California has been ranked the nation's leading state for maternal mental health support, according to a recent report by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. This recognition highlights the state's extensive efforts and prioritization of maternal mental healthcare, an area often overlooked.
The report evaluated California on several key criteria. These included Medi-Cal's requirement for Managed Care Organizations to report prenatal and postpartum depression screenings, where the state was a top performer. Other factors were meeting community-based organization ratios, extending Medi-Cal coverage to one year postpartum, and establishing a state-sanctioned maternal mental health task force.
Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the state's commitment, saying, "California has led the nation in recognizing that supporting mothers’ mental health is essential to building healthier families and stronger communities. We want every mother to know she’s supported, cared for, and connected to the resources she needs." First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom added, "While there is still work to do to reach even more mothers, we are proud of the Golden State for showing what’s possible when we treat maternal mental health as a priority."
In April 2026, First Partner Siebel Newsom, alongside California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos and the California Perinatal Wellness Alliance, convened leaders to discuss strengthening perinatal wellness services, which cover care during and up to two years after childbirth. This initiative is crucial as perinatal mental health affects one in three California women. The convening at El Camino Health, one of only five perinatal inpatient psychiatric units nationally, underscored both California's dedication and the limited resources available nationwide.
California continues to set standards in improving access to perinatal mental health services, having achieved the lowest maternal mortality rate in the country. Recent legislative actions include AB 2319 (Wilson, 2024) for implicit bias training and the Strong Start and Beyond initiative, launched in September 2024, aiming to reduce maternal mortality by 50% by December 2026. The California Department of Health Care Services also launched the Birthing Care Pathway in March 2024, a comprehensive roadmap for Medi-Cal members, and the state has invested in expanding the midwifery workforce.