The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology is addressing a critical need in maternal health through the Perinatal Consultation Clinic (PCC), a specialized outpatient service designed to provide timely psychiatric care for patients during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Launched in April 2025, the clinic is led by Calley H. Johnston, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology. The PCC offers psychiatric consultation and medication management for patients from conception through 12 months postpartum, as well as individuals seeking preconception guidance related to mental health treatment.
"There has been a growing need for improved access to mental health care for pregnant patients at UAB," Johnston said. "I was approached by leadership in my department about starting a clinic to serve this population, and we launched the clinic in April 2025."
Prior to the clinic's opening, providers had limited options for referring patients who required timely psychiatric evaluation and medication management during pregnancy. The PCC was developed to fill that gap, creating a dedicated pathway for patients navigating mental health concerns during a uniquely vulnerable stage of life.
The clinic accepts referrals primarily from UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology providers, while also welcoming referrals from primary care providers. More recently, the service expanded to accept referrals from emergency department providers for patients who receive obstetric care through UAB.
As a consultation-based service, the clinic provides focused psychiatric care until patients' symptoms and medications are stabilized. Patients are then transitioned to a long-term psychiatric provider, primary care provider, or another appropriate care setting for ongoing management.
The PCC serves patients experiencing a wide range of psychiatric concerns, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders. Providers offer expert guidance on medication selection and the safety of psychiatric treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Both in-person and telehealth appointments are available, helping improve access for patients across the region.
Johnston oversees all referrals and triages patients based on the complexity of their needs. The clinic's multidisciplinary team includes Johnston and three psychiatry residents who staff a resident continuity clinic, as well as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Before patients are seen, a team of social workers conducts phone intakes, while front desk team members assist with scheduling and care coordination.
According to Johnston, timely access to specialized psychiatric care can make a meaningful difference for both patients and their families.
"The perinatal period is an incredibly vulnerable time in a woman's life for those with preexisting mental health disorders," Johnston said. "It's also not uncommon to have new onset psychiatric issues that arise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Easy access to psychiatric providers with specific knowledge about this population and the safety of psychiatric medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding is critical, and I believe absolutely improves outcomes for patients and their families."
The PCC is one of several recent efforts within the department to expand maternal mental health services. The department also recently established the Maternal Mental Health Psychotherapy Clinic, led by Rebecca Rampe, Ph.D. Patients seen through the PCC may be referred to Rampe's clinic when appropriate. The psychotherapy program is designed specifically for individuals who have experienced trauma or neglect and are seeking support with parenting, emotional regulation, relationships, and self-worth.
Looking ahead, Johnston hopes to continue broadening access to these specialized services.
"At this time, referrals are sent through UAB OBGYN or primary care providers, although referrals can also come through emergency department providers for established UAB OBGYN patients," Johnston said. "My hope is to expand to include St. Vincent's referrals in the coming years and maybe beyond."