Maternal Mental Health Disorders encompass a broad spectrum of emotional and psychological challenges that may arise during pregnancy (antenatal) and/or the postpartum period. These include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and postpartum psychosis. Left untreated, these conditions can have devastating consequences—not only for the birthing person, but also for their infant, their family, and the wider community.

These illnesses often result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social stressors—such as hormonal shifts, lack of social support, trauma history, poverty, or a personal or family history of mental illness. Maternal anxiety and depression are the most common complications of childbirth, affecting up to 1 in 5 women, yet they frequently go undetected and untreated due to stigma, inadequate screening, and systemic barriers to care.

At Therapy Plus, we are deeply committed to advancing maternal mental health equity, particularly within marginalized and under-resourced communities. Our programs are grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and aim to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent birthing people from receiving the support they deserve.

Our founder and Executive Director, LeJeune Johnson, LCSW-S, PMH-C, is a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional through Postpartum Support International. This national certification reflects her advanced expertise in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, screening and assessment, psychopharmacology, family systems, and equitable care. Her leadership ensures that all of our programs are rooted in clinical best practices and tailored to the real-world needs of families navigating the perinatal period.

We actively advocate for policies, practices, and clinical frameworks that promote routine education, screening, and access to treatment for all childbearing individuals—regardless of race, income, or zip code. Our initiatives are intentionally designed to address the racial and economic disparities that place Black and Brown birthing people at disproportionate risk for poor maternal mental health outcomes.

Since 2020, Therapy Plus has partnered with organizations like the Mississippi State Department of Health, the Louisana Pregnancy Mortality Review, Six Dimensions,  MomME, GirlTrek as well as a network of other local and regional agencies committed to maternal wellness. Together, we work to transform systems of care, elevate lived experiences, and build a future where every mother, every family, and every community can thrive.