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After struggling for several years with depression and other mental health issues, M.S. wasn’t sure what to expect when she learned in the spring of 2023 that she was pregnant. Thanks to positive prior experiences with Jewish Family Services’ outpatient mental health treatment program, the 23-year-old Newark woman knew where to turn.
She transitioned into JFS’s Sonia Schorr Sloan Maternal Mental Health Program, where she has received one-on-one counseling, assistance with managing her medications and the opportunity to participate in a support group with new and expectant mothers.
“It has helped me a lot,” she says, not only the individual therapy sessions but also the support group. “It helps to connect with other mothers who are struggling,” she said in December as she awaited the birth of her baby daughter. “I get to share my stories, hear other moms’ stories. They sympathize with depression. They help me.”
Although the cost of her treatment is covered by Medicaid, M.S. said it’s good to know that the program will serve women who don’t have insurance. That’s one reason she has recommended JFS to other new and expectant moms.
She’s also pleased that, with her boyfriend injured and out of work, the program helped her find a stroller for the baby.
“I have their phone number. I can call or text anytime,” she said. “JFS will be there for me for as long as I need them.”
This blurb was written by Larry Nagengast.
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