Lawmakers Hear Broad Support for Perinatal Behavioral Health Workforce Trust Fund

Boston — Lawmakers heard more than a dozen advocates, clinicians and parents on Wednesday urging a favorable report on H2208 and S1411, legislation to create a perinatal behavioral health workforce trust fund to grow and diversify providers who treat perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

The bill would create a grant-funded trust to support training, certification and pipeline programs for clinicians and perinatal-focused peer providers, proponents said.

Why it matters: Witnesses said the Commonwealth now requires more screening for postpartum depression and related conditions, but the behavioral health workforce has not expanded to meet the demand. As a result, parents face long waits or must pay out of pocket for specialized care.

Chloe Schwartz, Director of Maternal and Infant Health for March of Dimes Massachusetts, said the trust would “grow and diversify the perinatal, mental, and behavioral healthcare workforce so that there are more providers available to meet this critical unmet need.” She cited CDC findings that mental health conditions are a leading cause of maternal death and that 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.

Multiple speakers described long waits and access barriers. Jessie Colbert of the Mass PPD Fund said comprehensive screening passed in the 2024 omnibus maternal health law is identifying more cases without a commensurate increase in providers. Claire Eisenberg of the Chamber of Mothers said it took six weeks to get medication after she was diagnosed, and that for many that delay feels “like a lifetime.”

Clinicians described specific workforce gaps. Dr. Rose Molina, an obstetrician‑gynecologist affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, said her Spanish‑speaking patients often lack access to clinicians who speak their language and that wait lists force months‑long delays for therapy and medication. Melissa Sherman, a board‑certified OB‑GYN and addiction specialist, said her clinic gets requests for fast‑track mental health access but faces 6–12 month waits for specialized care under MassHealth.

Advocates asked the committee to prioritize culturally competent providers and peers with lived experience. Marley Willer, advocacy chair for the Boston chapter of the Chamber of Mothers, said many perinatal conditions present primarily as anxiety — not depression — and can be missed by standard screens. Several speakers urged funding for training such as the PMH‑C (perinatal mental health certification) and for career pathways that keep peers and recovery coaches within health systems.

Committee logistics and next steps: Committee chairs reminded witnesses that the hearing record remains open for written testimony and that members may follow up with questions. No formal committee votes were taken during the hearing.

Supporters asked the committee to report H2208/S1411 favorably and to ensure any implementation includes funding that prioritizes access for underserved communities and workforce diversity.