(Washington, DC) – Today, during the fourth annual National Maternal and Infant Health Summit, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Thrive by Five DC, led by Dr. Faith Gibson Hubbard, announced a partnership with Canopie to provide free access to a Canopie, a research-based maternal mental health program and app that uses clinically validated techniques recommended for preventing and treating depression and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
“We know that mental health conditions are the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth,” said Mayor Bowser. “When we come together at the Maternal and Infant Health Summit, it’s to sound the alarm on critical issues, but also to make sure people know about the resources and programs available to them. Canopie is one more tool we can use to support new parents in DC and get families connected to the right care at the right time.”
The Canopie program has been designed to address the key barriers that keep mothers and childbearing parents from getting help – including time, stigma, childcare, and cost. The app uses clinically validated therapeutic techniques and helps individuals understand and manage common challenges from pregnancy through early parenthood and motherhood. It features a customized 10-day program with audio sessions in English and Spanish, along with personalized coaching to address the key challenges that a mother or birthing parent may be having. Those who are pregnant or new parents in the District can find the app by searching for “Canopie App” in the app store, and then clicking “I live in Washington DC.”
For many mothers and birthing parents the perinatal period can be one of the most stressful of their lives. In addition to teaching recommended therapeutic techniques, Canopie supports moms and parents by normalizing these struggles to reduce feelings of stigma and shame.
The techniques provided by Canopie are drawn from cognitive behavioral therapy, compassion focused therapy and interpersonal therapy. The app also provides a journal, mood tracking, recorded stories from other moms, and written transcripts.