Reproductive mental health care is not optional or “extra.” It is essential. When mothers are supported, families are supported.

“I’m a maternal mental health therapist and former therapist within UC San Diego’s Women’s Reproductive Mental Health program, and I feel heartbroken and deeply concerned by what is happening. I have spent the last 15 years supporting women through infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, loss, and the enormous emotional transition into parenthood. I know how vulnerable this season can be, and I know how life-changing it is when women have access to truly specialized psychiatric care. In my 8 years of working at the WRMH clinic I heard nothing short of this program not only saving their lives, but those of their families. Dr. Simi Brar and Dr. Alison Reminick have been an invaluable part of that care in San Diego. They are trusted not only by the patients they serve, but by countless therapists, physicians, and community providers who turn to them for their expertise, wisdom, and leadership. I cannot overstate how much these clinicians matter. I have personally known many women who chose UC San Diego specifically because they knew this level of mental health support was available during pregnancy and postpartum. Reproductive mental health care is not optional or “extra,” It is essential. When mothers are supported, families are supported. The thought of current patients losing continuity of care, and future patients losing access altogether, is devastating. Our community needs these clinicians. We need to protect this care.” – Chelsea Haakmeester Sybrandt