Silent Storms: Unraveling Perinatal Mental Health
Resource Availability
This course material was originally created by SMI Adviser, now rebranded as SMI CalAdviser. The content in this course material is still current and relevant, yet, please be aware that some external resources and links may no longer be active or available. 
Overview

This webinar aims to shed light on the often overlooked yet crucial aspect of mental health during the perinatal period. It will offer an exploration of the various serious mental illnesses that can arise during this vulnerable phase, along with identifying the significant risk factors that may contribute to their development. Evidence-based approaches to treatment will be presented, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support systems. Whether attendees are healthcare professionals, caregivers, or people interested in perinatal mental health, this webinar promises valuable insights to better understand and address this pressing issue. 

Format 

Recorded webinar, non-interactive, self-paced distance learning activity with post-test.  

This presentation was recorded on August 25, 2023. 

Learning Objectives  

Recognize risk factors for SMI in the perinatal stage.  

Differentiate between various mental health concerns in the perinatal stage.  

Develop strategies for awareness and destigmatization.  

Outline 

  • Introduction & Public Health Significance 
  • Overview of Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI) 
  • Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Differential Diagnosis 
  • Screening and Assessment Strategies 
  • Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities 
  • Strategies for Awareness and De-stigmatization 

Target Audience 

Psychiatrist, Physician (Non-Psychiatric), Physician Assistant, Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Psychologist, Counselor/Therapist, Social Worker, Peer Specialist 

Instruction Level 

Intermediate 

Estimated Time to Complete  

Estimated Duration: 1.0 hour  
Program Start Date: July 30, 2025  
Program End Date: July 30, 2028  

Ongoing Interdisciplinary Discussion Board  

After completing the course, engage with colleagues in the mental health field through the Webinar Roundtable Topics discussion board. This is an easy way to network and share ideas with other clinicians who participate in this webinar. Access through the discussion tab.  

How to Earn Credit 

After completing the evaluation, participants will have the opportunity to claim their hours of participation and download the appropriate certificate. Physicians may obtain an official CME certificate, other healthcare professionals may receive a CE certificate (as applicable), and all other attendees may generate a certificate of participation. Each certificate will reflect the event date and total hours earned. 

Continuing Education Credit 

In support of improving patient care, American Psychiatric Association (APA) is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.  

Physicians   

The APA designates this live event for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.   

Nurses/Nurse Practitioners   

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) designates this activity for 1.00 Nursing contact hours. Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.   

Psychologists   

Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP Office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.  

Social Workers    

As a Jointly Accredited Organization, American Psychiatric Association (APA) is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. APA maintains responsibility for this course. Social workers completing this course receive up to 1.00 social work continuing education credits. 

 

***Continuing education requirements vary from state to state. Many state boards grant reciprocity with national accrediting organizations and other state boards. It is the responsibility of each professional to understand the requirements for license renewal or check with the state or national licensing board and/or professional organization to become more familiar with their policies for acceptable continuing education credit. Social workers and Psychologists should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval.    

 

Faculty and Planner Disclosures 

The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity - including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others - are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.  

Faculty  

  • Laura Pappa is a licensed clinical psychologist with a wealth of experience in perinatal mental health and trauma. Her specialization encompassed areas such as perinatal loss, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, traumatic birth experiences, and domestic violence. Currently, she serves as the Director of Behavioral Health Education for Northwestern University's Family Medicine Residency Program at Erie Humboldt Park, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of mental healthcare by training the next generation of family medicine practitioners 

Program Planners 

  • Teri Brister, PhD, LPC, National Alliance on Mental Illness. Dr. Brister has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.  
  • Amy Cohen, PhD, American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Cohen has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.  
  • John Torous, MD, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Torous has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.  
  • Sherin Khan, LCSW, Thresholds. Ms. Khan has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.  
  • Donna Rolin, PhD, APRN, University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Rolin has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.  

Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities 

The American Psychiatric Association is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. If you have trouble accessing any of APA’s online resources, please contact us at 202-559-3900 for assistance. 

Technical Requirements 

This internet-based CME activity is best experienced using any of the following: 

The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari 

Internet Explorer 11+ 

This Web site requires that JavaScript and session cookies be enabled. Certain activities may require additional software to view multimedia, presentation, or printable versions of the content. These activities will be marked as such and will provide links to the required software. That software may be: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Windows Media Player. 

Optimal System Configuration: 

Browser: Google Chrome (latest and 2nd latest version), Safari (latest and 2nd latest version), Internet Explorer 11.0+, Firefox (latest and 2nd latest version), or Microsoft Edge (latest and 2nd latest version) 

Operating System: Windows versions 8.1+, Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) +, Android (latest and 2nd latest version), or iOS/iPad OS (latest and 2nd latest version) 

Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or higher 

Minimum Requirements: 

Windows PC: Windows 8.1 or higher; 1 GB (for 32-bit)/2 GB (for 64-bit) or higher RAM; Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content 

Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with latest updates installed; Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512 MB or higher RAM; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content 

For assistance: Contact educme@psych.org for questions about this activity |  

Contact support@smicaladviser.org for technical assistance 

 

Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Expires on Jul 30, 2028
Credit Offered:
1 CME Credit
1 NCPD Credit
1 Psychology CE Credit
1 Social Work CE Credit
1 COP Credit
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