An Interview with Gigi Perez, IMAGINE Facilitator

1. What is the IMAGINE Study and who is eligible to participate?

The IMAGINE Study is a pilot program designed to explore how digital peer support groups can help pregnant and postpartum people feel better emotionally and improve their overall well-being. Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the study is a collaboration between Perinatal Support Washington (PS-WA) and the University of Washington (UW). The study focuses on addressing perinatal depression—a common experience during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Many birthing people lack access to support during this period. The goal of this study is to develop and evaluate a virtual (online) interactive group program to prevent peripartum depression. The study is open to pregnant and postpartum people ages 16 and over to test if a support group helps their wellbeing and mental health over a 6-month period.

2. What does PS-WA’s partnership with UW look like?

The University of Washington (UW) is partnering with PS-WA to recruit participants and deliver the IMAGINE intervention. As a leading provider of perinatal mental health services in Washington State, PS-WA offers a real-world context for evaluating the intervention. Integrating IMAGINE into PS-WA’s community-based model aims to bridge gaps between the healthcare system and the community by addressing common barriers such as limited access, stigma, and mistrust of medical institutions.

3. What drew you to this work?

What drew me to this work is a combination of my personal background and a deep commitment to making mental health care more accessible—especially for communities like my own. As a bilingual Latina clinical social worker, I have observed the many barriers that many individuals face when seeking mental health support and the importance of bridging those gaps. I’m particularly passionate about perinatal mental health because I’ve seen how challenging the transition to parenthood can be emotionally. Supporting individuals during this period feels incredibly meaningful to me. I want to raise awareness about the emotional journey parents experience and ensure they have the resources and compassionate care needed to thrive.  

4. How to do see the study influencing perinatal mental health care in WA?

This study may benefit the broader community by contributing to the development of digital peer support programs that support perinatal mental wellness. Programs like IMAGINE can increase the accessibility of mental health support for birthing individuals by minimizing the need for travel, allowing individuals to engage with care on their own schedules. This flexibility is especially valuable for those managing multiple responsibilities. Programs like IMAGINE can help foster connections among parents, enabling them to share experiences and ideas with peers—an approach that can improve feelings of social isolation and enhance social support and overall mental well-being.