OUR NEW PERINATAL IOP PROGRAM WILL LAUNCHING THIS FALL

This intensive outpatient program is designed for individuals who are pregnant or within one year postpartum and are experiencing moderate to severe perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)—including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, or psychosis—that interfere with daily functioning, bonding with the baby, or caregiving. National data shows that:

• Maternal mental health disorders (like postpartum depression and anxiety) affect 1 in 5 U.S. women—making it the most common complication of childbirth Partners for Family Health+8riverrootcounseling.com+8UCLA Health+8UCLA Health+10Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health+10University of Colorado Medicine+10.
• Perinatal depression itself affects approximately 1 in 7 pregnant or postpartum individuals, with up to 50% of cases going undiagnosed Wikipedia.
• Rates surged during the pandemic—from 1 in 8 pre‑COVID to 1 in 3 at its peak—and while they have dropped, the crisis remains significant The Guardian.

An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a structured, non-residential mental health treatment format—typically offering 9–19 hours per week of therapy and support groups, combined with individual psychotherapy and, where needed, psychiatric medication management

Location: Inner Community Health (ICH)  in Greater  Atlanta, Georgia—a pioneering presence in the state.
Leadership Team:

• Dr. Mirica Sanders, Board-Certified Psychiatrist and the only Board‑Certified Psychiatrist in Georgia offering a Certified Mental Health Perinatal IOP Program.
• Mia Powers, ICH Clinical Director and Licensed Therapist, also certified in Perinatal Mental Health.

Together, they will oversee both in-person and telehealth options to maximize accessibility, with the ability for participants to bring their infants as needed.

The program is scheduled to launch in September 2025. It will run on a weekly schedule that mirrors effective IOP models:

• 3 days per week (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday),
• 3–4 hour sessions per day,
• Total program duration of 6 to 8 weeks per cohort

Several compelling reasons underscore its necessity:

1. High prevalence and underdiagnosis of PMADs—up to 50% remain untreated—even though they are the most common childbirth complication WikipediaPartners for Family Health.
2. Escalated rates during COVID-19, demonstrating systemic vulnerabilities in perinatal mental health care The Guardian+1.
3. Severe consequences if untreated—impaired child development, low birth weight, maternal suicide or substance-related deaths HealthThe Guardian.
4. National strategies call for integrated, equitable, accessible perinatal mental health care—through multi-disciplinary, community-sensitive models like perinatal IOPs Ascension Healthcare+3samhsa.gov+3University of Colorado Medicine+3.
5. Geographic disparities, especially in the South and rural areas, limit access to maternal and mental health servicesWikipedia. ICH’s program will help fill that critical gap in Georgia.

• Referral or Self‑Referral: A healthcare provider may refer you, or you may reach out directly to ICH.
• Initial Intake: Includes assessment by Dr. Sanders or Mia Powers to confirm clinical appropriateness.
• Orientation & Enrollment: Once deemed a fit, you receive scheduling and support options (in-person/virtual, childcare, transportation help, etc.).
• Program Start: Participate in the 6–8 week IOP, engaging in therapy, skill-building, and supportive activities alongside maternal-infant bond enhancement.
• Aftercare Planning: At program completion, you'll receive referrals to ongoing outpatient care, support groups, or other relevant community resources.