NC PSUD Network | Perinatal Substance Use Disorder Network [PSUD Network]

North Carolina's Perinatal Substance Use Disorder Network

Despite strong evidence-based guidelines for perinatal substance use disorder (PSUD) care, implementation of high-quality care for pregnant and postpartum people remains inconsistent across healthcare settings. The Perinatal Substance Use Disorder Network is working to increase access and delivery of PSUD care through sharing best practices and implementing evidence-based solutions to reduce maternal deaths, expand treatment access, and decrease health disparities that affect this population.

OUR TEAM

The NC PSUD Network is a statewide, outpatient clinician-led initiative dedicated to improving access to evidence-based care for pregnant and postpartum individuals with substance use disorders across North Carolina.

Our “why” is simple: pregnant and parenting people who use substances deserve care that truly meets their needs — not fragmented services or punishment. This is bigger than any single program. It’s about building a statewide model that supports families, equips providers, and strengthens communities. And we welcome every partner who’s ready to work alongside us to make that happen.

OUR WORK

We support teams across North Carolina through

Care delivery support that strengthens clinical practice
Shared protocols that promote consistent, high-quality treatment
Case consultation for complex patient scenarios
System-level quality improvements to expand access and reduce disparities

OUR FOUNDATION

Conceived in 2023, six founding teams form the backbone of our Network. These core sites lead shared clinical protocols, case consultations, quality improvement projects, policy advocacy, and workforce education.

Each Regional Hub offers integrated services that combine:

Perinatal medical care
Substance use-specific behavioral health services
Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD)
Wrap-around supports/care navigation

OUR INTEGRATED CARE MODEL

In 2025, all NCPSUD programs or their community partners offered services across all care delivery categories in the Integrated Care Model.

“Professionals must establish mechanisms for working together across systems, agencies, and providers to develop a coordinated and cohesive approach.”

- SAMHSA, A collaborative approach to treatment of pregnant women with opioid use disorder



Outpatient Medical & Clinical Services

Prenatal/Obstetric Care
Medical Screening & Lab
Ultrasound Services
Newborn/Pediatric
Hepatitis C Screening/Treatment
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Dental Care
Pharmacy services on site
Adult Medical Care
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder
Mental Health/Psychiatric Services
Medication for other Substance Use Disorders



Substance Use Specific Behavioral Health Services

Screening/ Referrals for higher levels of care
SUD Specific Behavioral Health Counseling
Peer Support Services
Family Therapy
Residential Treatment Services
Trauma Recovery Programming
Relapse Prevention Programs
Group/ family counseling
Recovery Support Groups
Intensive Outpatient or higher SUD groups
Medication for Opioid Use Disorder
Mental Health/Psychiatric Services
Medication for other Substance Use Disorders



Wrap Around Services

Case Management
Health & Wellness Education
Social Services Navigation
Tobacco/Smoking Cessation
Parenting Skills Training
Nutritional Counseling
Community Integration Support
Life Skills Training
Career Counseling & Job Readiness
Transportation vouchers
Housing/Residential Support
Attachment-Based Parenting
Education
Developmental Screening for Children
Financial Management/Budgeting
Transportation
WIC (Nutrition/ Infant feeding)
Childcare Services
Early Childhood Intervention
Legal

Medical and clinical services are the backbone of the network.

In 2025, the six network hubs and their spoke locations, offered a count of 43 outpatient medical and clinical services from those listed above. A total of 49 substance use specific behavioral health and 53 wrap around services were made available.