Counseling can prevent perinatal depression in high-risk women, expert panel says

An expert panel says that doctors should refer women at an increased risk of perinatal depression to counseling — a recommendation that will force many insurers to cover the treatment at no cost. Perinatal depression — which can happen during pregnancy or after birth — is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. Some women are at a higher risk, including those with a history of depression, low-income women, and women who have been abused. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force combed through the evidence and found counseling can prevent perinatal depression. Under the ACA, private plans are supposed to cover recommended preventive care at no extra cost.