Maternal & Family Center

Promoting Maternal Mental Health Before, During & After Pregnancy

The Maternal & Family Center meets the mental health care needs for prenatal, pregnant, and up to two year postpartum women and families.

This program is designed for women and families who are trying to conceive, are currently pregnant or postpartum, or who have suffered grief related to a pregnancy or loss of a young child. Specialty care is provided with expertise in treating the whole family, including pregnancy in teens and young adults.

We participate in most major medical insurance plans, including Medicaid. CarePlus NJ will never turn an individual or family away due to inability to pay. Services can be provided in-person or remotely.

Did you know that 1 in 5 women and 3 in 5 women of color experience changes in their mental health before, during and after pregnancy?

The goal of this program is to help women improve their ability to cope and function in their daily lives and enable women and families to develop skills to promote mental health wellness. Maternal mental health disorders, also known as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS) can manifest in a variety of ways.

Overwhelming Exhaustion And Fatigue
Withdrawal From Family And Friends
Deep Sadness Or Hopelessness
Not Feeling Like Yourself
Lack Of Joy In Life
Feelings Of Shame, Guilt, Or Inadequacy
Difficulty Bonding With The Baby
Intense Irritability Or Anger
Severe Mood Swings
Excessive Worrying

If you have experienced any of the symptoms above, know that you are not alone. We are here for support.

Our Services

Our program is equipped to address conditions such as depression, anxiety, other mood disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, OCD, psychosis, and other mental health conditions.

Counseling & Support

Our licensed professional counselors and licensed social workers offer individual, family, and couples counseling along with support groups to help every step of the way. This includes family support as well as education for dads, spouses, partners, and loved ones.

Care Coordination

Coordination with a primary care doctor, OB/GYN, or outside mental health professionals. This includes case management and support through a biopsychosocial approach.

Medication Management

Our board-certified psychiatrists and advanced practice nurses have specialty training to provide medication evaluation, management, and counseling.

Online Support Groups

The Maternal & Family Center at CarePlus is dedicated to supporting families throughout the many stages parenthood. Our virtual support groups provide a safe space for parents to ask questions, share their own stories, and receive support from others who have encountered similar emotions and experiences.

NICU Families

Having an experience with the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can put a heavy burden on a family. It’s important for parents to take care of their mental health. This virtual community offers a space for parents to talk about their experiences with other families who spent time in the NICU.

Mondays | 4:00-5:00pm

Infant & Pregnancy Loss

The loss of a pregnancy, infant, or child brings unimaginable pain and grief, and can make you feel alone and lost. This virtual community offers support for parents who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn death or termination of pregnancy, as well as to women who are pregnant following a loss.

Thursdays | 4:00-5:00pm

New Parents

New parents often experience stress, baby blues, postpartum depression or anxiety, and more. This virtual community offers an opportunity for new parents to connect, learn about resources, practice self care, and gather helpful tools needed to navigate the journey of new parenthood.

Tuesdays | 4:00-5:00pm

Meet Our Chief Medical Director

Jerry Joseph, MD

Chief Medical Office, CarePlus NJ.

Member of each of the following:

American Psychiatric Association (APA)
American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP)
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
Doctor of Medicine, Saint George’s University, School of Medicine
Albert Einstein School of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Psychiatry Fellowship NJ State Medical License

“We believe that any addict or alcoholic, regardless of drug of choice, race, or gender seeking help will find solutions at CarePlus New Jersey. We accept all state funded insurances as well as a long list of HMO’s, PPO’s, and Private Pay.”

The Maternal & Family Center services are tailored to fit the individual needs of the women and families we serve. Our dedicated team of experts are specially trained in perinatal mental health and certified by Postpartum Support International.

The mission of Postpartum Support International is to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide.

It is the vision of PSI that every woman and family worldwide will have access to information, social support, and informed professional care to deal with mental health issues related to childbearing. PSI promotes this vision through advocacy and collaboration, and by educating and training the professional community and the public.

If you are new to CarePlus NJ services, you can request your intake appointment by completing our referral form:

A Continuum of Care: Wraparound Services

Our specialized programs provide seamless access to services designed to support wellness and recovery in all aspects of life. Upon evaluation, individuals and families are engaged in treatment planning to determine the most appropriate level of care, ranging from Early Intervention to Outpatient Withdrawal Management. Program support and follow-up care continues as needed.

For more information or to make a referral, please call (201) 986-5056

Ask for the Maternal & Family Center | Monday – Friday | 9:00am- 5:00pm

Hours are flexible based on individual needs. Services are covered by most health insurance plans, however, individuals will be be denied services due to their inability to pay.