All moms need mental health support.

When new moms receive the support they need — especially from others who have shared the same experience — they feel better. And when moms are supported, their families and communities benefit, too.

Real talk, real support, real results — from other moms who have been there.

Pregnancy and early parenting is an exciting life chapter for parents, families, and communities. Yet, for many new and expectant moms, this time also comes with feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress.

This is especially true for moms who don’t have access to mental health care and face hurdles like long waitlists, high costs, language and cultural barriers. Support often feels out of reach.

Alma is a research-based, peer-to-peer mentoring program that supports new and expectant moms.

Through Alma, moms receive tools and strategies proven to work — from other moms who have been there. Over six to ten Alma meetings, moms connect with Alma peer mentors who have been trained in the tools of Alma and can help moms who are struggling take small, practical steps to improve their mood and well-being.

moms and baby

How Alma works

Alma includes three phases, with moms and Alma peer mentors working together:

  • Getting started: building connections, setting intentions, understanding links between activity and mood 
  • Getting active and solving problems: learning and practicing new skills to feel better and tackle challenges 
  • Ending well: building lasting skills that help you stay well after completing the Alma program

It’s not therapy; it’s practical, effective support from another mom to help you feel better and build new and lasting skills.

~1,000

New & expectant moms served

(86% in urban areas / 14% in rural areas)

Hundreds of new and expectant moms have experienced the Alma program nationwide, reporting decreased depression, anxiety, and stress

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61

Mentors trained

Alma peer mentors certified and formally qualified to deliver the program

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2/3

Reduced depression

In one Alma study, nearly 2 out of 3 moms reported meaningful improvement in depression

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450

Moms shaped Alma

The Crown Institute co-designed Alma collaboratively with moms, guiding the program with real-world experiences

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“My depression was a very difficult time. I would’ve liked to have had support. That’s why I believe in the Alma program — because I am a mother who might help other mothers.”

— Alma Mentor

An Alma exercise: Reflect on the important people in your life.

Experience how peer-to-peer support can help strengthen connections.

Step 1:

Read and fill out this worksheet.

Get the Worksheet

Step 2:

Watch to learn about one mom’s experience with her circles of connection.