 pm (Spanish)
112 E. Beach Street in Watsonville, CA
Call (831) 728-0222 for information.
Sutter Maternity
New Parent Support Group
(Virtual)
10 am to 11:30 am
Parents of babies age 0-9 months
Call (831) 477-2229 to obtain log-in
Must reside in Santa Cruz County.
New Parent Support Group
1:00-2:30pm
Babies 0-1yr
Email Beththedoula@gmail.com for Zoom link
Taking Care of Mama
Pregnant & New Mom Support
(Virtual)
2:00pm -2:45pm (English) 1:00pm-1:45pm (Spanish)
To receive registration link or for questions contact:
info@maternalmentalhealthnow.org (English) or Karla Cardoza | (310) 590-5088 | kkmmcardoza@gmail.com (Spanish)
Dignity-Dominican Hospital
Prenatal Support Group
(Virtual)
5:30-7:00 pm
Call 831-457-7099 or to register visit dignityhealth.org/dominican/pep
Wednesdays
Dignity-Dominican Hospital
New Mom’s Support Group
(Virtual)
11:30am-1:00pm
Call 831-457-7099 for more information
Email for Zoom Link: Journey@Dancingbirth.com
Hosted by: Journey Talkovic, RN, CNM, WHNP
Dignity-Dominican Hospital
Prenatal Support Group
(Virtual)
5:30-7:00 pm
Call 831-457-7099 or to register visit dignityhealth.org/dominican/pep
The Circle Family Center
Prenatal Support Group
(Virtual)
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
245 Sea Ridge Rd., Aptos
Call (831) 687-9499
Postpartum Support International
Many support groups are available at this link: PSI Online Support Meetings | Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Virtual Support for OCD during pregnancy/postpartum
Every Wednesday at 5:30pm PT
Thursdays
The Circle Family Center
Maternal Mental Health Group
(In-person or Virtual)
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
245 Sea Ridge Rd., Aptos
Call (831) 687-9499
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 triplep@first5scc.org.
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.
* 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 triplep@first5scc.org.
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.
* 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
My Birth Matters
The My Birth Matters website covers information on birthing options for pregnant and expecting partners.
Postpartum Support International
Online provider directory to search by zip code.
The My Birth Matters website covers information on birthing options for pregnant and expecting partners.
Postpartum Support International
Online provider directory to search by zip code.
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.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
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
Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
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
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
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.
Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
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
Local Virtual Support Resources List- Provided courtesy of the Breastfeeding Coalition of Santa Cruz County
| santa_cruz_county_virtual_breastfeeding_support_groups_updated__2___1_.pdf |
Treatment and Recovery Resources List
| treatment_and_recovery_resources_for_santa_cruz_county_092320.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. SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)