Effective Strategies for Mental Health Clinicians in the Treatment of Depression, Anxiety and Trauma Associated with Infertility and Pregnancy Loss.   

Description

Approximately 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infertility rates continue to rise. While demand for fertility treatment centers rise, the mental health infrastructure is not prepared to treat individuals who are experiencing this kind of loss.  According to reproductive psychology expert, Dr. Julie Bindeman PsyD., “there is a vast silence around pregnancy and infant loss in our society and it extends to clinical training programs.”    

Healthcare professionals often underestimate the emotional distress of early pregnancy loss. Known as the “Secret Grief”, hopeful parents are often left to navigate their emotions alone.  As mental health clinicians, it is our ethical responsibility to meet the demands of this vulnerable population by expanding our competence in the areas of infertility and pregnancy loss.