What is Postpartum Support International (PSI)?
Postpartum Support International (PSI) was founded in 1987 by Jane Honikman and is headquartered in Santa Barbara, California. 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. Approximately 15% of all women will experience postpartum depression following the birth of a child. Up to 10% will experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy. When the mental health of the mother is compromised, it affects the entire family.
The organization has a volunteer coordinator in every one of the United States and in 26 countries. PSI disseminates information and resources through the volunteer coordinators, the website and an annual conference. The goal is to provide current information, resources, education, and to advocate for further research and legislation to support perinatal mental health.
What is the PSI mission?
PSI is a non-profit organization whose mission is to eradicate the ignorance related to pregnancy related mood disorders and to advocate, educate, and provide support for maternal mental health in every community, worldwide.
What does PSI do?
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, including:
- www.postpartum.net - PSI’s website receives over 100,000 visitors a year who resource PSI for support, education and local providers.
- 800.944.4PPD (4773) - PSI’s toll-free HelpLine serves over 1,000 callers a month and is staffed by a volunteer team of PSI trained responders who rapidly refer callers to appropriate local resources, including emergency services.
- PSI News – Available to PSI members around the world via email or snailmail, this bulletin gives PSI members up to date information on conferences, resources, research and PSI events.
- Support groups around the world and in all 50 states are listed with our coordindator base and also referenced here online—rapidly providing access to needed services.
What are the benefits of PSI membership?
Perhaps the primary benefit of membership in Postpartum Support International is knowing that you are doing something to make a positive impact on the lives of women and families around the world. But on a practical and personal level, there are also the following benefits of membership:
- Quarterly newsletter, PSI News, which presents information from around the world on PSI activities, resources, research, and legislation pertinent to PSI’s mission.
- Discounts on registration fees for the annual PSI Conference
- Discounts on standardized training for professionals and volunteer coordinators of support groups.
- Access to the Members Only section of the PSI website.
Opportunities to volunteer as a coordinator for PSI, as a member of our Pen Pal Network for women jailed for crimes committed while suffering from a postpartum mood disorder, or in many other capacities to help promote the work of PSI.
How can I get in contact with PSI?
Postpartum Support International
P.O. Box 60931
Santa Barbara, CA 93160
USA
Telephone: 805.967.7636
Fax: 323.204.0635
Helpline: 800.944.4PPD (4773)
Email: PSIOffice@postpartum.net
How can I volunteer with PSI?
There are many ways to get involved to help support the PSI mission: