Table 2 Individual, institutional, and national recommendations for addressing the mental health needs of families impacted by the NICU during discharge and transition to home.

Recommendations for Individual Clinicians

Provide family-centered care that supports families’ involvement, honors their values and beliefs, and incorporates their socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.

Implement a discharge checklist incorporating mental health screening and resources.

Advocate for universal access to mental health services without copay during infancy.

Recommendations for Institutions

Fund a NICU follow up clinic or increased psychosocial supports within your NICU follow up clinic.

Educate team members about the mental health needs of families impacted by the NICU and available local and national resources.

Implement standardized and universal screening for social and mental health needs as well as a tiered system for referral and intervention.

Implement trauma-informed care training and certification to understand the impact of NICU hospitalization on parents and decrease stigma surrounding mental health.

Recommendations on a National Level

Enact federal and state legislation that supports increased access to mental health services and promotes improved mental health outcomes.

Standardize federal and state legislation that supports pediatric providers in screening parents for mental health needs and providing them with resources and referrals.

Increase research funding for parental mental health, its impact on long-term outcomes for children, and effective interventions.