The Birth of a mother: foundations in perinatal mental health
online CE
August 28, 2026
10 am - 11 am CDT
$30
Online (Zoom)
1 CE credit approved by Kansas BSRB
This introductory training provides a foundational overview of perinatal mental health, equipping clinicians with essential knowledge to better support individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Participants will explore the spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including common presentations, risk factors, and the impact on both parent and infant.
Through a blend of psychoeducation and practical application, this training will highlight the emotional, psychological, and relational transitions that occur during the perinatal period. Clinicians will be introduced to screening tools, early identification strategies, and culturally responsive approaches to care. Emphasis will be placed on normalizing the perinatal experience while also recognizing when additional support or intervention is needed.
This training is ideal for mental health professionals, educators, healthcare providers, and anyone seeking to build confidence in supporting perinatal clients with competence and compassion.
Learning Objectives
Identify the signs and symptoms of common perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including depression, anxiety, OCD, and postpartum psychosis.
Describe key risk factors, protective factors, and the biopsychosocial changes that impact mental health during the perinatal period.
Integrate basic screening and support strategies to effectively recognize and respond to perinatal mental health concerns in clinical practice.
About the Presenters
Leah Schwarz, LSCSW, RPT, PMH-C, RST-C/T
Leah is a bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist and owner of Hope Esperanza Counseling LLC. She has over 12 years of experience as a social worker, working in community mental health, a domestic violence agency, and now in private practice. The first part of Leah’s career centered around working with children and families, and in recent years she has pivoted to specializing in perinatal mental health, supporting new and expecting parents. Leah is trained in EMDR and loves using sandtray therapy with clients of all ages. Leah also co-owns Hope Roots Collective in Olathe, KS - a wellness collective focused on incorporating nature into healing, supporting therapists in building practices aligned with their values, and reducing burnout among providers.
Kristine Page, LCPC, LPC, PMH-C
Kristine is a therapist and the owner of Turning The Page, LLC, a private practice based in Olathe, Kansas. She has over 14 years of experience working with individuals across the lifespan. Kristine began her career in community mental health and at a child advocacy center, where she specialized in working with children and teens. During this time, she developed a strong foundation in play therapy and sandtray therapy, supporting children and families in processing complex experiences.
Over the past six years, Kristine has transitioned her focus to the perinatal period, where she supports individuals navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and identity shifts into parenthood. In her work with the perinatal population, she continues to integrate sandtray therapy with adults, creating space to explore trauma, identity, and personal values in a meaningful and experiential way.
1 continuing education unit
Approved by the kansas bsrb (26-009)
$30
Cancellation requests may be submitted in writing to [email protected] up to 7 calendar days prior to the event for a full refund, minus a $15 administrative fee for trainings 3 hours or less or $30 for trainings over 3 hours. Full refunds will not be given after the 7 days unless deemed an unavoidable emergency or illness, with notice prior to the event. CE credits will be granted only for attended hours in accordance with CE guidelines. Partial refunds will not be given for late arrivals or early departures. If Hope Roots Collective has to cancel a training due to low attendance, illness, or weather, participants will be given the option of a full refund or when applicable, transferring their enrollment to a rescheduled date.
