In its first year, nearly 12,000 people received support from Hotel Line’s professional advisors. “You made me feel the way I felt and make me feel that there is hope for me.”
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) today celebrated the first anniversary of the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Since its launch on Mother’s Day 2022, the hotline’s professional counselors have provided emotional support, resources and referrals to nearly 12,000 pregnant and postpartum individuals and their loved ones struggling with mental health issues.
Additionally, HRSA is introducing a toll-free number for the hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). The old number (1-833-9-HELP-4-MOMS or 1-833-943-5746) will continue to operate for another year.
“Every mother or mother-to-be, across our country, should have the help and support they need to stay healthy. This hotline is one way our administration is making maternal health and safety a priority,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.
“This hotline’s first year of service is a milestone in providing immediate access to mental health support and community-based resources during and after pregnancy,” said HS Secretary Xavier Becerra. The hotline is a key mechanism for the Biden-Harris administration to strengthen maternal health and mental health.
“Being pregnant or caring for a child can bring many new challenges, and the Maternal Mental Health Hotline is here to help. The hotline is available 24/7 by call or text to make it as easy as possible for moms and their families to reach out and get help,” HRSA Administrator Carol Johnson said. Mom, I urge you to call or text me at 1-833-TLC-MAMA to get the help and support you deserve.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline offers 24/7, free, confidential emotional support, resources and referrals before, during and after pregnancy. The hotline can be reached by phone or text in English and Spanish and provides interpreter services in more than 60 languages. Hotline counselors include professionals such as nurses or doctors, licensed mental health clinicians, certified doulas or childbirth educators, and certified peer support specialists.
In the first year:
- Hotline advisors responded to the offer 12,000 calls (70%) and texts (30%).
- The majority of individuals who contacted the hotline sought help for themselves (76%), while 5% of individuals called on behalf of someone else, such as a family member or friend.
- The main reasons for reaching out to the hotline are, 1) feeling overwhelmed, 2) depression and 3) anxiety.
- The average response time was under 30 seconds (phone call 23 seconds, text 16 seconds).
- “I don’t think I’m going to drown,” said one caller. I will be fine. I hope people understand. Another caller shared, “They made me feel and have hope.”
HRSA encourages all community-based providers, including health care and social service providers, early childhood and family support workers, and faith-based organizations, to learn about the new number, 1-833-TLC-MAMA. New promotional materials b Download Or Print order.
Expectant and new parents who are depressed or experiencing depression and anxiety and their loved ones should contact the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for support. and resources. Help is just a phone call or text away.
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is not intended as an emergency response line. Individuals who are at risk of harming themselves or others should call 911. Individuals in mental health crisis should continue to contact the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
For more information on the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, visit: https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline.