"When It's More Than the Blues": A Collaborative Response to Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 13% of new mothers. The consequences for a woman diagnosed with PPD, her new infant, and her family can be serious and long-lasting. This article describes an innovative consultation-liaison service between 1 community mental health clinic and public health centers specializing in the early detection and treatment of PPD. The benefits of the consultation-liaison model are presented, including: (1) data from a chart review describing client demographics, diagnostic, and treatment information and (2) results of a satisfaction survey completed by public health staff, including modifications made to the service in response to the satisfaction survey. The implications of the consultation-liaison PPD treatment model as a practice concept significant to the emerging trend of Primary Care Networking are outlined and emphasized, in the light of the study results.