Working together to make a difference in maternal mental health

This Maternal Mental Health Week, we at Brave Health wanted to take the opportunity to call attention to the need for support for the thousands of people experiencing perinatal mental health conditions.

Medicaid finances nearly 45 percent of all births in the United States, and an estimated 50-60 percent of pregnancies in rural communities. As a Medicaid provider, we see daily the work that healthcare professionals across the care ecosystem put in to supporting pregnant members. But there’s more to be done, from a structural perspective, to make sure necessary services are available, and reimbursable. 

For example, many states are increasingly recognizing the role of doulas in decreasing maternal mortality, improving birth outcomes. To improve perinatal health outcomes and maternal health equity requires a collaborative approach. That’s why Brave Health is proud to partner with The Doula Network (TDN) to support Medicaid members during and after pregnancy, with both doula services and behavioral health services when they’re needed. This is just the beginning of what is possible; when we as healthcare providers work together, the health outcomes whole is greater than the sum of the parts

As demand for mental health providers continues to skyrocket, behavioral health services have been increasingly difficult to access – especially for Medicaid members. As a virtual clinic, Brave reduces barriers, especially for the 20% of our patients living in towns of 2,500 people or fewer, who are likely to experience geographical access barriers as well. 

But there’s absolutely a value to in-person care, so we look for opportunities to leverage partnerships that can bring a face-to-face component. That’s one of the elements TDN brings–and it’s only possible because certain forward-thinking states and health plans have made doula services a covered benefit. 

Our recognition of how important this type of care is can’t be limited to one week, but we wanted to take a moment to thank those who we work with, from the case manager at a health plan to the doula in a community. When we work together, the possibility of accessible, multifaceted care is within our reach.

#MMHWeek2022