Experiences of Women Participating in a Student-Led, Virtual Group Counseling Program for Maternal Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose To describe the experiences of women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) who participated in a virtual group counseling program for maternal mental health during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Method A qualitative descriptive design was used. Participants were recruited from Facebook parenting groups targeted to women with children in Indiana. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were conducted in a virtual setting. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using content analysis to yield themes. Results Nine women with PMADs participated in the virtual group counseling program. Three themes were identified: (1) The Program Reduced Symptoms of PMADs Amplified by the COVID-19 Pandemic , (2) The Program Advanced Practical Solutions , and (3) The Program Bolstered Social Support . Conclusion Participants experienced heightened symptoms of PMADs during the pandemic. Participants' experiences in the student-led, virtual counseling program suggest that providers could enhance social support and screening for PMADs for women in the perinatal period through virtual programs. Graduate-level psychology students could be considered to decrease the national shortage of mental health providers. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 63 (7), 26–32.]
Institution: Purdue University West Lafayette
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Awards: G1679780777, G9000066888
OpenAlex ID: W4408329733