EMERGE is Birth Detroit’s integrated perinatal and women’s mental health program supporting individuals through the emotional, psychological, and identity transitions of womanhood and motherhood.
Black women face higher rates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, yet are less likely to receive timely, appropriate care.
In Detroit, culturally relevant maternal mental health services remain limited and fragmented. EMERGE addresses this gap by offering proactive screening, short-term therapy, psychiatric care, and coordinated referrals.
What is the impact of EMERGE?
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Integrated mental health screenings and care during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Psychiatric evaluation and medication management by a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
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Trusted referrals to therapists aligned with client needs.
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We accept most major insurance plans, and flexible payment plans are available for families who need them.
EMERGE ensures families receive support early, consistently, and without stigma.
EMERGE is led by Vanessa Landrum, CNM, PMHNP-BC, and Perinatal Mental Health Certified, whose expanded role brings specialized perinatal mental health expertise into Birth Detroit's care model.
Her leadership ensures high-quality clinical care, staff training, and seamless coordination across services.
EMERGE Frequently Asked Questions:
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Birth Detroit EMERGE is a women’s mental health support program designed to identify, support, and connect individuals to mental health care across the reproductive life span. The program centers mental wellness through screening, education, medication management when appropriate, and culturally responsive support for women in Detroit—whether or not they are pregnant or postpartum.
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Birth Detroit EMERGE serves:
Women who are not pregnant
Pregnant individuals
Postpartum individuals
Women navigating life transitions, stress, or emotional challenges
You do not need to be pregnant or recently have given birth to participate.
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Participants can engage at any time. Birth Detroit EMERGE recognizes that mental health needs can arise before pregnancy, during pregnancy, after birth, or completely outside of the perinatal period.
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Services may include:
Mental health screenings
Education about emotional wellness and mood disorders
Support for stress, anxiety, and life transitions
Resource navigation and referrals to therapy or psychiatric care
Medication management when appropriate
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No. You do not need a formal diagnosis. Birth Detroit EMERGE is designed for early identification, prevention, and support—whether symptoms are mild, emerging, or ongoing.
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Birth Detroit EMERGE is:
Community-based and culturally responsive
Focused on women’s mental health across life stages
Designed for early screening and prevention
Centered in trust, education, and connection to care
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Yes. All screenings and conversations are handled with care and confidentiality, in accordance with privacy and professional standards.
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Participants may be referred through Birth Detroit programs, community partners, or by contacting Birth Detroit directly to learn more about Birth Detroit EMERGE.
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Yes. Services provided through Birth Detroit EMERGE may be billed through insurance when applicable. Coverage varies by plan.
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If services are not covered by insurance, self-pay options may be available. Costs and payment expectations will always be discussed transparently prior to care.
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Yes. Birth Detroit Emerge prioritizes financial transparency. Participants will receive clear information about billing, coverage, and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
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Yes. When appropriate, Birth Detroit Emerge welcomes supportive involvement and recognizes that mental health impacts families and communities.
