Military families face unique challenges, such as multiple moves, inconsistent support, involuntary isolation, and deployments. In fact, deployments contribute to military spouses being 2x more likely to screen positively for postpartum depression if their spouse is deployed during pregnancy. Despite these statistics, birthing persons are not provided with the basic education, treatment, support, or referrals to reduce their risk for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders adequately.

This workshop will teach attendees about military culture, terminology, risk factors, protective factors, and resources to support military families. Attendees will review case studies and discuss how to identify and support clients who may be at risk for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

After completing this webinar participants will be able to…

• Describe basic military culture, terminology, and common risk factors affecting birthing persons within military families
• Explain the deployment cycle to military families and offer supportive therapeutic techniques to manage their mental health during times of separation
• Identify at least three therapeutic techniques, current initiatives, and/or resources to support military families.

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Community Partners FBO Maternal Mental Health NOW is the sponsor of continuing education for this learning module and is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Community Partners FBO Maternal Mental Health NOW as the sponsor maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

SPEAKER:

Patience Riley, (she/her), NCC, LPC, PMH-C

Patience Riley is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist certified in perinatal mental health and has been practicing for 13 years. She received her BA in Psychology from Winthrop University and MA in Community Counseling from Clark Atlanta University. Patience is currently in private practice where she offers individual therapy, mental health workshops, and maintains her professional blog, WHOA MAMA.

In addition to her work as a therapist, Patience is the Communications Manager for the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color. She has spoken for organizations such as the Service Women’s Action Network, Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, Postpartum Support International, Brazelton Touchpoint Center, and the National Board of Certified Counselors. She has been featured on the Wall Street Journal Podcast, Military Birthtalk Podcast, in Vanity Fair London, Reckon News, Women’s eNews, and Izzy & Liv. In September 2023, Patience was the Military Families Magazine cover story, and has contributed pieces to the #HowRightNow campaign with the Center for Disease Control, Military Spouse Magazine, and Wounded Warrior Project.

In addition to her work as a Licensed Professional Counselor Patience is a member of the Military Birth Resources Network and Postpartum Coalition’s leadership council, PSI support group leader (mindfulness and military moms sub), a Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher (RPYT), and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Outside of her work within the mental health field, Patience is a creative, foodie, plant mom, festival junkie, wife to her college sweetheart, and mom of two little boys.