With over 25 years of clinical practice and macro level policy change, Paige Bellenbaum, LCSW, PMH-C has held senior leadership roles at organizations committed to improving outcomes for families and communities including The Partnership for the Homeless, Habitat for Humanity, Settlement Housing Fund, and The Motherhood Center of New York.

After struggling with severe postpartum depression and anxiety following her son’s birth, she became a passionate advocate for maternal mental health, using her lived experience as a tool for change. She drafted legislation championed by New York State Senator Liz Krueger, urging New York birthing hospitals to educate and screen for PMADs—a bill signed into law in 2014.

In 2015, she joined forces with the original co-founders of The Motherhood Center to open the first Perinatal Partial Hospital Program (Day Program) in New York for mothers and birthing people experiencing moderate to severe perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. As Founding Director and Chief External Relations Officer, she oversaw multiple departments over 10 years, including patient admissions, outreach, education, marketing and provider relations, while running support groups and providing clinical treatment in the outpatient program and Day Program.

Paige currently consults with government agencies, hospitals, nonprofits, academic institutions, and corporations to incorporate PMAD best practices and policy into operational frameworks. This work includes the NYC Department of Health and Mental Health, the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, and the New York State Office of Mental Health. Paige currently serves on the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Advisory Council of the New York State Department of Health. 

Additionally, Paige is an Advanced Perinatal Psychotherapy Trainer and faculty member with Postpartum Support International, and an Adjunct Professor at Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College. She is working with the New York City Council and New York State Legislature to pass legislation requiring CUNY and SUNY MSW programs to include a perinatal mental health course. She has been recognized as a maternal mental health subject matter expert in the press appearing on the Today Show, Good Morning America, NPR, PBS NewsHour, and in Fortune, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.