Celebrating the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

May 16, 2023

Nearly 12,000 people received support from the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline in its first year, federal officials announced this week.

The hotline, which debuted on Mother’s Day 2022, provides emotional support, resources, and referrals, and is part of a broader national effort to improve maternal health. The majority of people seeking help were doing so for themselves (76%). About 5 percent were seeking help for someone else, such as a family member or friend.

“Every mother or mother-to-be, across our nation, should have access to the help and support they need to be healthy,” Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement.

Here’s what you need to know:

• About:  The hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential emotional support, resources and referrals before, during, and after pregnancy. The hotline is accessible by phone or text in English and Spanish and offers interpreter services in more than 60 languages.
• Number to call:  The hotline has a new toll free number, 833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262).
• Help is available:  Hotline counselors include licensed health care providers, licensed mental health clinicians, certified doulas or childbirth educators, and certified peer support specialists.
• Top topics:  The top reasons people called the hotline were for feeling overwhelmed, depression, and anxiety. 
• Quotable:  “Being pregnant or caring for a child can bring many new challenges and the Maternal Mental Health Hotline is here to help,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “The hotline is available 24/7, via call or text, to make reaching out and getting help as easy as possible for mothers and their families.”

Additional information about the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available online.