I learned about HealthySteps at the pediatrician’s office when my daughter, Onika, was an infant. She is almost 4 now, and I can say with certainty that it changed our lives for the better.
At the time, I was doing everything I could to keep going. I’m a mom of four, and with each of my children, I experienced postpartum depression.
“With HealthySteps, I finally felt seen as a parent, not just a patient.”
– Stacie
On top of that, I had just lost my job before having Onika, didn’t have family nearby, and felt like I was carrying everything on my own. I wanted to be the best parent for my kids and break cycles of generational trauma, but I was struggling just to hold it together.
When the HealthySteps Specialist walked into that appointment and started talking about mental health support, I almost brushed it off because I assumed I couldn’t afford therapy. But she explained that they could help me get support through my child’s insurance.
That moment opened a door I didn’t even know existed.
Did you know?
The mental health of parents and caregivers is inextricably linked to a baby’s development during the critical early years.
In certain states, caregivers can receive mental health support through their child’s insurance because of that connection. These “dyadic” services are expanding, but coverage varies widely, meaning many families still face barriers depending on their state or plan.
Support that meets families where they are
It made me feel like I was part of something. I wasn’t alone anymore.
– Stacie
Through HealthySteps, I had a space to talk honestly about what I was experiencing. I could share how overwhelmed I felt and how hard it was to balance everything. My HealthySteps Specialist listened and helped me work through those feelings without judgment.
For the first time, I felt like someone saw me.
I also joined parent groups facilitated by HealthySteps. Before that, I didn’t have a strong support system. Being in community with other parents changed that. It made me feel connected and understood.
HealthySteps also helped in practical ways. Through the program, we were able to occasionally get small stipends, just $50 here and there, that helped cover groceries or small needs during a time when money was so tight. That support took away some stress and gave me room to breathe.
Real tools for real parenting moments
The guidance and support I received from the HealthySteps Specialist has shown up in my everyday life with my kids. When I was struggling with potty training, I learned to slow down and follow my child’s cues instead of forcing routines. When I was dealing with picky eating, I learned to introduce foods without pressure. Those changes helped me build more patience and understanding. HealthySteps gave me tools I could use, not just ideas. It helped me be the parent I wanted to be.
I am proud of my kids and who they are becoming. My oldest, Aiden, who was diagnosed with autism, has his own strengths that we continue to support so he can flourish. Zoe is independent and creative. Onika is a natural leader with a big personality and a big heart. My youngest, Ostacia, is observant and steady. Each of my children is different, and HealthySteps helped me understand how to meet each of them where they are, while also showing up for myself.
Helping others find support
There are moms out there who feel how I felt. I want them to know support is real and it exists for them.
– Stacie
Today, I have a good job and more balance. I’m much more confident as a mom. But I will always speak up about HealthySteps because I know how much it matters. It’s especially beneficial for low-income, Black, and Brown communities—really, any community that faces an uneven playing field.
HealthySteps did more than support my child. It supported me as a parent, as a person, and benefited our whole family.