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During and after pregnancy, mothers are at risk for behavioral health issues like depression or substance use disorder. Addressing maternal behavioral health is critical for the well-being of mothers and their children.

Mental health conditions (including depressive disorder and substance use disorder) were the leading cause of pregnancy-related death in Texas, according to a state health report.

If you need help with mental health conditions during pregnancy or after your baby is born, Texas has programs and resources available to you.

Maternal Depression

During pregnancy and after delivering a baby, it’s normal for mothers to have many different emotions. If you’re concerned about how you’re feeling, it may be time to seek help.

Depressive disorder is the top underlying mental health condition contributing to most maternal mental health-related deaths. State report findings

Texas has resources to help mothers with postpartum depression. You may be able to get support, including a postpartum depression screening and diagnosis, education and other mental health services through:

If you’re having a mental health crisis, get help now by calling or texting 9-8-8 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988 Lifeline Chat and Text.

You can also contact the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline by calling 1-833-852-6262.

Warning Signs

It’s important to know the urgent maternal warning signs to keep both mothers and their babies safe. Look out for things like:

  • Thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby.
  • Changes in your vision.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Chest pain or fast-beating heart.
  • Overwhelming tiredness.

Important: If something doesn’t feel right, get medical help immediately, even if your symptom is not listed here. Contact your health provider, go to an emergency room or call 9-1-1. Always tell medical staff if you’re pregnant or were pregnant within the last year.

You can also call, text or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential emotional support. 

If you’re hard of hearing, you can chat with a Lifeline counselor 24/7 by online chat. TTY users can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Learn more about urgent maternal warning signs.

Support for Substance Use

Texas has programs that offer comprehensive support to help mothers manage and recover from substance use, while making sure both mom and baby are healthy.

Pregnant and Parenting Intervention

Pregnant and Parenting Intervention programs help reduce the effects and costs linked to pregnancies affected by substances. These programs aim to improve outcomes for the mother, child and their family. 

Available services include:

  • Comprehensive case management.
  • Connecting and keeping people linked to local services.
  • Evidence-based education for mothers with a past or present substance use disorder diagnosis.

How Can I Get Pregnant and Parenting Intervention Services?

Services are available to:

  • Pregnant women who are Texas residents with a past or present substance use disorder, and their family members.
  • Parenting women with a child 6 or younger who are Texas residents with a past or present substance use disorder, and their family members.

You can find Pregnant and Parenting Intervention Services through:

Maternal Opioid Misuse Model

The Maternal Opioid Misuse Model addresses the specific needs of pregnant women with opioid use disorder.

Through this program, which is available in the Houston area, eligible women can get comprehensive care including medication for opioid use disorder, specialized labor and delivery care, postpartum support and more.

How Can I Get Maternal Opioid Misuse Model Services?

Maternal Opioid Misuse Model services are available in the Houston area at the Harris Health System Ben Taub Hospital in partnership with Baylor College of Medicine and Santa Maria Hostel.

If you don't live in Houston, you may be able to work with the clinic's community-based partners to get residential treatment and care at Ben Taub throughout your pregnancy.

Women must be pregnant and get Texas Medicaid to qualify. If you or someone you know might benefit from Maternal Opioid Misuse Model Services, submit a referral here.

Comprehensive Continuum of Care for Women

Comprehensive Continuum of Care for Women helps mothers diagnosed with substance use disorders. These services reduce barriers to treatment, encourage motivation, improve and balance life situations, and promote engagement in long-term recovery.

Comprehensive Continuum of Care services include:

  • Home visits.
  • Help with transportation.
  • Family-based and peer-support services.
  • Support throughout treatment and recovery.
  • Financial assistance for housing, utilities, child care, and identification documents (on a case-by-case basis).

How Can I Get Comprehensive Continuum of Care Services?

Women eligible for these services are:

  • Texas residents 18 and older.
  • Diagnosed with a substance use disorder.
  • Enrolled in preadmission, concurrent or post-substance use treatment services, and are either:
  • In the third trimester of pregnancy; or 
  • Have dependent children who can attend treatment, or children in custody of the state who will be released to their mother’s care while she's attending treatment.

If eligible, you can get Comprehensive Continuum of Care services through:

Related Resources

Baby Blues
Behavioral Health Treatment for Mothers (YouTube)
Hear Her Texas
Mental Health Texas
Pregnancy, Parenting and Depression Resource List
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
Perinatal Psychiatry Access Network
Struggling with mental health during pregnancy or after your baby is born? You’re not alone. Find programs and resources to help.