Perinatal Psychiatry Inpatient Unit
The PPIU was established in June 2011 and is the first of its kind in the United States. This psychiatric unit includes 5 patient beds (private and semi-private) dedicated to women who are pregnant or postpartum and in need of an inpatient level of psychiatric care. Our treatment team is comprised of highly trained doctors, psychologists, social workers, and other therapists that work together to create individualized treatment plans. We provide comprehensive assessment and treatment, including medication stabilization and a vast range of individual and group therapies as appropriate. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment to assist in the recovery from perinatal psychiatric illness. Infants are encouraged to visit with extended visitation hours but may not stay overnight. This space is a locked-psychiatric unit and accredited by the Joint Commission and follows their safety standards.
We are often able to admit patients into the hospital within a week of receiving a referral. Please see our referral tab to the left for referral instructions.
I wanted to follow up and let you know that my wife is still doing very well. She has been doing intensive therapy and is almost back 100% with our family. I cannot thank you and the UNC staff enough for everything you did for us.” – Husband of Patient at UNC Perinatal Psychiatry Inpatient Unit
“Thank you for your care and compassion. Thank you to you and your team for helping me heal so I could make my way back to myself again. You all are truly the best of the best and give women and families like mine one of the most important gifts you can give: hope. We will forever be thankful for your work.” – Former patient admitted to the UNC Perinatal Psychiatry Inpatient Unit in 2023
Unique Features of our Unit include:
- Specialty trained nursing and other staff
- Extended visitation with family and infants
- Hospital-grade breast pumps, refrigeration and freezer storage
- Lactation consultants
- Group therapies including art, relaxation, behavioral, and psycho-education
- Up to twice weekly individual interpersonal psychotherapy
- Optional family and partner psychotherapy consultation
- Nutrition consultation
- Obstetrics and Gynecology consultation
- Spiritual support from hospital chaplains with expertise in the perinatal period
- Discharge planning to outpatient care either in the UNC Perinatal Psychiatry Outpatient program or in the patient’s community
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I get medical care while on the unit? Patients have access to OB consultants, lactation consultants, and other hospital specialties as they are available and indicated.
How long is a typical admission? This varies by patient, but on average 7-10 days. The admission may be longer if the patient starts ECT or has been ill for many months.
Can I breastfeed when my baby visits? Absolutely. We have 3 private rooms which are prioritized for lactating women. Women will have access to hospital grade breast pumps and breastmilk storage.
What are the visitation policies? Visitation is currently allowed from 7am-8am, 12pm-1pm, and 4pm-8pm on the weekdays and 11am-8pm pm on the weekends. Infants and children under 12 may visit with another adult. We also allow for frequent facetime/virtual interactions between patients and families.
Are there any novel treatment options? The UNC Perinatal Psychiatry Program participated in the clinical trials for Brexanolone (Zulresso) and Zuranolone (Zurzuvae) for postpartum depression. Brexanolone is no longer commercially available, but we are able to coordinate the use of Zuranolone on our inpatient unit for fast acting antidepressant action.
For patients from out of town:
Please see the UNC Visitor Information site.
For family or friends traveling with the patient, please obtain the list of hotel accommodations in the area by contacting Patient Relations at (984) 974-5006. SECU Family House at (919) 932-8000 also has affordable rooms for families with babies. Brochure February 2023
For more information about the Perinatal Psychiatry Inpatient Unit, visit AHRQ Innovations Exchange.
For general information about our Women’s Mood Disorders Program please call 984-974-5217 option 3.
To make referrals to the inpatient unit, please call the UNC Psychiatry Admissions Office at 984-974-3834.