About Us
The Postpartum Support International- Connecticut Chapter (PSI-CT) (formally the Connecticut Alliance for Perinatal Mental Health) is a chapter of Postpartum Support International. PSI-CT works to increase support and provide resources for women and their families during pregnancy and the postpartum period (also known as the perinatal period), to increase awareness of the mental health challenges related to childbearing and parenting, and to provide perinatal mental training for childbirth professionals.
In August 2015, a dedicated group of maternal mental health advocates voted to take next steps in forming a state chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI). The following year, a formal contract with PSI was endorsed, forming the Connecticut Chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI-CT).
Postpartum Support International was established in 1987 by Jane Honikman, MS as a global network of individuals and organizations dedicated to increasing awareness of mental health related to childbearing.
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“In 1987, I founded Postpartum Support International (PSI) to represent self-help/support groups working to prevent the negative emotional reactions to childbearing. PSI empowers and encourages interested individuals to create new, as well as support existing, support groups. I continue my work, increasing the resources and contacts available to women, their partners, families and friends.” www.janehonikman.com
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The purpose of the organization is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum. PSI headquarters is located in Portland Oregon and has members all over the world, including volunteer coordinators in every one of the United States and in more than 36 other countries. PSI disseminates information and resources through its volunteer coordinators, website and annual conference. Its goal is to provide current information, resources, education, and to advocate for further research and legislation to support perinatal mental health. Dedicated PSI members, leaders, and friends work tirelessly across all levels to meet goals of the shared PSI mission of support, education, advocacy, and research for people living with mental illness through various activities. For a complete listing of PSI services and resources, please visit www.postpartum.net
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Journey to PSI Connecticut Chapter
The Connecticut Alliance for Perinatal Mental Health grew as multidisciplinary collaborative developing support and service infrastructure for perinatal mothers. Meetings began monthly after training in March 2013 by the MotherWoman organization in Massachusetts. In November 2013, an important aspect of our organizational development took place; a small contingency of providers in Connecticut attended PSI’s Components of Care 2-day training at Zucker Hillside LIJ Women’s Hospital in New York.
The June 2014 PSI Conference held in North Carolina was attended by three Connecticut perinatal leaders! A poster was presented on a CT initiative offering home-based psychotherapy for mothers experiencing postpartum depression.
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The Alliance coordinated Connecticut’s first Postpartum Support
International (PSI) training March 26-27, 2015. The PSI Components of Care 2-day training was a great success with attendance of about 150 providers and advocates.
In November 2016, Jane Honikman, founder of PSI came to Connecticut with Dr. Shoshana Bennett. Dr. Bennett provided an intimate clinical training for PSI-CT founding clinicians and Jane worked with the board and founding members of PSI-CT at a one day organization building retreat to formulate a strategic plan and cultivate our identity. Thank you Jane!