Qualitative Assessment of Access to Perinatal Mental Health Care: A Social-Ecological Framework of Barriers

INTRODUCTION: Psychological distress affects up to 25% of pregnant women and contributes to poor birth outcomes. Screening with appropriate referral or treatment is critical, yet many women do not access services. This project aimed to identify knowledge of and barriers to mental health services in the perinatal period. METHODS: Interviews with low-income pregnant or postpartum women, primary care providers (PCPs), and mental health care providers were conducted in Sedgwick County, Kansas. Interviews were transcribed, independently reviewed using grounded theory, and stratified using a social-ecological model framework. RESULTS: Thirty-three interviews were conducted with 12 (36%) pregnant or postpartum women, 15 (45%) PCPs, and 6 (18%) mental health care providers. Barriers were categorized into three levels: individual, social, and society. Individual level barriers, including cost or lack of insurance and transportation, were consistent across groups, however, women identified barriers only at this level. Provider groups identified barriers at all levels, including lack of support, poor communication between providers, and Medicaid limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-level interventions are needed to improve access to mental health care for low-income women in the perinatal period.