Maryland Gets ‘C’ in Maternal Mental Health Care

Maryland has received a ‘C’ grade from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, indicating that while the state outperforms many others in maternal mental-health care, significant improvements are needed. The United States as a whole earned a ‘C-minus,’ underscoring a national challenge in addressing maternal mental health. Maternal mental-health disorders, including postpartum depression and anxiety, affect one in five mothers and are the leading cause of maternal mortality in the U.S., highlighting the urgency of effective interventions.

In Maryland, screening rates for maternal mental-health issues remain low. Fewer than one in five women enrolled in Medicaid and only one in ten with private insurance are screened during or after pregnancy. Caitlin Murphy, a research scientist at the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, emphasized the critical role of screenings, stating, “It’s becoming increasingly well-known that the scope of maternal mental health need in the U.S. is massive. Right now, maternal mental-health disorders do impact one in five mothers in the U.S., and currently, maternal mental-health conditions are the leading cause of maternal mortality in the U.S., as well.” Early detection is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment, yet only 22% of women who screen positive for depression receive mental-health treatment, revealing a significant gap in follow-up care.

To address this, Murphy recommended that Maryland require Medicaid insurers to track maternal mental-health screening rates. This step could help identify and close gaps in care, ensuring more women receive the support they need. The low treatment rate for those screening positive underscores the need for systemic changes to improve access to mental-health services.

Despite these challenges, Maryland excels in key areas. The state has a relatively high number of prescribers trained specifically in maternal mental health, enabling specialized care for expectant and new mothers. Additionally, Maryland stands out for providing enhanced reimbursements for group prenatal care, a model that fosters peer support. “And that actually creates a peer support system and built-in social supports, so that moms are able to connect with one another, not only during their pregnancy but then also postpartum,” Murphy explained. “These programs have been shown to be really effective at supporting moms’ mental health.” Programs like CenteringPregnancy bring women at similar pregnancy stages together for shared medical visits, education, and emotional support, reducing isolation and improving mental health outcomes.

The Policy Center’s report card shows Maryland outperforming many states, with 19 receiving failing grades and only seven earning higher marks. This positions Maryland as above average but not among the top performers, suggesting that while progress has been made, further efforts are needed to achieve best-in-class care.

Maternal mental health encompasses the emotional and psychological well-being of women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Conditions such as postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis can profoundly affect both mother and child. Early screening and intervention are vital to mitigate these risks, ensuring healthier outcomes for families. The Policy Center’s report card serves as a critical tool, guiding states like Maryland toward actionable improvements in maternal mental-health care.

Maryland’s Performance in Context

The following table summarizes key findings from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health’s report card:

This table highlights Maryland’s relative strengths while emphasizing the need for improved screening and treatment access. By addressing these gaps, Maryland can further enhance its maternal mental-health care system and serve as a model for other states.