Reflections on My Journey as a 2024 PSI Alliance Fellow
Where This Fellowship Has Taken Me So Far and What’s Coming Next
By Zuania Capó, MHC-LP/LAC
When I first joined the Postpartum Support International (PSI) Alliance Fellowship, I knew it would be an opportunity to deepen my knowledge of perinatal mental health—but I didn’t realize just how transformative it would be. Now, several months into this experience, I can definitely say that this fellowship is shaping not only my clinical practice but also my approach to research and the work I do as a communicator.
Going into this fellowship, one of my biggest goals was to find ways to make perinatal mental health care more accessible, particularly for underserved and multicultural communities. Through our sessions and discussions, I’ve been able to explore how systemic barriers impact mental health access and how cultural narratives shape the way people experience parenting, pregnancy, birth, infertility, and loss. This has reinforced my passion for integrating culturally responsive approaches into my work—whether through therapy, research, or the development of content that speaks to diverse communities.
It’s hard to pick just one impactful moment so far because every webinar and discussion has offered something invaluable. That said, the session on infertility and loss really stood out. Hearing from professionals and individuals with lived experiences across different cultures helped me see just how nuanced these experiences can be. The discussion about how stigma, family expectations, and faith traditions influence the way people navigate reproductive challenges was eye-opening. It reinforced the importance of meeting each person where they are, honoring their lived experiences, and creating spaces for healing that feel safe and affirming.
Like many other sessions, this one has already had a tangible impact on my work. It has pushed me to engage in deeper conversations with my clients about how their cultural backgrounds shape their emotional experiences. It has also challenged me to broaden my approach to inclusivity, ensuring my work truly resonates with those who need it most.
Looking Ahead: Expectations for What’s Coming Up
I’m especially looking forward to the upcoming session on paternal mental health. So much of the conversation around perinatal mental health focuses on mothers, while fathers—who are often the most critical support system during the perinatal process—are frequently left behind. Recognizing their role in the perinatal journey and ensuring they have the resources they need is essential for the entire family’s well-being. Their experiences, struggles, and emotional safety deserve more attention, and I’m eager to deepen my understanding of how to support them better.
Another area I hope to focus on is advocacy and policy change within perinatal mental health. Accessibility remains a significant barrier for many families, and I want to learn more about how systemic changes can help bridge these gaps. Understanding the policy landscape and identifying ways to push for more equitable mental health services will allow me to contribute beyond the clinical and research spaces, helping to shape broader conversations that impact real families.
Finally, I’m looking forward to expanding my network of like-minded professionals who share the same passion for bridging the gaps in perinatal mental health services. One of the most rewarding parts of this fellowship has been connecting with others who bring unique perspectives, expertise, and lived experiences to the conversation. These connections have already enriched my work, and I’m excited to continue learning, collaborating, and growing alongside this incredible community.
This journey has already exceeded my expectations, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. To anyone considering this fellowship in the future—it’s more than just a learning experience; it’s a space for growth, connection, and transformation.
About the Author
Zuania Capó, MHC-LP/LAC
Zuania Capó is a compassionate, integrative, and spiritually sensitive Licensed Associate Mental Health Counselor in New York and New Jersey. She is deeply committed to supporting individuals in their journey toward improving their lives and relationship dynamics while fostering self-awareness and acceptance. As a neurodivergent-affirming and multicultural mental health professional, Zuania celebrates and encourages differences while respecting the client’s autonomy.
With a passion for serving parents and families navigating the emotional complexities of pregnancy, parenting adjustments, fertility struggles, and loss, Zuania offers a holistic and person-centered approach. Her work is rooted in trauma-informed and multicultural perspectives, with specializations in neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD, SPD), trauma, parenting mental health, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Zuania’s passion extends beyond therapy to advocacy, as she actively contributes to research aimed at reducing the mental health burden on youth and families struggling with mental health and behavioral challenges. Fluent in English and Spanish, she remains dedicated to bridging the gap in mental health services for underserved communities, ensuring that care is both inclusive and accessible.
