Parent Education, Play Groups, Family Activities, Birthing Support
The Parent Center, Salinas Adult School
The Parent Center offers parents and caregivers support pre-and postpartum.
Offering parent education, parent and child activity classes (aka mommy
and me), an outdoor children’s garden and a preschool.
The Parenting Connection of Monterey County (PCMC) offers support and education
to families with infants and children by providing play and learn groups,
and parent education through certified Circle of Security educators.
The Parenting Connection of Monterey County Doula Hub Program
The Doula Hub Program specifically supports families with Medi-Cal and
CCAH coverage. This focus ensures that those who might otherwise face
barriers to accessing doula services can benefit from personalized and
compassionate care.
Parents Place in Pacific Grove is a parent education program for parents
and their children-ages birth through 3. Parents Place offers workshops
to parents, parent-child age-related groups, hand-on music, movement,
a library, outdoor play spaces, and sensory classes for parents and their children.
An organization focused on making a difference in the lives of young children
and their families. The Early Childhood Collaboratives help connect families
to resources by providing child development screenings, parenting information,
parenting classes, parent-child playgroups, and services to children prenatal
through age 5 and their families. They also help families with referrals
and assist with coordination of services. Services vary by location, and
locations serve Alisal Union School District area, South County, Salinas,
Castroville, and Watsonville.
Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Home Visiting Program, County
of Monterey Public Health Bureau
Partners individuals with a registered nurse case manager to provide education,
community resources, and support on a variety of topics including pregnancy
and postpartum care, infant/child health, family planning, physical and/or
emotional health concerns, chronic disease education, feelings of sadness,
loss of a loved one, and much more. Individuals of child bearing age,
children, and adolescents who are eligible for Medi-Cal can receive MCAH
Home Vising services.
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a free home visiting program that connects
a nurse with first time moms from pregnancy through the child’s
second birthday. The NFP nurse supports first time parents achieve their
own personal health, wellness, and parenting goals so safe, strong, and
thriving families prosper. With NFP participants receive information and
advice during pregnancy, infancy, and toddlerhood from a registered nurse.
First time parents, less than 28 weeks pregnant, and who qualify for Medi-Cal
are eligible for NFP.
Monterey Bay Parent serves the families of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.
The foundation of MBP is the monthly print publication. Each issue is
filled with articles that make parenting in the Monterey Bay easier and
more enjoyable. You'll also find a robust calendar of events filled with
fun and informative things to do in the area in each print issue and on
our website.
Birth Network of Monterey County is dedicated to empowering birthing persons
to honor and celebrate the birthing process. They envision a community
where parents access resources to make informed choices for their birth
and early parenting experiences.
Kweens’ Kounsel provides a space that is intentionally and culturally
designed by black women community leaders for the advocacy of black birthing
families and black providers.
WIC Breastfeeding Support - Learn Together. Grow Together is the U. S.
Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Special
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) breastfeeding
promotion and support campaign. The goal of the campaign is to equip WIC
moms with the information, resources and support they need to successfully
breastfeed.
Board certified lactation consultants will introduce principles of breastfeeding
and provide the support you need in the hospital and when concerns arise
after returning home. Specialists will address breastfeeding issues and
essentials.
831Breastfeeds is a local guide for lactation resources in Monterey, San
Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. Whether you are a breast/chest feeding
parent or family member, hospital or healthcare organization, employer,
or other interested community member, 831Breastfeeds will offer assistance
in finding the information you need.
Earth Milk Moon provides in-home postpartum wellness care, lactation, infant
feeding support, classes and support groups during pregnancy and postpartum.
Breast milk donation fulfills an important role in keeping babies healthy
and thriving. Must have a minimum of 100 ounces.
(877) 375-6645
Mum’s the Word
Nizza is a licensed midwife who offers breastfeeding help with the goal
of providing equitable and respectful pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
care for all.
Maternal Mental Health Warmlines and Support Groups
Parenting Connection of Monterey County Maternal Mental Health Warmline
Confidential bilingual facilitators will return your call, listen to your
concerns, offer a postpartum screening, and help you connect with the
right local resources.
Leave a confidential message any time and a trained and caring bilingual
volunteer will return your call or text during business hours. They will
listen, answer questions, offer encouragement, and connect you with local
resources as needed.
