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Almost 12,000 people have received support from the Hotline’s professional counselors during the first year, “You’ve made me feel heard and that there’s hope for me.”
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) celebrates the first anniversary of the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Since its launch on Mother’s Day 2022, the hotline’s professional counselors have provided emotional support, resources, and referrals to almost 12,000 pregnant and postpartum individuals who struggled with mental health concerns, and their loved ones.
Additionally, HRSA is introducing an updated toll-free number for the Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). The former number (1-833-9-HELP-4-MOMS or 1-833-943-5746) will continue to work for another year.
“Every mother or mother-to-be, across our nation, should have access to the help and support they need to be healthy. This hotline is one way our Administration is prioritizing maternal health and wellness,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.”
“The first year of this hotline service marks a significant milestone in people having immediate access to mental health support and community-based resources during and after pregnancy,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The hotline is key method that the Biden-Harris Administration is strengthening both maternal health and mental health.”
“Being pregnant or caring for a child can bring many new challenges and the Maternal Mental Health Hotline is here to help,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “The hotline is available 24/7, via call or text, to make reaching out and getting help as easy as possible for mothers and their families. I urge any mom who is struggling or feeling alone to call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA to get the help and support you deserve.”
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential emotional support, resources and referrals before, during, and after pregnancy. The hotline is accessible by phone or text in English and Spanish and offers interpreter services in more than 60 languages. Hotline counselors include licensed health care providers such as nurses or doctors, licensed mental health clinicians, certified doulas or childbirth educators, and certified peer support specialists.
During the first year:
- Hotline counselors responded to nearly 12,000 calls (70%) and texts (30%).
- The majority of individuals contacting the hotline were seeking help for themselves (76%), while 5% of individuals were calling on behalf of someone else, like a family member or friend.
- The top reasons for reaching out to the hotline were, 1) feeling overwhelmed, 2) depression, and 3) anxiety.
- The average speed to answer was below 30 seconds (telephone calls 23 seconds, texts 16 seconds).
- One caller stated, “I suddenly don’t feel like I’m drowning. I’m going to be okay. I hope people understand that it does help.” Another caller shared, “You’ve made me feel heard and that there’s hope for me.”
HRSA encourages all community-based providers, including health care and social service providers, early childhood and family support workers, and faith-based organizations, to help spread the word about the new number, 1-833-TLC-MAMA. New promotional materials are available for download or print order.
Expecting and new parents who feel overwhelmed or are experiencing depression and anxiety, as well as their loved ones, should reach out to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support and resources. Help is just a phone call or text away.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is not intended as an emergency response line. Individuals in imminent danger of harm to self or others should call 911. Individuals in mental health crisis should continue to contact the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
For more information on the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, visit: https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline.
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