Programs

BOSTON HOME VISITING COLLABORATIVE
In-Home Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program

The VNA of Boston, in partnership with the United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley, is working towards bettering the lives of at-risk children and their parents through a new free specialized treatment program for maternal depression titled the Boston Home Visiting Collaborative (BHVC).

BACKGROUND
According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, maternal depression affects 5-25% of women, a figure that in low-income families reaches 40-60%. In addition, the NCCP estimates that 70-80% of low-income women suffering from maternal depression do not receive treatment for it. Untreated, maternal depression can lead to long-term problems for young children, including cognitive delays and aggression, particularly if a child is exposed during their first year of life.

PURPOSE
The long term goal of the BHVC is to increase identification and treatment of maternal depression through in-home cognitive behavioral therapy. Home visits help parents create a nurturing, healthy environment while promoting the social and emotional well-being of young children and their families.

FOR MOTHERS AND/OR PREGNANT WOMEN
Have you noticed any of the following happening lately:

• Are you crying a lot?
• Have you been feeling like you have no energy?
• Is it hard to motivate yourself to do things?
• Are you sleeping too much or not enough?
• Are you eating too much or not enough?
• Are you/have you lost interest in your baby or family?
• Do you not care about doing things that you used to enjoy?
• Do you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby?

WE CAN HELP
If these symptoms sound familiar, you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. Some women become depressed while they are pregnant or after they have their baby. Being a mom is really hard. It is normal to show signs of stress.

  Are you:

• Pregnant and/or the mother to a child under the age of five?
• 16 years or older?
• Receiving services from one of the following:
  • Parent-Child Home Program
  • Healthy Baby/Healthy Child
  • Boston Neighborhoods Healthy Families
  • Visiting Mom’s Program through the Jewish Family Children’s Service

  You may be eligible for this free program that includes:

• 15 weekly visits in your home by a trained therapist
• A special treatment plan that works on changing thoughts and feelings to improve depression.  

All services are provided in both English and Spanish.  For referral information please contact the Boston Home Visiting Collaborative at (617) 886-6575.