Maternal Mental Health
A Six-Part CME+Podcast Series
Introduction to the Series
Despite leading the world in maternal mortality secondary to mental health conditions and addiction, clinicians in the United States receive very little training on the subject of psychiatric conditions in the time surrounding a pregnancy. This series aims to address core clinical competencies in hopes of increasing the awareness and comfort level of CentraCare team members as they interact with and treat new parents and their families.
Claire Drom, MD
CME Credit will be available for those who complete any or all of the Maternal Mental Health sessions and complete the survey between June 1 and August 31, 2025 .
Scan the QR Code to access the survey and obtain CME credit.
Each session is also available as a podcast without CME credit.
Diagnosing Maternal Mental Health
Angela Williams, MS, LADC, LPCC, presents a CME-style lecture on diagnosing prenatal and postpartum maternal mental health disorders which are the most common complication of pregnancy and birth, affecting 800,000 families each year. The presentation also covers risk factors and maternal mental health interventions.
Psychiatric Medications for the Perinatal Period
In this CME-style presentation, Claire Drom, MD, identifies psychiatric treatment considerations unique to the perinatal period, shares risk versus risk analysis to inform medication and treatment selection, and ultimately offering insights into unique psychotropic medication considerations.
Dr. Claire Drom is an adult psychiatrist with sub-specialization in perinatal psychiatry.
Perinatal Trauma and Impacts on Childhood
Kelsee Kociemba, MA, LMFT,, PMH-C, shares a CME-style presentation that explains the different types of trauma specific to perinatal populations and the impacts such traumas can have on child development. Kociemba explains the differences between experiencing trauma and the development of PTSD, and imparts an in-depth understanding of the different types of trauma.
Kelcee Kociemba, MA, LMFT is a psychotherapist for CentraCare and also a board member of the MN Chapter of Postpartum Support International.
Substance Abuse Disorder and Pregnancy
In this episode, Andrea Peterson, APRN, explains the potential risks associated with cannabis use, methamphetamines, and Benzodiazepine during pregnancy and lactation.
Andrea Petersen, APRN CNP works in the psychiatric emergency department and EmPATH Unit.
Psychotropics During Pregnancy & Lactation
Andrea Petersen, MSN, PMHNP, shares a CME-style presentation about the risks associated with psychotropics during pregnancy and lactation, specifically, the associated risks of untreated depression to the mother and fetus as well as risks associated with antidepressants.
Andrea Petersen, APRN CNP works in the psychiatric emergency department and EmPATH Unit.
Maternal Suicide
In this CME-style episode, Lisa Bershok, LICSW, identifies the maternal mental health and suicide risks that occur in pre and post-natal periods. Bershok also shares best practices to identify and care for patients at risk, and highlights support resources.
Lisa Bershok MSW, LICSW leads CentraCare’s Suicide Prevention efforts across the system.