KU Medical Center develops training for perinatal mental health care

Mental health disorders are the most frequent complications during and after pregnancy, impacting one in five women each year, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Alarmingly, about 75% of these cases go untreated and undiagnosed. This gap in care arises from a shortage of trained professionals; fewer than 500 psychiatrists in the U.S. specialize in reproductive mental health, a field that serves approximately 800,000 women annually, as reported by the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance.

Dr. Erin Bider, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, aims to address this shortfall. With specialized training in perinatal psychiatry from her internship and residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Bider is working to improve maternal mental health education in Kansas. After joining KU Medical Center in 2021, she established the Maternal Mental Health Clinic and has since collaborated with colleagues and students to enhance training in this critical area.

“Before I came, there was no curriculum on reproductive psychiatry for residents at KU Medical Center,” Bider explained. “We have now developed a comprehensive curriculum that prepares psychiatry residents to care for women throughout their reproductive years.”

Recognizing that pregnancy involves various health aspects, Bider emphasizes the need for integrated mental health care alongside traditional obstetrical services. She believes that when healthcare providers, including family medicine doctors and OB-GYNs, address emotional well-being as part of pregnancy care, it helps destigmatize the conversation around mental health.

Bider collaborated with Dr. Tara Chettiar, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, to create training sessions for medical students and residents in psychiatry and OB-GYN. These training programs incorporate screenings for mental health issues and substance use during obstetrical visits, reinforcing the message that perinatal mental health care is a collective responsibility.

Chettiar noted their teaching approach is conversational and interactive, which fosters engagement among trainees. “Because we’re having a dialogue, it feels more engaging for learners,” she said. This collaborative effort not only benefits trainees but also emphasizes the importance of teamwork across medical specialties to improve perinatal mental health services.

Fourth-year psychiatry resident Dr. Reshma Khanna, who has focused on perinatal psychiatry during her training, likened this collaborative approach to viewing an EKG from multiple angles. “You gain a clearer picture of the situation when you consider all perspectives,” Khanna stated. Her experience at KU has allowed her to witness the integration of psychiatry, OB-GYN, and family medicine in addressing patient needs.

Khanna has learned from Bider through various electives focused on mental health care during pregnancy and postpartum and has observed Bider’s collaboration with primary care and OB-GYN physicians. After completing her residency, Khanna will continue her work as a perinatal psychiatrist at the University of Missouri. “The chance to learn from someone with Dr. Bider’s expertise is invaluable, and I look forward to carrying this knowledge into my future practice,” she said.

Bider’s efforts have positioned KU Medical Center as a leader in maternal mental health education, attracting trainees who might have previously sought opportunities at coastal institutions. First-year psychiatry resident Dr. Amanda Emerson noted that Bider’s reputation drew her to the program. “During my residency interviews, many candidates asked about working with Dr. Bider,” Emerson said. “Her presence is a significant draw for prospective residents.”

Bider is optimistic about the future of maternal mental health education at KU Medical Center. With increasing interest from trainees in this subspecialty and her success in fostering interdisciplinary partnerships, she anticipates further growth in this area. “There’s a clear need for this type of care, and it’s encouraging to see trainees excited about it,” Bider remarked. “Building relationships with those I teach and mentor, and seeing them find their passion in this field, is truly rewarding.”