The Motherhood Center — Local services in New York

This review is long overdue but because my experience was so traumatic, I could not forget to review this establishment. Becoming a mom of two with my daughter age 2 and son 6 months, I started searching places for new moms to get some guidance through the new mommy trials and tribulations that are oh so new to us. One day when I felt like I should just take the chance I gave motherhood a call because I wanted a same day visit, they were very accommodating more than any other facility I had called that morning. Although, I had been working a full day, I had the flexibility to make whatever time they had available work. After speaking to the receptionist and booking me for a same day appointment, I made my way to this clean well put together center. After filling out the paperwork and signing consent forms. I was pulled into a tiny office where I spoke to who I thought was a therapist about some challenges I had been facing. We spoke for maybe what seem to be a long hour and she asked me a series of questions almost like an interrogation. I was really overwhelmed and wanted to get feedback and when it was over she left the room and came back in a surprisingly new manner and told me she would need to call ACS!!!!!!!! I was immediately confused on what and why she felt that contacting ACS! Would have been helpful!!! I was very clear that harming my kids or them being harmed was not anything that should be a concern! She apologized continuously and agreed that this was the last thing I needed, but insisted that I shouldn’t worry because she knows that everything will be fine. WHAT!?? My reasoning for the visit was the total opposite of what she suspected! She then googled a anger management center closer to my home and printed out some breathing exercises that I should practice, then told me to stick my head in the freezer if I felt too overwhelmed. I paid a hefty bill for the one time visit, I believe about $375. I was then told they would follow up with me, guess what? she did, the very next day to inform me that ACS would be @ my home in an hour, after that I never heard from them again. WOW! Acs did bang my door down and intruded my home, I never felt so degraded in my whole entire life, my kids had to strip naked in front of strangers, I was mortified and embarrassed for a whole 2 months investigation (not 3 months because they dropped my case early because they clearly realized it had to be a misunderstanding) I would say to all young African American women who are established who are thinking about reaching out to an all white facility to seek some help is a good idea! DONT DO IT! I won’t ever reach out to anyone ever again! I’ll take my chances dealing with my struggles ALONE! At least my kids will be safe...

The Motherhood Center of New York provides an unparalleled safe haven and support system for new parents, particularly new and expecting mothers who are struggling.

The highly-qualified team at TMC are experts in their field and truly care about every family they serve. After the birth of my first child, I experienced significant postpartum depression and anxiety, which interfered with my daily functioning and quality of life. I was fortunate to find TMC and began attending weekly support groups, which were immensely helpful. These groups allowed me to move past the shame and stigma I felt and gave me permission to be honest about my experience with other women who could relate. New motherhood can be lonely; depression and anxiety can exacerbate those feelings of isolation. These weekly support groups quickly became my life-line and helped me to develop friendships I still maintain and value years later.

When I needed more intensive treatment than the support group alone could provide, TMC provided me with 1:1 therapy and medication management, which was a turning-point for me in becoming well again. In the years since my time at TMC, I have gone on to have another baby and to maintain my mental health. My second postpartum experience was vastly different (for the better) and I largely attribute that to the amazing team at TMC. They provided me with the tools and resources I needed to maintain the progress I had made there. They taught me how to better-advocate for myself and how to be proactive regarding my health. They gave me the confidence to speak my truth and to ask for what I need.

TMC truly changed (possibly saved) my life; I have never been able to find the words to adequately express my gratitude. I wish all mothers had access to this type of support. If you or someone you know is struggling during pregnancy or new motherhood, please reach out to TMC - you will not regret it!

And, for anyone who needs these words today: You are not alone. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) do not discriminate and can affect anyone. Experiencing a PMAD is not a reflection of your character or of the type of mother you can be. You do not need to feel the way you are feeling forever. With the right treatment, you will get better. Help is available and you can get well. Just take the first step and reach...

I was a patient here and I just can wrap my mind around the costs of their treatment. So many social workers working for this establishment that does very little for minorities. As a MSW student myself I would never forget my commitment to help those in need. $200 dollars for a 15 minutes consultation for medication management after discharge. Very little support to find care afterwards, and they are Social Workers! Their code of ethics is based on commitment to help minorities! A few thousands of dollars for the whole treatment (with insurance!) that, yes, helped me. But I felt so uneasy while receiving their care because how privileged I felt! None of the people from my group of friends would ever be able to afford the care they provided me. The care that can save lives of many mothers and children. Help...