The Day Hospital

The Day Hospital is a daily in-person treatment program for depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health concerns in pregnancy and postpartum.

• Program hours are Monday through Friday 9:15 am – 2:15 pm.

• Most people attend for 2-3 weeks.

• Treatment includes four group therapy sessions per day and individual therapy.

• We encourage babies under 1 year old to attend with you.

• We have a nursery on site and infant care specialists on staff.

• Medication management is available but not required.

• Lunch is provided. You may also bring your own food and drink.

• Interpreters for all languages are available upon request, and we have Spanish-speaking staff in the department.

• All major insurances are accepted.

• Parking is validated (free)

• If you have transportation difficulties or think you live too far away to attend, we may be able to help.

• In 2003, Dr. Margaret Howard, director of the Day Hospital, was recognized as one of five national recipients of the annual Eli Lilly Welcome Back Award, which recognizes innovation in the recognition and treatment of depression
• In 2004, the Day Hospital program was featured at the 2nd Congress for the International Association for Women’s Mental Health
• In 2005, the Joint Commission recommended that the Day Hospital apply for its nationally competitive Codman Award because of the program’s attention to patient care and seamlessness of care
• Clinicians have had research and articles published in the following professional publications: American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, American Journal of Psychiatry, Archives of Women’s Mental Health, Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, Medical Care of the Pregnant Patient, New England Psychologist, and Psychiatric Services
• Local, regional, national and international consumer media outlets have sought out the Day Hospital staff for their expertise on postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorder issues

In addition, the Day Hospital is a site for several past and ongoing National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) funded research projects involving perinatal mood disorders, perinatal loss, and comparative treatment approaches with postpartum women.

"The Day Hospital was my 'saving grace' during this most difficult postpartum time. The group therapy and one-to-one therapy gave me the optimism and hope that things would get better. Every day is still a battle for me, but I use the techniques and skills that I learned at the Day Hospital."

“I don’t know where I would be today had I not found this program. I can’t say enough good things about it! Your staff is wonderful, and I think it works so well because you operate as a team … keep up the good work.”

“I liked knowing that I wasn’t alone with these feelings … the other women had them, too.”

“Coming to this program is the best thing that could have happened to me in that moment of my life when I was feeling so alone, lost and desperate. I profusely thank all the staff, not only for me but especially for my baby, because you gave me strength to take care of him.”

“I don’t know where I’d be without all of you. I’m feeling great and enjoying every day with my family. A few months ago, I thought I’d never feel myself again. The enclosed photo is to show you who you’ve really helped – my kids now have the mother they deserve back. My family owes so much to all of you. We just wanted you all to know how important the work you do is.”

“Overall the program was excellent and has gone a long way toward helping me get back on my feet. Both the concept of the program and the implementation of it are wonderfully innovative and needed and should be used as a model on other hospitals.”

“I’ve never felt lucky to live in RI until I became pregnant and realized I could have my baby at Women & Infants Hospital – the fact that a program like this (and as good as this) exists proves my point.”

“This program is very well thought out and organized. All of the skills I have learned have been very helpful. It is reassuring to know that there is so much support out there for new moms.”

“I just wanted to thank everyone here for the help I’ve received. It was a great experience being able to meet other women in similar situations and having people who actually care and feel my pain. I would do it again if I had to.”

“Gracias por el gran soporte que ustedes ofrecen a las mujeres … gracias, gracias to all.”