Reproductive Mental Health

Discover evidence-based information, best practices, and compassionate guidance for health care professionals to deliver care that supports the mental health of people and families on their reproductive journeys.

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Tools & resources

In collaboration with BC Women's Health Foundation, the Perinatal Services BC and BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre, and the BC Reproductive Mental Health Program have developed several tools, videos and practice guidelines to support health care professionals who care for individuals experiencing mental health challenges and disorders before, during and after pregnancy and birth.

Best practice guidelines

Best Practice Guidelines for Mental Health Disorders in the Perinatal Period: Substance use disorders (2023)

This guidance describes best practices for the care of birthing individuals with substance use disorders in the perinatal period (before pregnancy to after birth).

Substance Use Disorders Guidelines (PDF).

Best Practice Guidelines for Mental Health Disorders in the Perinatal Period (2014)

This guidance describes best practices for the care of birthing individuals with depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and psychotic disorders, including postpartum psychosis, in the perinatal period (before pregnancy to after birth).

Mental Health Disorders in the Perinatal Peri​od Guidelines (PDF)

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Education & training

Not Just The Blues: Perinatal depression and anxiety

(Offered through UBC CPD)

This online continuing medical education provides a basic overview of perinatal depression and anxiety, including common risk factors, screening, treatment approaches and treatment planning. Through evidence-based material, quizzes and interactive video vignettes, learners will gain an understanding of the importance of routinely screening for perinatal depression and anxiety and become more comfortable with the steps to doing so.

Target audience

Public health nurses, nurse practitioners, midwives and social workers.

After taking this course you will:

  • Build your understanding of the four pillars used to address perinatal depression and anxiety (education and prevention, screening and assessment, treatment and self-management, and coping and support) and learn how to apply them to your practice
  • Increase your knowledge of the latest research and evidence-informed practices with tips and resources
  • Understand the PHN role in working across the service delivery continuum that includes primary care providers, reproductive mental health psychiatrists, mental health providers and other community supports for perinatal women and families
Register here​

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PMHSU conferences

​BC Women’s Mental Health and Substance Use Programs + Initiatives hosts an annual conference dedicated to advanc​ing the continuum of care for perinatal mental health and substance use for pregnant and/or parenting individuals. Learn more about the conferences below.

2026 Conference

​​Save the date!

​The next Perinatal Mental Health and Substance Use (PMHSU) Confer​ence will be held October 5 to 7, 2026, in person at the Sheraton Van​couver Airport Hotel.

Stay tuned for ​more information!

2025 Forum

Perinatal Mental Health and Substance Use (PMHSU) Forum 2025: Amplify. Activate. Advance.

Virtual half-day event on the morning of October 8, 2025.​​​

View the program (PDF)

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