MOCHA Protocol: Embedded Inpatient Mental Health Care for High-Risk Perinatal Patients
Indiana University
Summary
Pregnant and postpartum patients hospitalized for medical complications experience high rates of depression, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms, yet access to timely psychiatric care during obstetric hospitalization is limited. Project MOCHA integrates early mental health screening, trauma-informed psychotherapy, and structured follow-up into routine inpatient maternity care for individuals at elevated clinical risk. This single-arm implementation study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of delivering a Collaborative Mental Health Care Program within a high-risk obstetric inpatient setting. The program includes brief inpatient psychotherapy, symptom monitoring, and post-discharge follow-up over three months. Preliminary changes in depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and posttraumatic stress symptoms will be assessed to inform future effectiveness trials and broader health system integration.
Description
Project MOCHA is a low-risk study that investigates how well a collaborative mental health care program can be delivered to pregnant and postpartum patients who are hospitalized for medical complications. The program is offered on a high-risk obstetric unit at the Riley Maternity Tower and is designed to support emotional well-being during and after hospitalization. Before joining the study, all patients receive their usual medical care. This includes evaluation in the Emergency Department and routine psychosocial assessments completed by hospital staff. These activities are part of standard…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–100 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years old or older * Pregnant (or recently have given birth) at any gestational age * Must have experienced at least one adverse pregnancy outcome * Admitted for an extended inpatient stay * English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Under 18 years old * Not currently pregnant or past one year postpartum * Not experienced at least one adverse pregnancy outcome * Not admitted for an extended inpatient stay at RMT
Interventions
- BehavioralCollaborative Mental Health Care Program (CMHCP)
The CMHCP intervention provides mental health support to pregnant and postpartum patients hospitalized for medical complications on a high-risk obstetric unit. After enrollment, participants complete a brief mental health questionnaire. During their hospital stay, participants may receive brief individual therapy sessions delivered in person and adapted to medical needs and length of stay. Therapy uses trauma-informed strategies to support emotional well-being. Participants complete short symptom check-ins during hospitalization, and some may receive optional telehealth sessions if additional support is needed. Participants are contacted about three months after discharge for follow-up to assess mental health symptoms and well-being.
Location
- Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University HealthIndianapolis, Indiana