The New York State Perinatal Association (NYSPA) is thrilled to present the 2026 NYSPA Perinatal Partnership Conference, taking place on June 11-12, 2026, at the Hilton Hotel & Conference Center in Albany, NY. This year’s keynote speaker is Catherine Monk, PhD, of Columbia University—an internationally recognized leader in perinatal psychiatry, developmental psychobiology, and neuroscience. Dr. Monk’s pioneering research examines how prenatal experiences shape children’s development and offers early intervention strategies to support mothers and reduce risk for future mental health disorders.
Keynote Session Highlights
Dr. Monk will kick off the conference with “Integrating Mental Health into Ob/Gyn Care,” featuring the innovative WMH@Ob/Gyn model. This approach embeds mental health services directly within obstetric and gynecological practices, ensuring culturally responsive and data-driven care. Since its launch in 2019, WMH@Ob/Gyn has successfully integrated mental health experts into clinics, offering psychotherapy and medication management—primarily via telehealth—using existing insurance infrastructure. The model has proven sustainable and accessible, especially for women who might otherwise face barriers to care. Attendees will gain insights into program structure, modalities (virtual and in-person), utilization trends, clinical outcomes, and practical strategies for expanding services to historically marginalized populations. Dr. Monk will share evidence-based tools and guidance to help you design, implement, and scale integrated perinatal mental health care that reduces systemic bias and promotes inclusive support statewide.
Value Proposition
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leading experts, network with peers, and gain practical tools to advance perinatal mental health care in your community. Past participants have described the conference as “transformative,” citing the actionable strategies shared and the supportive community built. One attendee remarked, “I returned to my clinic with new resources and renewed motivation to improve care for pregnant patients.” Another shared, “The networking and real-world solutions offered at NYSPA made a measurable difference in how we support families.”
Registration and Audience
Register online at www.nysperinatal.org to secure your spot, or contact the Conference Coordinator at schesna0415@gmail.com for details about participation. The conference welcomes healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, and anyone interested in perinatal health.
Contact and Further Information
For more details and program updates, email schesna0415@gmail.com.