Paugus Bay Behavioral Health

Mental Health and Addiction Treatment for Pregnant Women in New Hampshire

Types of Treatment

Psychotherapy

Medications

Lifestyle

Clinical Program

  • Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Care: Offering specialized Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other proven techniques, adapted for pregnant women to ensure effective treatment for both mental health disorders and substance use.
  • Tailored Wellness Plans: Crafting personalized treatment strategies that address the dual challenges of mental health and addiction, considering the unique physiological and emotional needs during pregnancy.
  • Prioritized Individual Sessions: Providing up to 3 dedicated individual therapy sessions weekly for pregnant patients, focusing on personalized care that navigates the complexities of pregnancy, mental health, and recovery.
  • Pregnancy-Specific Group Support: Facilitating group therapy sessions designed for pregnant women, fostering a nurturing environment of peer support and shared experiences related to mental health and substance recovery.
  • Comprehensive Continuum of Care: Ensuring a holistic approach to treatment that spans from pregnancy through postpartum, emphasizing long-term wellness, maternal mental health, and early parenting support.

Medical Care

  • Specialized Medical Oversight: Expert medical care led by professionals trained in both obstetrics and addiction medicine, ensuring safe and effective treatment for pregnant women.
  • Comprehensive Health Evaluations: Thorough assessments to identify and address the complex medical, obstetric, and psychological needs of pregnant women facing mental health and substance use challenges.
  • Medication Safety and Management: Careful selection and management of medications to ensure the safety of both mother and baby, while effectively treating mental health symptoms and managing substance withdrawal.
  • Integrated Pregnancy Care: Coordination between psychiatric care and prenatal services, offering a seamless approach to support the overall health of the mother and the developing fetus.
  • Accessible Support Services: Provision of additional health services, including nutritional counseling, prenatal yoga, and stress management techniques, designed to support the physical and emotional well-being of pregnant women in recovery.

Addiction and Pregnancy

  • Prenatal Addiction Counseling: Specialized counseling services addressing the unique challenges and risks associated with addiction during pregnancy, promoting healthy outcomes for both mother and baby.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Adaptations: Offering adapted MAT options for pregnant women, ensuring the safe and effective management of substance withdrawal symptoms while minimizing risks to fetal health.
  • Targeted Substance Use Monitoring: Regular monitoring of substance use to ensure the health and safety of the pregnant patient, employing non-judgmental support and intervention strategies as needed.
  • Obstetric Care Integration: Close collaboration with obstetric care providers to monitor pregnancy progress and manage any complications arising from substance use, ensuring comprehensive prenatal care.
  • Postpartum Recovery Support: Extending support beyond birth to address postpartum recovery and relapse prevention, with a focus on strengthening maternal health and fostering a safe environment for the newborn.

Parenting with Mental Illness

  • Specialized Mental Health Assessments: Tailored evaluations to understand the specific mental health needs of pregnant women, ensuring that both maternal and fetal health are prioritized.
  • Pregnancy-Safe Psychiatric Care: Expert psychiatric treatment options that are safe for pregnancy, carefully managing and adjusting medications to support mental health without compromising fetal development.
  • Integrated Prenatal Support: Coordination between mental health professionals and prenatal care providers to ensure a holistic approach to the health of the mother and the developing baby.
  • Emotional and Psychological Support: Access to dedicated support services, including therapy and support groups, focused on addressing the emotional and psychological challenges faced by pregnant women.
  • Postpartum Mental Health Planning: Proactive planning for postpartum care, recognizing the increased risk of certain mental health conditions post-birth, and establishing support systems in advance.

Motherhood with a Dual-Diagnosis

  • Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Comprehensive treatment plans that address both mental health and addiction issues simultaneously, recognizing the interconnected nature of these conditions.
  • Specialized Maternal-Fetal Care: Collaborative care between mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and obstetric providers to ensure the safety and well-being of both the pregnant woman and her developing baby.
  • Customized Medication Management: Individualized medication management strategies that prioritize both mental health stabilization and substance use disorder management, with careful consideration of fetal safety.
  • Therapeutic Support Services: Access to a range of therapeutic interventions, including individual therapy, group counseling, and peer support groups, tailored to address the complex needs of dual diagnosis patients during pregnancy.
  • Holistic Postpartum Planning: Comprehensive postpartum planning that includes ongoing mental health support, addiction relapse prevention strategies, and early intervention services to promote maternal and infant well-being beyond childbirth.

Our Medical Director

Dr. Ryan Wakim, MD

Ryan J. Wakim, M.D. completed his undergraduate education at Wheeling Jesuit University before moving to Morgantown to attend West Virginia University where he completed his primary medical education and residency as chief resident of psychiatry.

He is board certified in psychiatry with personal interests in addiction, mood disorders, and trauma-related disorders.

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