Using Short-Term Group Psychotherapy as an Evidence-Based Intervention for First-Time Mothers at Risk for Postpartum Depression

PURPOSE: The purposes were to (a) provide an 8-week, short-term, psychotherapy group as a nonpharmacologic, evidence-based intervention for first-time mothers at risk for postpartum depression (PPD) and (b) determine if women's scores in the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale changed after participation in the intervention. CONCLUSION: The women who participated in the short-term group psychotherapy intervention experienced a decrease in their Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores, reducing their risk for PPD. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Group psychotherapy is an effective, evidence-based intervention to reduce the risk for PPD and should remain a current competency of psychiatric advanced practice nurses.