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Research & Scholarship

Clinical research is critical to the advancement of perinatal mental health treatment. Our program has several ongoing clinical research studies aimed at improving treatments for perinatal mental health and substance use problems. Below are brief descriptions of ongoing studies and opportunities to participate in clinical research.

SAINT, an accelerated form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression

This study is for those who are currently experiencing postpartum depression. The goal is to determine whether SAINT can provide faster and longer-lasting improvement in postpartum depression symptoms, while also improving overall well-being and daily functioning.

You may be eligible to join if:

  • are aged 18 to 45 years old
  • are experiencing depression following the birth of a child in the last 12 months
  • can commit to up to 10 hours a day for 5 straight days

Contact the study team at 843-608-8593. 

Impact of Stress and Craving on Return to Cannabis Use in Postpartum Women

The purpose of this study is to investigate what factors, such as sleep, mood, and hormone levels, might impact a woman’s return to cannabis use in the postpartum period. You will be asked to complete surveys through a smartphone app and to collect saliva samples for hormone testing prior to giving birth, and at 1 and 3 months postpartum.

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are 18 to 45 years old
  • Are pregnant
  • Used cannabis regularly prior to becoming pregnant

For more information and to see if you qualify please contact our study team at 843-792-3775.

HEAR 4 Mamas

The purpose of this study is to learn if a program for new moms can improve detection of complications after delivery and help women get medical care quickly and easily. Participants will be asked to complete a survey at the time of enrollment and at 3 additional times. All surveys can be completed via cell-phone or email. All women will be followed for 1-year after delivery. Women that enroll will be assigned to one of two groups: usual in person care OR usual in-person care PLUS the HEAR 4 Mamas program (text message-based program that will ask about signs and symptoms of complications that may occur after delivery). If there is a concern, a nurse advocate will call on the phone to discuss options and help refer to care if needed. Participants will be paid for their time in completing surveys.

You may be eligible to join if you:

  • Are 16-to 49 years old
  • Delivered a baby in the last two weeks in South Carolina
  • Insured by Medicaid

For more information and to see if you qualify, please contact the study team at 843-998-5635 or HEAR4mamas@musc.edu. Learn more at muschealth.org/h4m

EMPWR: Treatment Retention in Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Among Pregnant & Postpartum Women

The purpose of this research study is to learn about a new treatment program for pregnant and postpartum people called EMpowering Pregnant Women and people Receiving buprenorphine (EMPWR). EMPWR is a brief therapy program and a mobile application. We want to learn if this program helps pregnant people manage their opioid use disorder in the transition to parenthood. Compensation is provided.

You may be eligible to join if:

  • You are age 18 to 45 years old
  • You are pregnant up to 33 weeks
  • You have a prescription for buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv)
  • You live in the United States

For more information and to see if you qualify, please contact the study team contact Morgan Thomas at 843-998-4211 or thomamor@musc.edu.

South Carolina Pilot Program for Treatment of Perinatal Substance Use Disorders

The purpose of the study is to better understand if providing support from a Peer Recovery Doula during pregnancy and postpartum for birthing people who have substance use disorder may improve their well-being and recovery. A Peer Recovery Doula is someone has been through substance use or recovery while pregnant or after having a baby. They are now trained to help other mothers going through the same thing. Joining this study means that a peer recovery doula will support you from pregnancy until your baby is one year old, and you will be asked to complete surveys. You will be compensated for taking part.

You may be eligible to join if:

  • You are age 16 to 45 years
  • Are currently pregnant under 25 weeks
  • Have a substance use disorder or misuse substances

For more information and to see if you qualify, please contact the study team at Katherine Wallace at rebirthed@musc.edu or 854-253-6815.

- You are age 18 to 45 years old
- You are pregnant up to 33 weeks
- You have a prescription for buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Zubsolv)
- You live in the United States