What We Do
Support Families
We connect parents to specialized perinatal mental health providers and community resources so they feel heard, understood, and supported.
Educate Professionals
We provide trainings, workshops, and networking opportunities so that San Diego’s perinatal health providers can respond effectively to perinatal mental health concerns.
Advance Equity
We prioritize increasing resources for underserved communities and addressing disparities in mental health care and perinatal outcomes.
Support for Parents
If you or a loved one needs support throughout pregnancy or adjusting to parenthood, contact our Warmline or consult our online directory today.
Support for Providers
If you are a professional who works with perinatal individuals and families and want to join our professional network, or are looking for ways to give back, we invite you to be part of our mission.
Community Impact Statement
At PHA, we’re committed to supporting families, educating providers, and raising awareness about perinatal mental health. PHA advances equitable access to high-quality PMH care by prioritizing resources for underserved communities to reduce disparities in culturally responsive, trauma-informed care; developing inclusive programs and policies that improve representation, belonging, and support across perinatal care settings; and educating perinatal professionals on addressing inequities impacting BIPOC individuals to ensure patients feel heard, respected, and valued. Thanks to our dedicated members, volunteers, and supporters, we make meaningful strides toward our mission each year.
Raising Awareness of Perinatal Mental Health
We work to normalize mental health struggles during pregnancy and postpartum, reduce stigma, and provide families and providers with the information and resources they need. Our educational programs ensure that presenters and materials explicitly address systemic discrimination and racism, amplifying the voices of marginalized groups within the perinatal mental health community.
Expanding Access to Care
PHA strives to improve access to quality care for those most affected by systemic biases, including underserved and marginalized communities. Over the years, we have:
Equity, Inclusion & Representation
PHA values differences within our community and aims to make everyone feel included and represented in our activities, policies, and programs. Our efforts have included:
Lifelong Learners
At PHA, we are committed to shining a light on systemic barriers in perinatal health, including racism, implicit bias among providers, historical mistreatment of Black individuals and other people of color, and obstetric violence. We know this is ongoing work, and we are always learning and growing—this commitment is central to everything we do.
We welcome feedback from our continuing education (CE) attendees, members, and the broader community to help us improve. We also partner with organizations that provide direct care, working to ensure that every parent, including those on Medi-Cal, has access to compassionate, trauma-informed support. Our goal is simple: every person affected by perinatal mental health conditions has a voice and professional support they can rely on.
Non-Discrimination Statement
PHA is committed to fair and inclusive treatment for all community members and professionals. Our programs and membership are free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital or parental status, medical condition, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, race, religion, military status, or association with any protected group.
Any professional affiliated with PHA who violates this policy will be reviewed by our Membership Oversight Committee, with corrective action ranging from education or probation to dismissal. Concerns or complaints about PHA Board members, professional members, or partners can be submitted to info@postpartumhealthalliance.org or the PHA Board President.
Our History
The San Diego Postpartum Health Alliance (PHA) began in 1993, when a group of local clinicians recognized a critical gap in care for parents experiencing what was then called Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders or PMADs. Dr. Kelly Boyd, Susan Hickman, Dr. Leslie Craig, and Dr. Adele Josepho first gathered informally to discuss the need for better screening, treatment, and support. At the time, proactively addressing perinatal mental health was still considered a progressive idea—but these clinicians had seen firsthand the impact of PMADs, and they knew something had to change.
In 1997, Jane Honnikman, founder and president of Postpartum Support International (PSI), visited San Diego to attend a meeting at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital. With her guidance, the group organized into a nonprofit. In 1998, PHA took further shape as an organization led by Dr. Leslie Craig, Dr. Kelly Boyd-Bragadeste, Dr. Martha Diamond, Dr. Janet Jaffee, Dr. Adele Josepho, and Dr. Robert Hickman, husband of Susan Hickman, who had tragically passed away just before PHA’s launch. Susan’s legacy continues to inspire this work, and PSI honors her each year through a research award in her name.
Since then, PHA has grown into a volunteer-driven nonprofit sustained by a dedicated board, professional members, volunteers, and one part-time staff member. Our impact is made possible through the generous support of professional members, individuals and businesses in the community, and grants.
Special Thanks
PHA is grateful to those who have championed our mission over the years. Jane Honikman of PSI, Dr. Leslie W. Craig, Dr. Barbara Parry (UCSD), Mary Obata, MFT, and Dr. Chris Bernet, have each played a vital role in helping us thrive.
We also thank the First Five Commission, which provided our initial brochure funding, and Laura Galinson of Price-Galinson Charities, whose philanthropy guidance has been invaluable.
Last but not least, we are grateful for our countless past and current PHA Board Members and Peer Support Specialists. Without the support of our volunteers, PHA would not have accomplished so much over the last few decades. Please accept our heartfelt thank you!
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