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Perinatal Peer Support for Veterans With Serious Mental Illness
Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Veterans with serious mental illness (SMI) are at high risk of exacerbation of mental illness in pregnancy and postpartum, with consequences including poor pregnancy outcomes, decreased functioning, and impaired child development. Peer support could play a key role in supporting pregnant and postpartum Veterans with SMI. In this study, investigators will develop (Aims 1 and 2) and pilot (Aim 3) a peer specialist-delivered perinatal mental health intervention for Veterans with SMI, drawing from evidence-based models and input from Veterans, key VA clinical staff, and subject matter experts. The intervention will be piloted to assess its feasibility and acceptability, as well as exploratory clinical outcomes including postpartum functioning and mental health symptoms.
Official title: Improving the Perinatal Mental Health of Veterans With Serious Mental Illness Through Peer Support
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
Any - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
24
Start Date
2028-07-01
Completion Date
2030-12-31
Last Updated
2026-01-23
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Perinatal peer support
The final intervention model, components, and timeline will be determined in an iterative process incorporating scientific evidence with input from Veterans, staff, and leadership in Aims 1 and 2. Preliminarily, the intervention is anticipated to begin with perinatal peer specialist contact by week 32 of pregnancy and continue for a duration of \~6 months. Session content may include psychoeducation and assessment of functional goals (e.g., related to employment, relationships, or illness management) and unmet social needs (e.g., housing, childcare, financial). Given that the initial postpartum period is a time of increased need for social support and vulnerability to mental health decline, peer support contact will continue until approximately 3 months postpartum.
Locations (1)
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, West Los Angeles, CA
West Los Angeles, California, United States