Call or text 800-944-4773 (English call/text, Spanish call only)
Parenting Connection of Monterey County Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Groups
Free and confidential support groups/wellness circles for mothers to find
comfort, validation, and resources from peers and an experienced facilitator.
Spanish-speaking facilitators are available.
Centro Binacional Para El Desarrollo Indígena Oaxaqueño (CBDIO)
Mamas Platicando y Sanando
Mamas Platicando y Sanando (“Mamas Talking and Healing”) is
an interactive maternal mental health and early intervention program that
supports pregnant women and mothers with children under five years of
age to manage stress, reduce symptoms of depression, and facilitate connections
with local mental health services. CBDIO’s community workers assist
indigenous mothers through relationship-based connections and support
groups. Additionally, the community workers host platicas (“talks”)
where mothers share useful tools and skills with pregnant and new mothers
to support them in motherhood.
Insightful professionals offer counseling and a postpartum group for women
struggling with postpartum mental health. Referrals can be made to that
group by a primary care doctor or a mental health provider. Conducts sessions
virtually and in-person. Accepts Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Tricare, Cigna,
Aetna, United Healthcare, United Behavioral Health, Multiplan, Medicare,
Coastal TPA, Magellan
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral health
conditions through counseling, medication management, and other approaches.
Conducts sessions virtually and in-person Accepts Aetna, Aetna Medicare
Advantage, Aspire, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CCAH (Beacon Health Options),
Cigna, Coastal, Coventry, EMSF, Health Net, Medicare, NX Health, PHA,
Tri-Care, UHC (Optum), VA, Valley Health Plan, and private pay
Cindy A Stein, PhD, CNM, MPH Doctorate in nursing, Masters in midwifery and public health
cindyastein.com
Perinatal mental health therapists who accept private insurance and/or
private pay
The providers in this list have maternal mental health training/experience.
Please call your insurance for a list of providers to verify which therapists
listed are contracted with your insurance plan. Direct any specific questions
regarding qualifications or billing to the providers listed.
Locations are in Los Altos and Half Moon Bay Conducts sessions virtually
and in-person Accepts Kaiser, private pay, and can be billed as out-of-network provider.
Conducts sessions virtually Accepts Aetna, private pay and can be billed
as out-of-network provider
Sheryl Stewart, LMFT
207 16th Street, suite 315, Pacific Grove | 831-373-2502
Conducts sessions virtually and in-person. Accepts Blue Shield (Magellan),
Anthem, Blue Shield of CA, Aetna, United Behavioral Health, and private pay.
Conducts sessions virtually. Accepts some Blue Shield plan.
Perinatal mental health therapists who accept private pay
The providers in this list have maternal mental health training/experience.
Please call your insurance to verify if you have out-of-network benefits
if you are looking for reimbursement.
Jennifer Mendoza, LCSW, PMH-C (Jennifer Buehler Mendoza Therapy)
Perinatal mental health therapists who accept Tricare
The providers in this list have maternal mental health training/experience.
Please call your insurance for a list of providers to verify which therapists
listed are contracted with your insurance plan. Direct any specific questions
regarding qualifications or billing to the providers listed.
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral health
conditions through counseling, medication management, and other approaches.
Conducts sessions virtually and in-person Accepts Aetna, Aetna Medicare
Advantage, Aspire, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CCAH (Beacon Health Options),
Cigna, Coastal, Coventry, EMSF, Health Net, Medicare, NX Health, PHA,
Tri-Care, UHC (Optum), VA, Valley Health Plan, and private pay.
Sheryl Stewart, LMFT
207 16th St Suite 315, Pacific Grove | 831-373-2502
Conducts sessions virtually and in-person.
Father Support
Postpartum Support International | Help for Dads
One in ten dads gets postpartum depression, and up to 18 percent develop
a clinically significant anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety
disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder
at some point during the pregnancy or the first year postpartum. Join
support groups, text the helpline, or find local listings of paternal
mental health support.
Expectant fathers enjoy an informal, hands-on class that provides practical
information and a real boost of confidence about handling the baby’s
impending arrival. Join for virtual new father classes.
Dope Black Dads is a digital safe space for fathers who wish to discuss
their experiences of being black, a parent, and masculinity in the modern
world. The aim is to celebrate, heal, inspire, and educate black fathers
for better outcomes for black families.
