Women can face a range of mental health challenges and may need support depending on their life stage, or, for example, if they are pregnant or postpartum. Whether it’s support for self-care or a crisis, there are a range of supports for women to help them foster wellbeing, and customized help if they are pregnant or new moms. Below are easy to access supports for women, generally, as well as pregnant and postpartum women and new moms. Please also see our parent and caregiver page for additional supports, and find resources by using the links provided here:
Helpline (951) 686-HELP
Women
General Wellbeing & Mental Health
You deserve care, no matter what you’re going through.
Mental health doesn’t always come with a clear diagnosis or crisis. Sometimes it’s stress that doesn’t let up. Burnout that sneaks in. Anxiety that makes everyday things feel harder. Or just the feeling that something’s off — and you’re not sure where to turn.
The below resources offer a starting place to support your wellbeing, whether you’re dealing with life stressors, persistent low mood, or anything in between. You’ll find resources for checking in with yourself, understanding common challenges, and taking small steps toward feeling more like yourself.
Explore national and local support systems — from peer-led support groups to Riverside County clinics, crisis lines, and culturally responsive care options. Mental health looks different for everyone. And that’s why your experience — and your care — should reflect you.
Pregnancy & Postpartum Support
When you take care of yourself, you’re caring for your baby too.
Welcoming a new baby brings big changes — and sometimes, overwhelming emotions. Whether you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or still adjusting in the first year after birth, this section is for you. You might feel joy, exhaustion, anxiety, sadness — or all of the above. None of it means you’re failing.
This space offers understanding, not judgment. Learn about common postpartum mental health challenges, and most importantly, find resources to help you care for yourself in the way you deserve.
You’ll find information and support in both English and Spanish, with resources that reflect the unique needs of women of color, LGBTQIA+ parents, and those coping with pregnancy or infant loss. You are not alone — and there is help built just for you.
Common Postpartum and Pregnancy Mental Health Challenges
Feeling off? You’re not alone. Pregnancy and the year after birth bring huge changes — emotionally, physically, and mentally. Hormones, sleep deprivation, identity shifts, and new responsibilities can take a real toll. If you’re feeling different than you expected, know that your experience is valid. Here are a few common challenges and what they may feel like:
- Baby blues
The term “baby blues” can be used to describe feelings of worry, unhappiness, or exhaustion in the first couple weeks after birth. Usually short term, this is very common — up to 85% of new parents experience this. - Pregnancy and postpartum anxiety
Constant worry, racing thoughts, and trouble relaxing or sleeping can be signs of anxiety. These are more than just “new parent nerves” and can develop during pregnancy or after childbirth. These symptoms can also affect your sleep and appetite as well. - Perinatal and postpartum depression
If feelings of unhappiness or sadness last longer than two weeks or feel intense, it might be more than baby blues. You may be experiencing persistent or severe feelings of crying, sadness, anger, irritability, or rage; a lack of interest in your baby or not feeling bonded to them; and possible thoughts of harming them or yourself. While signs and symptoms are different for everyone, depression during or after pregnancy is common and treatable. - Perinatal post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
A traumatic birth, emergency C-section, NICU stay, pregnancy or infant loss, or general feeling of powerlessness can lead to PTSD. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety or panic attacks. Along with mothers and birthing parents, partners and co-parents can experience this too.
Supporting yourself and getting the help that you need
Your wellbeing matters, before and after birth. Here are a few steps that you can take for yourself:
Talk to your doctor.
Mention how you’re feeling emotionally during well-child or prenatal care visits — even if they don’t ask. They can offer support, referrals, or treatment options.
Prioritize your wellbeing.
Sleep is hard to come by, but it matters. Ask for help. And don’t forget to eat and hydrate — your needs matter too.
Make time for yourself.
Whether it’s a walk, shower, or 10 quiet minutes, taking time for yourself helps you show up best for your baby. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, and your people are there to help you, and for you to lean on.
Reach out.
Talking with a partner, friend, or support group can ease feelings of loneliness or isolation. Whether in person or online, connecting with others will make you feel less alone, and can help you take steps to get any further help you may need.
National Postpartum Resources
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA for free 24/7 emotional support, resources, and referrals in English or Spanish.
mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline - Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Call 1-800-944-4773 or text HELP to 800-944-4773 for English or text 971-203-7773 for Spanish. It offers online support groups, volunteer callbacks, and educational tools.
postpartum.net - National Hispanic Prenatal Helpline (Su Familia)
Call 1-866-SU-FAMILIA (1-866-783-2645) for culturally responsive information in Spanish and English on pregnancy, parenting, and postpartum issues.
healthyamericas.org/help-line - The Blue Dot Project
A program of PSI, the Blue Dot Project aims to raise awareness of perinatal mental health and care resources for BIPOC communities.
thebluedotproject.org - Point of Pride
A nonprofit organization, Point of Pride is dedicated to supporting trans and non-binary people, including providing postpartum care resources.
pointofpride.org - Text4Baby
Provides pregnant women and new moms with information they need to take care of their health and give their babies the best possible start in life.
text4b.com
Local Postpartum Resources
- Mamás y Bebés (Mothers and Babies)
Postpartum depression affects hundreds of thousands of women each year, but only a small percentage of them seek treatment. Pregnancy and postpartum support groups are available in Riverside County. An 8-week individual or group support program that is a mood management course provided during and after pregnancy for women at risk of postpartum depression.
