EBB 401 - Perinatal Mental Health for 2SLGBTQ+ Parents with Dr. Leiszle Lapping-Carr, Clinical Psychologist

Perinatal mental health outcomes for 2SLGBTQ+ parents are significantly impacted by minority stress and a lack of societal safety, resulting in depression rates up to 50% higher than those of cisgender, heterosexual counterparts. Dr. Leiszle Lapping-Carr, a clinical psychologist, emphasizes that these disparities stem from systemic discrimination rather than inherent identity traits. To address this, evidence-based interventions like the "Mothers and Babies" program require critical adaptations, shifting from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy—which often pathologizes systemic concerns—toward strategies that validate external stressors and promote chosen family support. Effective care requires healthcare providers to move beyond superficial gestures by implementing inclusive intake forms, respecting chosen names and pronouns, and ensuring staff-wide cultural competency. Ultimately, navigating the current mental health landscape necessitates that parents leverage word-of-mouth networks to identify truly affirming, specialized clinical support.