HHS Announces Launch of Maternal Mental Health Hotline

May 9, 2022

Last week, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department’s Health Resources and Services Administration announced a new hotline for expecting and new mothers that are experiencing mental health challenges

Janette Wider

On May 6, the U.S. Health and Human Services Department’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced the launch of the Maternal Mental Health Hotline via a press release. The hotline is “a new, confidential, toll-free hotline for expecting and new moms experiencing mental health challenges.” The hotline launched, with a $3 million investment, on May 8.

The release states that “This announcement, being made during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week and Mental Health Awareness Month, supports President Biden’s whole-of-government strategy to transform mental health services for all Americans—a key part of the President’s Unity Agenda that is reflected in the President’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget. Following the President’s State of the Union in March, Secretary Becerra kicked off the HHS National Tour to Strengthen Mental Health to address the mental health challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including substance use, youth mental health, and suicide.”

That said, “Those who contact the hotline can receive a range of support, including brief interventions from trained counselors who are culturally and trauma-informed, as well as referrals to both community-based and telehealth providers as needed. Callers also will receive evidence-based information and referrals to support groups and other community resources.”

“Last month, HHS released a $9 million funding opportunity to expand HRSA’s State Maternal Health Innovation Program and awarded $16 million to support the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program,” the release adds. “HHS also recently released a $4.5 million funding opportunity to expand community-based doulas in areas with high rates of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. In addition, HHS is funding seven states to support a Screening and Treatment for Maternal Depression Program to expand women’s health care providers’ training in mental health and to provide them with teleconsultation access to mental health specialists to support their patients’ mental health needs.”

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra was quoted in the release saying that "The Biden-Harris Administration has a bold vision for changing the way we address, treat and integrate mental health—both in and out of healthcare settings. This new Maternal Mental Health Hotline will not only advance our priorities of tackling the nation’s mental health crisis, but also support our efforts to ensure healthy pregnancies and support new parents."

The hotline can be accessed by phone or text at 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) in English and Spanish. TTY Users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-943-5746.