4: Uninterrupted access to mental health and psychosocial support services

while their infant is admitted to the NICU. Virtual care services may be preferred, based on the local context or if parent need/parent preference warrants it.

Best practice, as recommended by the National Perinatal Association (NPA) and supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), is to provide parents in the NICU with  access to a dedicated psychologist or other qualified mental health professional

Chapter 4 Key Points

Awareness

  • NICU stress can lead to longterm trauma
  • Emotional support is part of clinical care
  • Equitable access prevents mental health crises
  • Early screening and follow-up improve outcomes

Assessment

  • Review availability of on-site mental health providers
  • Evaluate referral pathways and privacy supports
  • Assess access for partners and non-birthing parents
  • Identify gaps in peer support or bereavement care

Action

  • Screen parents regularly for stress and depression
  • Embed mental health checkins in NICU routine
  • Provide culturally sensitive counselling options
  • Connect families with peer mentors and community supports
  • Integrate psychosocial care in discharge planning

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Authors

Lucia Jakobs, BA

Lelis Bauzá Vernon, SQIL

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© 2026 Family-Centered Care Taskforce. Family-Centered Care Taskforce. All rights reserved. This toolkit may be reproduced and distributed freely for educational and non-commercial purposes with attribution. Any use of this content must acknowledge the Family-Centered Care Taskforce as the source. No portion of this toolkit may be altered or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission. Custom illustrations created for this project are for FCC Taskforce toolkit use only and may not be altered or reused separately.

DISCLAIMER
Readers are advised to adapt the guidelines and resources based on their local facility’s level of care and patient populations served and are also advised not to rely solely on the guidelines presented here.