Dad’s Support Group meetings once a month — every third Thursday
online from 6−7 p.m.
Father’s Corner for New and Expecting Dads
Dads of babies under 12-months old are invited to join this free group
that explores the feeling of gratitude and the experience of challenge
that comes with becoming a new father. Discussions include understanding
feelings of stress and confusion, navigating relationships, and caring
for your baby, your co-parent, and yourself
Padre Cadre addresses two of the most common issues fathers face: a lack
of information specifically for dads, and the tendency for new dads’
worlds to shrink down to just work and family. Padre Cadre equips men
with tools to help them thrive as fathers. You will find the option to
ask questions anonymously and connect with a “mentor dad.”
Having a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be a very
lonely and isolating experience, but you don’t have to do it alone.
It is vitally important to find a support network, and Hand to Hold can
help. Hand to Hold includes counseling, support groups, peer mentorship,
and online communities.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) journey can be an overwhelming
experience for parents and having family support can alleviate the hardship.
Project NICU provides customized family support that includes parent support,
parent education, sibling support, peer mentorship, and antepartum support.
Led by trained Postpartum Support International (PSI) facilitators, the
online Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) group is intended for parents
of babies who are currently in the NICU or who used to receive care in the NICU.
Having a baby in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be a very
lonely and isolating experience, but you don’t have to do it alone.
It is vitally important to find a support network, and Hand to Hold can
help. Hand to Hold includes counseling, support groups, peer mentorship,
and online communities.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) journey can be an overwhelming
experience for parents and having family support can alleviate the hardship.
Project NICU provides customized family support that includes parent support,
parent education, sibling support, peer mentorship, and antepartum support.
Led by trained Postpartum Support International (PSI) facilitators, the
online Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) group is intended for parents
of babies who are currently in the NICU or who used to receive care in the NICU.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, offered by H.A.N.D. of Santa Clara/
Santa Cruz Chapter (Helping After Neonatal Death)
HAND’s mission is to help parents, their families, and their healthcare
providers cope with the loss of a baby before, during, or after birth.
HAND offers peer support groups, telephone support, hospital visitation,
quarterly newsletter, lending library, website, social media, community
education, publications and service of remembrance.
Postpartum Support International/ Loss & Grief in Pregnancy and Postpartum
Experiencing the loss of a pregnancy, infant, or child brings unimaginable
pain, grief, and isolation. Non-judgmental support, information, and connection
with others is available to you. Resources include pregnancy and infant
loss support groups, a provider directory, and a comprehensive list of
helpful resources.
Heal Together provides pregnancy and infant loss support for the whole
family. One-on-one grief counseling and telehealth help you understand
the grieving process. Bereavement groups are offered for children and adults.
No one understands what it is like to suffer the loss of a baby like a
parent who has been there. Wherever you are in your grief, we want you
to know that you are not alone. Hand to Hold is ready to support you,
whether it is today, a month from today, or a year from today. This organization
provides support groups, counseling, one-on-one peer support, and additional
bereavement resources and organizations.
Military families face unique stressors that make them more susceptible
to experiencing perinatal mental health disorders. Resources include support
groups and resources specific for veterans.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, please
call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency that
requires urgent attention, CHOMP’s Emergency Department has a team
of psychiatric social workers, nurses, and doctors who can provide an
urgent evaluation and recommendations for the next steps in care. Following
evaluation, patients may be referred to inpatient, crisis stabilization,
or outpatient services for further care.
El Camino Health Women’s Specialty Unit & MOMS Program
El Camino Health’s Women’s Specialty Unit offers general acute
care mental health services with a focus on perinatal mental health conditions.
The specialty unit provides compassionate care from a highly trained team
committed to helping women and new moms who are experiencing symptoms
of these conditions.
Trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support
to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources or information.
Help is available in English, Spanish, and other languages. Chat support
is available online by texting “START” to 88788.
Safe and confidentially connect with a trained staff member from a sexual
assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of
free services. Crisis chat support is available online.
Monterey County Rape Crisis Center
mtryrapecrisis.org 831-375-HELP (4357) (Monterey Peninsula) 831-424-HELP (4357) (Salinas
and South County)
The helplines are free, confidential, and available 24/7 in Spanish and
English. Sexual assault counselors are ready to provide crisis intervention
services and referrals to survivors, family, friends, and community members.
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