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A Scoping Review of Technology-Based Mental Health Interventions for Women in the Perinatal Period
Abstract   Peer reviewed

A Scoping Review of Technology-Based Mental Health Interventions for Women in the Perinatal Period

Mary McDonough, Yiqi Wang, Kayla Alvares, Mona Elgohail, Kari Moffard, Kayla Lane, June Horowitz, Pamela A Geller, Tony Ma, Katie Chang, …
Nursing research (New York), v 75(3), pp E122-E123
May 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/NNR.0000000000000903#page=E122

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common diagnosis affecting one in eight women in the United States, with disproportionately higher rates among African American/Black and Latina/Hispanic women. Since 2010, these rates have increased significantly, highlighting the critical need for improved accessibility and culturally tailored interventions. Technology-based interventions provide a potential solution to overcome barriers to care including stigma, transportation, and limited access to culturally diverse providers. To examine current technology solutions, we conducted a scoping review to determine what technology-based psychotherapy/psychoeducation interventions are available for women in the perinatal period to reduce mental health symptoms. Methods: We conducted a scoping review and systematically searched 2024-2025 literature databases. The search yielded 460 articles for title and abstract screening. Five team members collaborated in the full-text screening. Using National Library of Medicine tools for quality appraisal, 14 studies met inclusion criteria. Results: The 14 final studies used varying methodology. Most articles (n = 12) targeted the postpartum period and were representative of diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Seven studies explicitly focused on African American/Black participants, three on Latina/Hispanic women, and two on Chinese/Asian populations. Four distinct intervention categories emerged: (1) therapist-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (TAICBT) platforms, (2) self-guided mobile health applications, (3) decision- support and symptom-monitoring tools, and (4) alternative modalities. Most of the technology-based interventions (n = 10) were app-based, with durations ranging from single-use to 12 months. Interventions that included clinician interaction and asynchronous availability of features were shown to improve postpartum depression symptoms, maternal infant interaction, and reported app usability and acceptability. Conclusions and Implications: Technology-based interventions show promise for addressing perinatal mental health needs, particularly among populations at higher risk of PPD. The variety of platforms and interventions demonstrate multiple possibilities for improved accessibility. These findings inform and support the development of future interventions aimed to bridge gaps in perinatal mental health care.

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