rchf.org/womensmaternalhealth | Mamás y Bebés Form- Program Provider: Riverside Community Health Foundation
Mid-County region (Perris to Temecula)
Contact: Terri Akens
Terri@rchf.org - Program Provider: Reach Out
Western region (Corona to Moreno Valley)
Contact: Alejandra Arias
alejandra@we-reachout.org - Program Provider: California Health Collaborative
Desert region (Banning/Beaumont to Blythe)
Contact: Vanessa Ramirez
vramirez@healthcollaborative.org
- Program Provider: Riverside Community Health Foundation
- RUHS Maternal Mental Health Services
Free or low-cost mental health care for postpartum women through county clinics.
ruhealth.org/maternal-mental-health-resources - Inland Empire Breastfeeding Coalition
Local peer breastfeeding support in multiple languages.
iebreastfeeding.org/news-and-resources - Black Infant Health (Riverside County)
Free, culturally affirming support program for Black mothers. Call 800-794-4814 to enroll.
ruhealth.org/public-health/black-infant-health - RUHS Nurse-Family Partnership
Home visits by a nurse from pregnancy until your baby is 2 years old. Free for first-time, low-income moms.
ruhealth.org/public-health/nurse-family-partnership - WIC Breastfeeding Support Line
Call 1-800-852-5770 for 24/7 help in English or Spanish.
myfamily.wic.ca.gov/NutritionHealth/Breastfeeding - Corazón Counseling
Culturally inclusive counseling services to individuals, couples, and families.
corazoncounseling.com/maternal-mental-health-resources-riverside
Domestic Violence Crisis Support
If you’re being hurt, isolated, or made to feel afraid, know that you are not alone.
Abuse isn’t always physical. It can look like control, intimidation, manipulation, or fear. And it can happen to anyone, regardless of relationship status, background, or age. If something doesn’t feel right, trust yourself. This section is here to help you feel seen, supported, and safe.
You’ll find free, confidential resources for survivors of domestic violence, dating abuse, and sexual violence — including 24/7 hotlines, shelter options, support groups, legal help, and healing programs for you and your children. Whether you’re ready to leave or just need someone to talk to, you deserve support without judgment or pressure.
This section also includes options dedicated to LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrant women, and communities of color. Wherever you are in your journey, there is help that understands your experience — and there are people ready to walk with you.
National Domestic Violence Support Resources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for 24/7 confidential support, advocacy, and referrals. Chat is available online.
thehotline.org - RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline)
Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit their website for anonymous support and connection to local rape crisis centers.
rainn.org - StrongHearts Native Helpline
Call 844-7NATIVE (762-8483) for culturally competent support for Native American communities. Chat is available online.
strongheartshelpline.org - Love Is Respect
Call 1-866-331-9474 or text LOVEIS to 22522 for young people experiencing dating abuse.
loveisrespect.org
Local Domestic Violence Support Resources
- Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV)
24/7 hotline at 951-425-8900. Provides emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy.
alternativestodomesticviolence.org - Shelter From The Storm (Coachella Valley)
24/7 hotline at 760-328-7233 or 800-775-6055 to be connected to shelter and support for survivors in eastern Riverside County.
shelterfromthestorm.com - Safe Family Justice Centers
One-stop support hubs in Riverside, Indio, and Murrieta. Services include legal help, counseling, and safety planning.
safefjc.org - Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center (RARCC)
24/7 hotline: 951-686-7273 or 866-686-7273. Free counseling and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and DV.
rarcc.org
Substance Use Recovery & Support
Recovery can look different for everyone, but what matters is finding what works for you.
For many women, substance use can be tied to trauma, stress, pain, or survival. Whether you’re exploring sobriety, trying to cut back, or seeking treatment — this section is here to meet you with dignity, honesty, and support.
We understand that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ll find a range of resources here: from group meetings to residential treatment programs, from harm reduction to holistic healing. Many are free or low-cost, and some are designed specifically for women — including those who are pregnant or parenting.
No matter your story, your background, or where you’re starting from, there is support for you. And there is strength in asking for it.
National Substance Recovery and Support Resources
- SAMHSA National Helpline
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for 24/7 free, confidential help and treatment referrals in English and Spanish for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Find local meetings, including women-only and Spanish-language options.
aa.org - Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Free peer support for those recovering from substance use.
na.org - Women for Sobriety (WFS)
Self-help program and online support community tailored to women in recovery.
womenforsobriety.org - SMART Recovery
Free, science-based group support for addiction recovery.
smartrecovery.org - Celebrate Recovery
Faith-based 12-step program with groups in Riverside County.
celebraterecovery.com
Local Substance Recovery and Support Resources
- RUHS Perinatal Substance Use Services (CARES Line)
Call 1-800-499-3008 for assessment and referral to detox, outpatient, and residential treatment programs.
ruhealth.org/behavioral-health/sud-perinatal - MFI Recovery Center – A Woman’s Place
Residential treatment for women and mothers with children across Riverside. Call 866-218-4697.
mfirecovery.com - Soroptimist House of Hope
Transitional sober living in Desert Hot Springs. Call 760-329-4673.
recoveryhouseofhope.org - Alcoholics Anonymous Inland Empire Central Office
Call 909-825-4700 for local meeting info.
aainlandempire.org