Perinatal Mental Health Certification Alternatives: PMH-C (PSI) vs. C-PMHS (DNT Network)

As interest in perinatal mental health grows, more professionals—including doulas, therapists, nurses, lactation consultants, social workers, and support specialists—are seeking credible certification programs. Two well-known pathways are:

• The Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) from Postpartum Support International (PSI)
• The Perinatal Mental Health Specialist Certification (C-PMHS) from DNT Network

Both programs help professionals support families experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), but they differ in structure, cost, time commitment, level of rigor, and accessibility.

Below is a side-by-side comparison to help you understand which path may be the best fit for your goals.

Overview: What Each Certification Represents

PMH-C by PSI
PSI’s Perinatal Mental Health Certification is considered the first and most formalized board-style credential in the perinatal mental health field. It includes multi-step eligibility requirements, advanced training, employment verification, and a proctored exam delivered through Pearson VUE testing centers globally.

The PMH-C credential is widely recognized among clinical and behavioral health professions.

C-PMHS by DNT Network
The Perinatal Mental Health Specialist Certification by DNT Network is designed to be more accessible, self-paced, and affordable for professionals who work directly with families during the perinatal period, including doulas, childbirth educators, lactation specialists, and community health workers.

It focuses on practical, real-world skills and competency-building without the barrier of a high-stakes exam or graduate-degree requirements.

Eligibility Requirements: Who Each Program Is Designed For

PSI PMH-C Requirements

PSI divides PMH-C eligibility into three specialty tracks:

1. Mental Health / Psychotherapy – Requires a graduate degree
2. Psychopharmacology / Prescribers – Requires a medical or advanced practice nursing degree
3. Affiliate Professions – For doulas, lactation professionals, nurses, OTs, PTs, dietitians, CHWs, and others

Applicants must also have:

• Two years of professional experience (post-graduation if a degree is required)
• 14-hour perinatal mood & anxiety certificate course
• 6 hours of advanced live or interactive training
• Employment verification
• Approval prior to sitting for the proctored exam

This pathway is best suited for licensed professionals or those seeking a formal credential recognized within medical and mental-health systems.

DNT Network C-PMHS Requirements

The C-PMHS certification is intentionally designed to be more flexible and accessible:

• No degree is required
• No minimum years of professional experience are required
• Fully self-paced online
• Focused on practical perinatal mental health support skills
• Includes a final exam and a practical skills assessment
• No proctored testing center needed
• No renewal fees
• Lifetime access to course materials

This pathway is ideal for:

• Doulas (birth & postpartum)
• Newborn care specialists
• Lactation counselors
• Peer supporters
• Community-based support workers
• Anyone who wants a comprehensive, evidence-based perinatal mental health training without the barrier of licensing or advanced degrees

Training & Curriculum Style

PMH-C (PSI)
PSI’s process includes:

• A required 14-hour certificate course
• An additional advanced training specific to your specialty
• Documentation review
• A multi-step approval process
• A computer-based exam administered by Pearson VUE

Curriculum emphasizes:

• Clinical assessment
• Diagnostic frameworks
• Evidence-based interventions
• Screening tools
• Collaboration with medical and psychiatric professionals

C-PMHS (DNT Network)

DNT Network’s curriculum emphasizes:

• Practical communication strategies
• PMAD screening and referral pathways
• Supporting families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
• Culturally responsive mental health support
• Trauma-informed care fundamentals
• When and how to refer to licensed professionals
• Case scenarios and competency-based practice

The certification is designed for direct-service providers who work hands-on with families and need actionable training rather than graduate-level clinical instruction.

Cost & Accessibility

Time to Complete

PSI PMH-C

Because PMH-C includes multi-step verification, live training, and scheduling with a Pearson VUE test center, the process typically takes:

• Several months to over a year depending on documentation, live event availability, and exam scheduling.

DNT Network C-PMHS

Students typically complete the program in:

• 2–6 weeks, depending on schedule
• All requirements are inside the learning portal
• No external steps, live events, or proctored testing needed

Recognition & Usefulness in the Field

PMH-C is best for:

• Licensed therapists
• Psychologists
• Social workers
• Nurses and prescribers
• Professionals who want a recognized credential in clinical settings

C-PMHS is best for:

• Doulas
• Lactation professionals
• Newborn care specialists
• Peer educators
• Community health workers
• Anyone who wants strong practical PMH training without licensure requirements

Both programs strengthen your understanding of PMADs, referral networks, and best practices — but they serve different professional needs.

Which Program Should You Choose?

Choose PSI PMH-C if you want:

• A formal, exam-based credential
• Graduate-level or clinical training
• Recognition within healthcare and behavioral health systems
• A rigorous, structured pathway with proctored testing

Choose DNT Network C-PMHS if you want:

• A self-paced, affordable, accessible certification
• Practical, real-world support skills
• No degree or license requirements
• A fast path to serving families
• Lifetime access and no renewal fees
• A certification that complements doula, postpartum, lactation, or newborn care roles

Both pathways contribute significantly to improving perinatal mental health care — your choice depends on your background, career goals, and budget.

Final Thoughts

PSI’s PMH-C and DNT Network’s C-PMHS training programs are both meaningful in the perinatal mental health field, but they are built for different audiences.
If you're seeking a clinical, exam-based credential, PSI may be the right fit.
If you want a practical, accessible, and affordable certification designed for hands-on family support professionals, DNT Network’s C-PMHS offers an excellent alternative.