Pregnancy and parenting are life-changing experiences—but they can also bring emotional ups and downs, anxiety, depression, and unexpected stress. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, disconnected, or just not like yourself, you’re not alone—and help is just a call or text away.
This edition of our hotline series focuses on mental health and wellness support for parents, from pregnancy through the postpartum period. These hotlines are free, confidential, and staffed by professionals or trained volunteers who understand the challenges of perinatal mental health.
- Postpartum Support International (PSI) Helpline
📞 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
📱 Text “HELP” to 800-944-4773 (English) or “AYUDA” (Spanish)
🌐 postpartum.net
What they offer: PSI offers emotional support and connects you to local resources, therapists, and support groups for postpartum depression, anxiety, birth trauma, and more. Not a crisis line—but a vital resource for ongoing help.
🕐 Available 24/7 to leave a message; callbacks made within a few hours.
- Maternal Mental Health Hotline (U.S. HHS)
📞 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA)
🌐 mchb.hrsa.gov/maternal-mental-health
What they offer: A 24/7 national hotline dedicated to supporting pregnant and postpartum individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, or mental health challenges. Staffed by licensed counselors trained in perinatal mental health.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine
📞 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
📱 Text “HELPLINE” to 62640
🌐 nami.org/help
What they offer: Compassionate support, mental health education, and connection to services. Especially helpful for families navigating co-occurring mental health conditions during the perinatal period.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline
📞 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
🌐 samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
What they offer: Free, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders—including perinatal support.
🗣️ Available in English and Spanish.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
📞 Call or text 988
🌐 988lifeline.org
What they offer: If you’re in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, 988 connects you to trained crisis counselors 24/7. It’s a lifeline for urgent support, including maternal mental health crises.
💬 You can also chat online with a counselor via the website.
- BlackLine (For Black, Brown & Indigenous Communities)
📞 1-800-604-5841
🌐 callblackline.com
What they offer: A space for peer support and crisis intervention that centers Black, Brown, and Indigenous voices, especially women and parents navigating systemic barriers in health and mental care.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
📞 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
📱 Text “START” to 88788
🌐 thehotline.org
Why it matters: Pregnancy and postpartum periods can increase vulnerability to intimate partner violence, which impacts mental health. This hotline offers immediate safety planning and support, 24/7.
- Local Warm Lines and Community Hotlines
Many states and counties have perinatal warm lines or mental health support lines. These are staffed by peer supporters, doulas, or local mental health workers.
💡 Tip: Search “birthscount.org perinatal mental health hotline” or contact Postpartum Support International coordinators for local referrals.
Bonus Resources for Mental Wellness
Therapy for Black Girls – therapyforblackgirls.com
The Mothership – themothershiprising.com – Virtual mental health and wellness support for new and expectant parents
Inclusive Therapists – inclusivetherapists.com – Connects you with culturally competent therapists, including those trained in perinatal support
Final Words: You’re Not Alone
Emotional health matters—especially during pregnancy and after birth. Whether you need someone to talk to, a professional referral, or urgent care, there’s always someone ready to listen.
If you’re struggling, overwhelmed, or just need a voice on the other end of the line, reach out. You deserve support, peace of mind, and healing.
🔗 Bookmark this post, share it with a friend, and remember:
Mental health is maternal health. Help is here—anytime you need it.
