For Catherine Dare, mental health support isn’t separate from maternity care—it’s an essential part of it.
As a Nurse Educator in the Reproductive Mental Health Program at Providence Health Care, Catherine helps bridge two worlds: obstetrics and psychiatry. Drawing on her background as both a nurse and a midwife, she supports new parents navigating mental health challenges during pregnancy and postpartum.
“This role allows me to combine everything I’ve learned in maternity care with mental health,” she says. “It’s rewarding to be able to meet people where they are—at one of the most vulnerable, yet transformative, times in their lives.”
A path that blends two passions
Originally from Australia, Catherine moved to Vancouver in 2018 and joined the labour and delivery team at St. Paul’s Hospital. While she hadn’t worked in mental health for over a decade, a temporary opportunity in reproductive mental health opened the door to something new.
“I hadn’t planned on going into mental health,” she says. “But once I stepped into the educator role, I realized how much my background in maternity care complemented this work. Now, I get to help both patients and fellow nurses feel more confident in this space.”
A day in the life: connecting care across units
In her role, Catherine supports both inpatient and outpatient clients. Her typical day starts by checking in with staff across units—sometimes helping maternity nurses navigate mental health assessments or supporting mental health nurses with obstetric care.
She also provides ongoing education through in-services and co-facilitates a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) group for new parents alongside a psychiatrist and another nurse. Between tasks, she makes wellness calls to clients who are awaiting their first appointments or need extra support between visits.
“The goal is to provide that layer of reassurance,” Catherine says. “Sometimes all it takes is a check-in call to let someone know they’re not alone.”
Moments that matter
One memory that stands out to Catherine is the visible relief on a new parent’s face when they realized they weren’t the only one struggling.
“That moment when someone realizes, I’m not the only one feeling this way—and I can get better—that’s what it’s all about,” she says.
Another highlight is watching the connections form in her CBT groups. “Seeing new parents supporting each other, building friendships, and continuing to check in with each other even after the group ends—it’s amazing to witness.”
Breaking stigma and building understanding
Despite growing awareness, Catherine says that stigma around perinatal mental health still holds some parents back from seeking help.
“One of the most challenging things is seeing people delay getting support because they’re afraid of what others might think,” she says. “But perinatal mental health conditions—like depression and anxiety—are the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth. We need to keep normalizing those conversations.”
Walking alongside parents—and each other
When the work gets heavy, Catherine finds strength in her team and the people she supports.
“Seeing a parent bond with their baby after going through such a difficult time—it keeps you going,” she says. “And my team is incredible. They’re collaborative, compassionate, and always ready to help. You know if you ask a question, someone will have your back.”
Advice for future mental health professionals
To those considering a career in mental health, Catherine offers simple encouragement: “Just try it.”
“There’s such a supportive environment here. And if you’re thinking of joining Providence, know that there are so many opportunities for growth and doors you might never have imagined walking through.”
Looking ahead
For Catherine, Mental Health Week is a chance to shine a light on the conversations that matter most—especially around reproductive mental health.
“It’s about helping people understand they’re not alone—and that support is out there. That’s what makes this work so powerful.”
Join us in supporting mental health—because people need people.
Whether you’re thinking about a career in mental health or looking for a way to make a difference, there’s a place for you at Providence Health Care. Learn more about our open roles and discover how you can help change lives from the inside out.
Want to support the reproductive mental health team and the impactful work they do every day? Your donation helps ensure patients receive compassionate, comprehensive care when they need it most.
Donate to Mental Health Services at Providence
Together, we can break the stigma, build connections, and show that mental health matters—today and every day.
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