Perinatal Psychiatry Inpatient Unit
The unit was established in June 2011 and is the first of its kind in the United States. It includes 5 patient beds (private and semi-private). Infants are encouraged to visit for as long as possible, but may not stay overnight. Protected sleep times for the mothers are extremely important for recovery.
Our treatment team is comprised of highly trained doctors, nurses, 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. This locked-psychiatric unit is accredited by the Joint Commission and follows their safety standards.
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:
- Hospital-grade breast pumps, refrigeration and freezer storage
- Lactation consultants
- Specialty trained nursing and other staff
- 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 and transition to outpatient 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.
What are the visitation policies during covid? Visitation is currently allowed from 3p-7p. Each patient can have 2 adult visitors and the infant. We also allow frequent facetime/virtual interactions between patients and their family.
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 during covid? Visitation is currently allowed from 3p-7p on the weekdays and 10a-7p on the weekends. Babies and children under 12 may visit with another adult. We also allow frequent facetime/virtual interactions between patients and their family.
What is Brexanolone? The UNC Perinatal Psychiatry Program is excited to offer Zulresso (Brexanolone), a 60 hour infusion for the treatment of postpartum depression. Learn more here
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.