The Up Center Expands Access To Perinatal Mental Health Counseling With Support From Virginia Health Foundation

[Norfolk, Virginia] – [January 20, 2026] – The Up Center has launched expanded Perinatal Mental Health counseling services through It Takes a Village (ITAV) thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Virginia Health Foundation. The funding allows The Up Center to provide low-cost or no-cost counseling for pregnant individuals and parents of infants who are experiencing mental health symptoms.

Perinatal mental health refers to emotional and mental well-being during pregnancy and throughout the first year after birth. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and trauma responses are common during this time and often go untreated. According to statewide data shared by the ITAV, untreated perinatal mental health conditions can impact parent health, infant development, and family stability.

Through this grant, The Up Center is increasing access to therapy services that are timely, affordable, and tailored to the unique needs of pregnant individuals and new parents. Services are available regardless of insurance status.

“We know this is a critical window for both parent and child,” said Kati Calletto, Outpatient Clinical Director at The Up Center. “When mental health needs go unmet during pregnancy or after birth, the effects can be long-lasting. This funding allows us to meet families earlier and remove cost as a barrier to care.”

The Up Center currently has immediate openings for Perinatal Mental Health counseling and is actively accepting new clients. Services are available for individuals who are pregnant or parenting an infant and experiencing symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, overwhelm, sleep disruption, or difficulty adjusting to parenthood. Interested individuals can learn more and register directly through The Up Center’s website.

The Up Center also welcomes partnerships with clinics, hospitals, healthcare providers, and community programs that serve pregnant individuals and new parents. Referral relationships and information sharing are encouraged to ensure families across Hampton Roads are connected to support as early as possible.

For more information about Perinatal Mental Health counseling or to explore partnership opportunities, visit The Up Center online at www.theupcenter.org/pmh.

The Up Center provides critical support services for children and families in our community, including mental health counseling, parenting education and support, youth mentoring, foster care and adoption, housing and financial counseling, and services for people with disabilities. We have served as a safety net for people in crisis for over 140 years and have been a longstanding United Way partner organization. Today, we operate five locations throughout South Hampton Roads and impact over 10,000 people in our community every year by providing evidenced-based services and programs that work. We are committed to partnering with children, families, and communities to improve lives and outcomes through prevention, intervention, and support services. Visit us online: www.theupcenter.org