Seleni Institute partners with New York City Nurse-Family Partnership
Seleni Institute Partners with New York City Nurse-Family Partnership
NEW YORK – October 10, 2017 – Seleni Institute has partnered with NYC Nurse- Family Partnership (NYC NFP), a program of the NYC Health Department, to train healthcare professionals in supporting the emotional wellbeing of young parents.
More than 122 NYC NFP nurses participated in MMHI4teens™ training led by Seleni Institute clinicians in Brooklyn. Over two days, NYC NFP’s team of nurses and mental health professionals learned evidenced-based approaches to addressing the emotional health issues specific to parenthood and unique to young parents.
Made possible by a grant from the hope & grace initiative, Seleni’s MMHI4teens™ combines our nationally-recognized evidence-based Maternal Mental Health Intensive program with expertise in adolescent mental health to create a one-of-a-kind training. The two-day course covers mental health screening and referral, emotional support during pregnancy, adjustment to parenthood, parent-infant attachment, relationship challenges with partners, parents, and peers, as well as managing the demands of school, work and becoming a parent.
"At Seleni we are dedicated to improving the emotional health of the next generation by supporting the emotional health of individuals and families now. Nowhere is that mission more important than with young parents who are at much greater risk for developing mental health disorders that can harm them and their children," says Annika Sten Pärson, executive director of Seleni. "By partnering with programs like NYC NFP Seleni brings our expertise in emotional health during the family building years to organizations that serve young parents. Together we can help them build a strong foundation for the next generation."
Pregnant and parenting adolescents are three times more likely to have a mental health disorder—such as depression or anxiety—prior to pregnancy and are at greater risk for developing one after delivery. That is why Seleni is committed to providing individual care and group support through our Young Parent Program.
"Seleni provided our nurses with an extremely useful training that gave voice to many of the mental health challenges they face with their clients each day," said Clarissa Davis-Igle, NYC NFP clinical nurse supervisor, whose previous roles with the program include nurse and nurse supervisor.
To learn more about the Seleni Institute’s Young Parent Program or MMHI4teens™, please visit the Young Parent Program page or call 212-939-7200.
About the Seleni Institute
The Seleni Institute is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the emotional health of individuals and families during the family building years to improve the lives of our generation and future generations. With our partners, we treat, train, support, advocate, and provide research funding for emotional health during the family building years. The organization was founded in 2011 to destigmatize and transform mental health and wellness by addressing real-life issues that challenge the emotional health of women, men, and their families.
About Nurse-Family Partnership
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a nationwide evidence-based nurse home visiting program that supports teens and women pregnant with their first baby. Women and girls up to 28 weeks pregnant are paired with registered nurses who provide support, guidance and information throughout pregnancy and until the child’s second birthday. NFP helps low-income first-time mothers have healthy pregnancies, become knowledgeable and nurturing parents, achieve education and employment goals and provide their children with the best possible start in life.
NYC Nurse-Family Partnership (NYC NFP) was launched by the NYC Health Department in 2003 and serves women and girls in all five boroughs at no cost to the client and regardless of the family’s immigration status. For more information, providers and expectant mothers can call 311 or visit nyc.gov/health/nfp.
