Michael Garron Hospital fills gap in mental health support for pregnant women in East Toronto

HN Summary

• Closing a gap in perinatal mental health care: Michael Garron Hospital’s Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Program provides specialized support for pregnant and postpartum patients experiencing mood and anxiety disorders. 

• Faster, community-based access: Average referral-to-appointment wait times have dropped from as long as six to nine months to 27 days in 2026, with psychiatric care also available at The Midwives’ Clinic of East York-Don Mills. 

• Support continues after birth: The program connects patients with ongoing postpartum resources, including cognitive behavioural therapy groups, creating a more seamless continuum of mental health care from pregnancy through postpartum.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) affect up to 20% of pregnant individuals – yet most cases remain untreated.

Michael Garron Hospital’s (MGH) Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Program is changing this by dramatically lowering wait times for support and destigmatizing getting help for mental health. 

This program connects pregnant patients with MGH psychiatrist, Dr. Neda Askari, who sees each person on a one-on-one basis.

“Women are more prone to psychiatric illness during periods of large hormonal changes, like during pregnancy. This period is one of the most vulnerable times for psychiatric illness and can negatively affect maternal health, obstetric outcomes, infant development and family well-being,” says Dr. Askari.

Support available right in the community

To make support as accessible as possible, pregnant people can access the program at MGH or directly in the community at The Midwives’ Clinic of East York-Don Mills (TMC).

Dr. Askari travels to TMC once a week, making TMC the first midwifery clinic in the province to offer access to an on-site psychiatrist. 

“Having perinatal psychiatry within a midwife clinic normalizes receiving mental healthcare as part of the spectrum of care available in the community,” says Christie Lockhart, Chief of Midwifery at MGH. “The clinic is already a place where people come for their primary care during pregnancy and this ensures they are getting holistic person-centred care that meets both their physical and mental health needs.”

Faster access to care 

Prior to the launch of this program, pregnant patients at MGH who needed mental health support could face long wait times of six to nine months – meaning they could give birth before their first appointment.

“In 2026, the program’s average wait time from referral to an appointment is only 27 days,” Dr. Askari explains. “We also ensure appointments are reserved each week for those who need care more urgently.”

Sharika, a client of TMC, was pregnant with her second baby when she was referred to MGH’s Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Program.

“I gave birth to my first child in 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. I developed severe postpartum depression, anxiety and rage,” Sharika shares. “When I became pregnant last year, I knew I didn’t want to go through that again. I told my midwives about my history and they immediately referred me to this program.”

“My experience has been very positive – I had an appointment within a week of the referral. Everyone I met made me feel so safe, informed and welcome. This program helped me feel in control of this pregnancy and prepared me for what would happen after I gave birth the second time – and what I should do if I start experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression again.”

Seamless support into postpartum

This program supports women throughout their reproductive years, from pregnancy to post-partum and beyond.

For Sharika, the transition to postpartum resources was seamless. After having Baby Z, she was connected to a postpartum cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) group at MGH.

“The group is made up of moms who meet weekly,” says Sharika. “I really enjoy going – it has made me realize we are all going through the same experiences. It makes me feel a lot less lonely, which is really important.”

How to access the program

MGH’s Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Program is available to pregnant individuals planning to give birth at MGH under prenatal care of a midwife, OB/GYN or Family Practice Obstetrician.

During pregnancy, speak to your prenatal care provider for a direct referral.

Referrals in postpartum are available by the same care providers or via MGH clinics such as the Family and Newborn Clinic or Breastfeeding Clinic.

Amy Tran Cassell, Senior Communications Specialist, Digital Media, Michael Garron Hospital. 

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