Preparing Clients to Thrive in the Fourth Trimester: Identification of Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Postpartum Preparation

Preparing Clients for the Fourth Trimester: Identification of PMADS and Prevention Planning

Presented by Virtue Counseling

Scheduled Workshops:

June 27, 2025:   12:00 PM EST- 1:30 PM EST

1.5 CE Clinical hours approved –

Virtue Counseling, [2180], is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: April 3, 2025-April 3, 2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 clinical continuing education credits.

Approved for renewal for PMH-C

Hosted on  Zoom – Interactivity

Register Here :

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1347272140239?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join Jerusha Hull, MSW, LCSW, PMH-C, a postpartum subject matter expert for an informative and interactive workshop in which participants will leave being able to:

1.           The participant will be able to explain the potential physical, emotional, and mental challenges expectant parents may experience during the 4th trimester.

2.           The participant will be able to identify and assess which expectant parents would benefit from additional planning to be successful in their postpartum period.

3.           The participant will be able to apply key steps to assist expectant parents in designing a plan for the fourth trimester.

4.           The participant will be able to assess for criteria for postpartum mood disorders.

Course Description

This course equips therapists with the essential skills to effectively support expectant parents in preparing for the fourth trimester, fostering resilience, and promoting mental health during the postpartum period. Participants will develop advanced competencies in assessing for risk factors associated with postpartum mood disorders, implementing evidence-based prevention strategies, and guiding parents in recognizing potential challenges.

Therapists will learn practical techniques for helping clients identify and address their anticipated needs, build a strong support network or “village,” and create comprehensive postpartum plans tailored to their unique circumstances. The course emphasizes strategies for empowering parents to confidently navigate postpartum transitions while maintaining their emotional well-being.

By the end of the training, therapists will leave with a clear framework for preparing parents to thrive, including tools for risk assessment, prevention planning, and enhancing family systems. This course ensures that therapists can confidently support clients in reducing postpartum risks and fostering long-term well-being for both parents and their families.

Target Audience

This course is designed for mental health practitioners who serve as clinicians, case workers, supervisors/supervisees, students, mentors and educators.

Course content Level:  Beginning

Agenda

Program will be 1.5 hours of actual time

Investment

$45.00

Program

Preparing Expectant Parents to Thrive in the Fourth Trimester

1.           Introduction. Agenda and Scope: (Objective 1, 10 minutes)

a.           Prepare your clients to thrive in the fourth trimester by helping them to spot potential challenges and empower them to develop an in-depth plan.

b.        This presentation will focus on understanding the 4th trimester, preparing your client by identifying their expectations and needs and preparing them for how to express those needs to their support system to help reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of PMAD amongst clients.

2.           Introduction of Fourth Trimester (25 minutes, Objective 1)

a.           The fourth trimester—the 12 weeks after giving birth—is just as important for a mother’s health as the first three trimesters.

b.           This period of time is a great deal of change physically, emotionally and hormonally for them (Cohen, 2014; Johnston-Ataata & Kokanovic, 2014) and the psychosocial health of new parents is at risk during this time (Fahey & Shenassa, 2013; Miller, Kroska, & Grekin, 2017; Sampson et al., 2015).

i.             Overview of emotional changes:

ii.            Overview of physical change:

iii.           Overview of psychological change:

1.           The first few weeks are extremely stressful as they experience severe hormonal change. This time frame is referred to as the Baby Blues.

2.           Brief review of PMADs

c.            For most parents in the United States, this time period will also include preparation and return to work.

d.           Case study application

3.           Special Populations (Objective 2, 10 minutes)

a.           Everyone would benefit from a plan to help reduce postpartum stress and mood disorders but especially:

i.             Vulnerable Populations at higher risk for PMADs

ii.

4.           Introduction of the plan (35 minutes, objective 3,)

b.           What is the purpose?

i.             Identifying and planning for their unique risk factors

c.            Why do we need it?

1.           They often need help with accurate expectations for all parties.

2.           Education on red flags for mental health

3.           Fathers were often unsure of what was expected in their new role.

v.            Having a plan increases the likelihood that they access resources.

d.           Brief overview of what a postpartum plan looks like

i.             What it looks like for your client

ii.            How do you include the support system

e.            Explain that you are planning together to discuss these needs with their partner.

f.

5. Helpful Tips and Resources (5 minutes) (Objective 1,2,3)

6. Questions and Comments (5-10 minutes) (Objective 1,2,3)

Program ends

Course Completion

Virtual/synchronous This live webinar takes place on Zoom and is fully interactive. Attendees may ask and answer questions throughout the presentation and participate in instructor-led discussions.

Preparing Clients for the Fourth Trimester: Identification of PMADS and Prevention Planning, course #1234, is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to be offered by Social Work World as an individual course. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE course approval period: 04/04/2023 – 04/04/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5  continuing education credits.

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